Giriraj Kumari
Smt Giriraj Kumari was born on the 5th December, 1932. Daughter of the well known Gujrati poet and writer Shri Motisinghji Mahida of Mandwa- Chandod, Dist. Vadodara, who died at a young age in 1941. She was fondly brought up by her uncle late Shri Narendrasinghji Mahida (Former Union Minister of State for Defence, Government of India.)
She received her early education at New Era High School, Mumbai and then later proceeded to Switzerland to study in well known finishing school La Chatelainie , St. Blaise Neu Chatel. She studied political science, home science, English literature, and French. She visited England, Germany, France, Italy, and Austria during her stay in Europe.
She married Shri Govindsinghji Deo son of Maharaja Sir Brijnathsinghji K.C.I.E of Maihar (Madhya Pradesh). Since a very young age she was working with her uncle and continued to work with him for uplifting the poor and providing education especially for the women amongst the Kshatriya’s in Gujarat.
She became very popular amongst the people. Impressed with her personality, Shri Minoo Masani, M.P. offered her a seat to contest for the Swatantra party in 1962. She lost the election only by a few votes. She worked with prominent leaders of the party and gained wide experience. She joined All India Woman’s Conference and worked with Shri Lilawati Munshi.
After the sad demise of her husband in 1980 she came to stay with her uncle Shri Narendrasinghji and continued to work with him in the social and political field. During his tenure as the Defence Ministry she met Smt. Indira Gandhi many a time along with her uncle.
Smt Indira Gandhi recognised her talent and enthusiasm and advised her to rejoin Active politics and contribute towards the development of the State. Shri Rajiv Gandhi fulfilled her wish and made her stand from the Dabhoi constituency Dist Vadodara in the year 1985. She won the election- it was the First victory for the Congress from Dabhoi ( an opposition strong hold) in fifteen years.
As a political worker she has created an image of being fair and honest which has made her popular amongst the people and the leaders of Gujarat. She has worked hard and has been successful in the Development of the rural areas of her constituency. She was instrumental in bringing about communal harmony in very sensitive areas by solving long pending issues.
She possesses progressive views with firm belief in Indian culture, philosophy and spiritualism. Inspired by the Saint Shri Anandmaiji Ma, she has formed a trust by the name SWAYAM which aims at encouraging people to achieve self-awareness and also achieve peace and harmony in humanity.
During the floods in Surat in 2006 she was active in organising Relief supplies and handed a truck of grain to Shri Bharat Solanki, president G.P.C.C. for distribution to the needy. This was organised entirely by her SWAYAM spiritual trust. She is actively associated in the constructive activities for the state and the nation through the Ex M.L.A. council of Gujarat and is the member of the working committee of the council.
In June 2008 she was officially honoured by the states Ex M.L.A. Council of India for rendering prestigious services to the National Ex M.L.A Council.
References[edit]
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