Madam Bhikaji Cama, Contributions to Freedom Movement, Legacy

Madam Bhikaji Cama was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. In 1902, her involvement deepened as she moved to London for medical treatment and connected with leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Shyamji Krishna Varma. There she co-founded the Paris Indian Society and published the newspaper Bande Mataram, advocating for Indian independence and inspiring unity. 

Madam Cama is remembered for raising the "Flag of Indian Independence" in 1907 at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany.

About Madam Bhikaji Cama

Born on September 24, 1861, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Bhikaji Cama hailed from a Parsi family. Educated at the Alexandra Girls' English Institution, she was deeply influenced by her environment, where the struggle for independence was beginning to take shape. 

• She married Rustom Cama, a wealthy lawyer with strong pro-British views, which caused differences due to her opposing nationalist stance. 
• In 1896, during the plague outbreak in Bombay, she contracted the disease while working to aid the sick, which significantly impacted her health.
• In 1902, Bhikaji Cama travelled to London for medical treatment, where her engagement with the independence movement deepened. 
• She interacted with prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Shyamji Krishna Varma, solidifying her resolve to work against British rule. 

Madam Bhikaji Cama's Contributions to Freedom Movement

Madam Cama is most recognized for her historic act of raising the "Flag of Indian Independence" on August 22, 1907, at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. 

• Inspired by the earlier Calcutta Flag, the tricolour design included green, yellow, and red fields symbolizing Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, respectively. 
• By raising this flag on international soil, Madam Cama boldly conveyed India’s desire for self-rule, drawing global attention to its struggle against British colonial rule.
• Beyond her role as a flag bearer, in 1905, Cama co-founded the Paris Indian Society with Munchershah Burjorji Godrej and S.R. Rana. 
  • This organization aimed to support Indian revolutionaries in exile and disseminate revolutionary literature, including the banned poem "Vande Mataram." 
• Bhikaji Cama published the newspaper Bande Mataram, advocating for Indian independence and inspiring unity. 
• She also founded the nationalist magazine Madan's Talwar, later known as The Talvar, in Berlin, in memory of the executed revolutionary Madan Lal Dhingra.

Madam Bhikaji Cama Legacy

Madam Bhikaji Cama is often hailed as the "Mother of the Indian Revolution." She is remembered for her unwavering commitment to India's freedom struggle and her pioneering efforts. Her contributions are celebrated across India, with streets and institutions named in her honour. 

• On January 26, 1962, India issued a commemorative stamp recognizing her impact on the nation's independence movement.
• In tribute to her legacy, theIndian Coast Guard named a patrol vessel ICGS Bhikaji Cama after her in 1997. 
• In her will, she generously allocated much of her estate to the Avabai Petit Trust to support orphaned girls, reflecting her dedication to social causes beyond her lifetime. 
• Madam Cama passed away on August 13, 1936, but her life continues to inspire future generations in their quest for justice, equality, and freedom.

Madam Bhikaji Cama FAQs

Q1. When was Bhikaiji Cama born?

Ans. Bhikaiji Cama was born on September 24, 1861, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India

Q2. Why is Madam Bhikaji Cama famous?

Ans. She is famous for being a prominent freedom fighter and for unfurling the first version of the Indian national flag in a foreign country

Q3. Which flag was designed by Madam Bhikaji Cama?

Ans. The "Flag of Indian Independence," designed by Madam Bhikaji Cama features green, yellow, and red fields representing Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism respectively, and is based on the Calcutta Flag.

Q4. Who is the first mother of the Indian Revolution?

Ans. Bhikaiji Cama is often referred to as the "Mother of the Indian Revolution" for her significant contributions to the independence movement

Q5. When did Bhikaiji Cama return to India after her exile?

Ans. Bhikaiji Cama returned to India in November 1935 after being exiled for almost 33 years.