Interview Times 
The lasting impact of Odisha’s trailblazing women is reflected in the state’s rich historical tapestry. Maa Rama Devi stands out among these notable individuals as a symbol of societal change, resiliency, and empowerment. Her life, which was deeply ingrained in the liberation movement, personifies the steadfast spirit that formed modern-day Odisha’s fate. Maa Rama Devi was a trailblazing leader and an ardent supporter of women’s rights whose influence has endured beyond time, permanently altering the socio-political terrain. Her efforts to support women’s education and struggle against colonial control have inspired generations and resulted in the founding of Rama Devi Women’s University.
BY : Prof. Sucheta Priyabadini
Maa Rama Devi Chair Professor
Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar
“The history of Odisha would remain incomplete without acknowledging the pivotal contribution made by its women, who have been instrumental in shaping the destiny of the state. Among the iconic women crusaders, Maa Rama Devi stands out as an accomplished socio-political leader and celebrated freedom fighter of modern Odisha. She symbolized women’s pride and confronted the challenges posed by social rigidity and political instability with rare commitment. Maa Rama Devi’s legacy is particularly noteworthy as she emerged as a beacon of feminism during a time when the existence of a glass ceiling was a legitimate social norm. Her brand of feminism provided clear direction to women’s activism, challenging societal norms and inspiring change.
Born in Satyabhamapur, Cuttack in 1899, Maa Rama Devi grew up in a society marked by rigid social structures and political uncertainty. Despite these challenges, she defied societal norms, becoming a prominent figure in the freedom struggle and socio-political landscape of Odisha. Her accomplishments went beyond the fight for independence. Maa Rama Devi actively advocated for women’s rights and empowerment when gender roles were strictly defined, opening up opportunities for women in various domains. Her courage and dedication in participating in protests, campaigns, and movements against British colonial rule inspired many others to join the cause.
In addition to her political endeavors, Maa Rama Devi championed social reform, addressing issues related to education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of women in Odisha. Her life and work continue to serve as lasting inspiration for future generations, showcasing resilience in the face of challenges and dedication to social and political causes. She was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s message for women, emphasizing the importance of balancing domestic and public responsibilities, which remained at the core of Rama Devi’s conviction in life.
Her life’s mission of promoting gender equality and empowering women was reflected in her work at Charakha society, All India Women’s Conference, and Alaka Ashram. When Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement through the symbolic act of breaking the Salt Law at Dandi, a group of young girls from the student community, led by Rama Devi, actively engaged in the movement. These courageous girls wholeheartedly embraced the cause, participating in the boycott of British goods and staging pickets in front of offices, wine shops, and opium establishments.
Her commitment to social reconstruction is demonstrated in her involvement at Seva Ghar and the ‘Bhoodan Movement.’ On the eve of independence, Rama Devi was nominated as the State convenor of Kasturba National Memorial Trust, using the platform to launch several campaigns for the emancipation and empowerment of women. Her contribution towards the nation, the poor, and the vulnerable sections of society made her a guiding spirit among the women freedom fighters of modern Odisha.
On 11 November 1914 she married Gopabandhu Choudhury the son of Sri Gokulananda Choudhury. 2. Bhoodan programme was started in Orissa on 7 January, 1952.
When Rama Devi passed away on July 22, 1985, her legacy survived as Maa Rama Devi. The feminist consciousness generated by the life and times of Rama Devi left an inspiring legacy, prompting people to consider the need for investing in quality education for women, providing a level playing field in society for women to contribute equally to nation-building.
Dedicated to her phenomenal legacy, Rama Devi Women’s University, carved out of its former autonomous college status, was formally inaugurated by the honorable Chief Minister of Odisha in December 2015. Being the only Women’s University in the region, it is a preferred destination for girl students from West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, besides Odisha, seeking quality education. In its brief journey leading up to the 9th foundation day observed on December 3rd, the University offers 24 undergraduate programs, 19 postgraduate programs, and Ph.D. in 13 subjects. RDWU, with its 48 affiliated women’s colleges spread across nine coastal districts of Odisha, focuses on the inclusive development of women by providing necessary knowledge, skill sets, and values to face life’s challenges. It boasts high-class infrastructure in IT, Library, and Sports.
Elders (L to R) Sumitra, Gopabandhu, Ramadevi, Man Mohan
Children: Jnanadeva on the lap. Kabeer and Madhabee (twins of Man
Mohan-Sumitra).
Over the years, the University has been instrumental in promoting value-added programs, outreach initiatives, industry connections, and innovative research projects like Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Skill Centre, IPR Cell, foreign language courses, Centre for Excellence, Sarala Devi Centre for Gender Research, Maa Rama Devi Chair for social sciences, E-learning, AI, and Robotics, augmenting the support system for teachers, students, and research scholars.
The alumnae network of Rama Devi is extensive and successful. The honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who graced the second convocation of the University, is also a distinguished alumna of Rama Devi Women’s University. RDWU continuously upgrades its pedagogical techniques, teaching-learning ecosystem, teacher-student dynamics, curriculum, and research centers to emerge as a leading University in the field of women’s education in Odisha. Its objective is to provide the society with empowered and future-ready leaders, carrying the true legacy and building on the dreams of Maa Rama Devi for a modern and inclusive society.”
Family Pics of Rama Devi Choudhury and others
Sitting front row L to R Ramadevi, Krushna (daughter of
Nabakrushna- Malati), Gopabandhu, Binayak (son of
Nabakrushna-Malati), Second row Standing L to R Malati Devi, Uttara (daughter of
Nabakrushna-Malati), Man Mohan (son of Gopabandhu-Rama Devi), Sumitra
(wife of Man Mohan), Nabakrushna.
Profile of , Prof. Sucheta Priyabadini
Maa Rama Devi Chair Professor
Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar
