Jankidevi was as much a persona in her own right, as she was a dedicated wife to Jamnalalji. She didn’t think twice before giving up her luxurious lifestyle when Jamnalalji adopted the Gandhian way of life. In the fight for her motherland’s freedom, she even discarded foreign clothes and took to swadeshi and khadi. A progressive woman in thought, Jankidevi opposed orthodox customs of parda and untouchability and worked towards the upliftment of women.
After Jamnalalji’s demise, and at the insistence of Gandhiji, Jankideviji committed herself to the cause of Go-seva becoming the President of the Goseva Sangh. She actively took part in Vinoba Bhave’s ‘Bhoodan’ movement i.e. donation of land for the landless. Her innovative mind gave the idea of koopdan and she sought donation of wells from house to house. A revolutionary in spirit, Jankidevi undertook padyatras with Vinoba Bhave and was also actively involved in the Bhoodan, Koopdan, Gram Seva and Go-seva movements in post-independence period.
In recognition of her lifelong work, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Vibhushan in 1956. In 1980, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation instituted a special award in her memory for women who are selflessly contributing for the development and welfare of women and children. The aura of her name continues to inspire every individual on the campus to work with a high level of dedication and commitment.
After Jamnalalji’s demise, and at the insistence of Gandhiji, Jankideviji committed herself to the cause of Go-seva becoming the President of the Goseva Sangh. She actively took part in Vinoba Bhave’s ‘Bhoodan’ movement i.e. donation of land for the landless. Her innovative mind gave the idea of koopdan and she sought donation of wells from house to house. A revolutionary in spirit, Jankidevi undertook padyatras with Vinoba Bhave and was also actively involved in the Bhoodan, Koopdan, Gram Seva and Go-seva movements in post-independence period.
In recognition of her lifelong work, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Vibhushan in 1956. In 1980, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation instituted a special award in her memory for women who are selflessly contributing for the development and welfare of women and children. The aura of her name continues to inspire every individual on the campus to work with a high level of dedication and commitment.
Documentary on Jankidevi Bajaj:
