The indefatigable Kamla Bhasin

South Asia's foremost feminist talks about her past

Over the last five decades, India's Kamla Bhasin, 75, has cemented a place in the history of South Asian feminism as an outspoken champion of women's rights.

SAFINA NABI, Contributing writer

April 24, 2021 08:00 JST

NEW DELHI -- It was the injustice of not having pockets in her clothes that set Kamla Bhasin on the road to fighting patriarchy in India.

"Our clothes don't have pockets, since I used to play marbles, a pocket was essential for me and while climbing trees, the frock would grind me to a halt in branches. So, I noticed that these clothes are restricting my freedom and I abandoned the garments meant for girls," said South Asia's foremost feminist.