Google paid a tribute to Women's Labour Movement leader Anasuya Sarabhai on her 132nd birth anniversary.
Google doodle today celebrates 132nd birth anniversary of the legendary trade union leader Anasuya Sarabhai. Born on November 11, 1885, Anasuya Sarabhai was a pioneer in labour movement in the country.
Anasuya Sarabhai belonged to a wealthy family of Ahmedabad-based industrialists. Anasuya Sarabhai's parents passed away when she was a nine. At the age of 13, Anasuya Sarabhai was married off but that did not work out.
With the help of her brother Anasuya Sarabhai went to England in 1912 to study medicine. But soon Anasuya Sarabhai switched to London School of Economics after she came to know of animal dissection involved in her studies which was against her Jain beliefs.
In England, Anasuya Sarabhai got involved in the Suffragette movement. Once back in India, Anasuya Sarabhai started working for the betterment of women and poor.
Mahatma Gandhi, a family friend of Anasuya Sarabhai, mentored her. Anasuya Sarabhai got involved in the textile mill movement after seeing women returning home after 36-hour shift. Anasuya Sarabhai helped organising strikes in Ahmedabad in 1914 and 1918 for increase in wages. Eventually, Gandhi began a hunger strike which led to hike of 35 per cent.
The Labour Movement leader died in 1972.
In a statement Google said that today's doodle was created by Maria Qamar, a Pakistani-Canadian artist and author of the book Trust No Aunty.
"Anasuya's dedication to justice and equality is something I can relate to," said Qamar. In drawing the activist, she took inspiration from the Indian textile industry. "I portrayed delicate fabrics and traditional patterns found in our homes and our closets," explained Qamar. "I am honored to have the opportunity to share Anasuya's legacy with the world."