Janki Devi Bajaj: Prominent Philanthropist and Social Reformer

Janki Devi Bajaj
⬧ Janki Devi was born on January 7, 1893 in a prosperous Vaishnava Marwari business family in Javra (Madhya Pradesh).
⬧ She grew up in a traditional and religious family with no formal education.
⬧ At the young age of eight, Janaki Devi was married to 12 year old Jamnalal Bajaj and after marriage they started living in Wardha (Maharashtra).
⬧ Jamnalalji adopted the Gandhian way of living and fought for the freedom of his motherland, he also gave up foreign clothes and adopted Swadeshi goods and Khadi.
⬧ Janaki Devi, a progressive woman in thought, played an important role in the abolition of purdah system and orthodox customs of untouchability and worked towards the upliftment of women.
⬧ After the death of Jamnalalji, on the request of Gandhiji, Janaki Devi dedicated herself to Gauseva and worked as the President of 'Gauseva Sangh'.
⬧ She actively participated in the 'Bhoodan Movement' of Acharya Vinoba Bhave.
⬧ The Government of India honored her with the Padma Vibhushan in the year 1956 for her lifelong work.
⬧ Janaki Devi died on May 21, 1979.
⬧ In the year 1980, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation has instituted a special annual award in her memory for women workers who have made outstanding contributions to the upliftment and welfare of women and children.