Kaur, Rajkumari Amrit (1889–1964)

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Kaur, Rajkumari Amrit (1889–1964)

Indian nationalist, politician, and social worker. Name variations: Princess Amrit Kaur. Born Rajkumari Amrit Kaur on Feb 2, 1889, in Lucknow, India; died Feb 6, 1964, in New Delhi, India; dau. of Raja (or King) Sir Harnam Singh.

Indian Christian nationalist who served as secretary to Mahatama Gandhi for 16 years and worked for improvement in status of women; was arrested numerous times for participation in India's freedom struggle; helped found All India Women's Conference (1927), serving as secretary (1930), and as president (1931–33, 1938); helped found All India Women's Education Fund Association (1929); was 1st woman cabinet minister, serving as 1st Health Minister of independent India (1947–57); was 1st woman member of Advisory Board of Education; founded All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi; was founder and president of Delhi Music Society and of the National Sports Club of India; helped found Indian Council for Child Welfare, National Association for the Prevention of Blindness, and Tuberculosis Association.