Swarnakumari Debi: Sakhi Samiti (1886) – Promoting Women’s Education and Widow Welfare

 

Swarnakumari Debi: Sakhi Samiti (1886) – Promoting Women’s Education and Widow Welfare

Introduction
Swarnakumari Debi (1855–1932), a luminary of the Bengal Renaissance, was a poet, novelist, editor, and social reformer born into the illustrious Tagore family of Jorasanko, Kolkata. As the elder sister of Rabindranath Tagore, she carved her own path as one of Bengal’s first prominent women writers and activists. In 1886, she founded the Sakhi Samiti, a pioneering women’s organization aimed at uplifting impoverished women, particularly widows and orphans, through education and welfare. Her work reflected a deep commitment to breaking the chains of social oppression and empowering women in a patriarchal society. This note explores the reasons for founding Sakhi Samiti, its journey, and its lasting impact.

Reasons for Inception
The late 19th century in Bengal was a time of social awakening, spurred by the Bengal Renaissance, which challenged oppressive customs like sati, child marriage, and the marginalization of widows. Widows, especially in Hindu society, faced severe social stigma, often confined to lives of isolation, poverty, and exploitation. Many were young girls widowed early due to child marriages, left with no means of support. Women’s education was also limited, with societal norms restricting women to domestic roles. Swarnakumari, educated at home in Sanskrit and English, was acutely aware of these injustices. Her progressive upbringing in the Tagore household, which valued education and reform, inspired her to act.

The establishment of Sakhi Samiti was driven by:

Empowering Widows and Orphans: Swarnakumari saw the plight of widows and orphans, who lacked family support or financial means, and sought to provide them with education and skills for self-reliance.

Promoting Women’s Education: She believed education was the key to women’s empowerment, enabling them to challenge societal norms and contribute to society.

Challenging Patriarchy: Influenced by the reformist ideas of the time, she aimed to create a platform where women could support each other, breaking free from male-dominated structures.

Personal Motivation: Her own experiences as a writer and editor of Bharati, a literary magazine, exposed her to the struggles of women, fueling her desire to create systemic change.

Course of Sakhi Samiti
Founded in 1886, Sakhi Samiti (Society of Friends) was one of the first women’s organizations in Bengal, initially supported by members of the Tagore family. Its primary goal was to assist helpless widows and orphans through education and vocational training. The organization operated with a dual approach:

Direct Support: For widows and orphans without family support, Sakhi Samiti took full responsibility, providing shelter, education, and training.

Partial Assistance: For those with limited family support, the organization offered financial and educational aid to help them become self-sufficient.

Swarnakumari organized annual exhibitions to raise funds, showcasing indigenous handicrafts from regions like Dhaka, Santipur, and Kashmir. These fairs, held at Bethune College, not only generated revenue but also promoted local artistry, aligning with the Swadeshi movement’s emphasis on self-reliance. Rabindranath Tagore contributed by writing the dance drama Mayar Khela for fundraising performances, highlighting the family’s collective support.

The Samiti trained widows to become educators, particularly in zenana (women’s quarters) education, enabling them to earn a living while spreading literacy among other women. This innovative approach created a ripple effect, as educated widows became agents of change. Swarnakumari’s leadership extended beyond Sakhi Samiti; she also founded the Ladies’ Theosophical Society in 1882 and participated in the Indian National Congress sessions in 1889 and 1890, amplifying her advocacy for women’s rights.

The organization faced challenges, including limited funds and societal resistance to women’s education and widow empowerment. However, Swarnakumari’s determination and strategic fundraising kept the Samiti active until around 1906, when its work was continued by the Hiranmoyee Bidhaba Ashram, established by her daughter, Hiranmoyee Devi.

Results and Impact
Sakhi Samiti left a profound mark on Bengal’s social landscape:

Empowerment through Education: The Samiti educated numerous widows and orphans, equipping them with skills to earn livelihoods and gain independence. This challenged the notion that widows were burdens on society.

Promotion of Women’s Solidarity: By creating a women-led organization, Swarnakumari fostered a sense of community and mutual support, inspiring future women’s movements.

Cultural and Economic Impact: The handicraft fairs promoted indigenous products, contributing to economic self-reliance and cultural pride during the Swadeshi movement.

Legacy of Reform: The Samiti’s work inspired subsequent initiatives, such as the Mahila Bidhaba Ashram, which continued supporting widows. Swarnakumari’s broader contributions, including her presidency of the Vangiya Sahitya Sammelan in 1929 and the Jagattarini Gold Medal in 1927, cemented her as a trailblazer.

Literary Influence: Her writings, including novels like Deepnirban and essays in Bharati, popularized science and progressive ideas among women, furthering the cause of education.

Despite these achievements, Swarnakumari’s contributions have often been overshadowed by her brother Rabindranath’s fame. Her erasure from mainstream historical narratives highlights the challenges faced by women reformers in gaining recognition. Nevertheless, Sakhi Samiti remains a testament to her vision of a society where women could rise above oppression through education and solidarity.

 

Conclusion
Swarnakumari Debi’s Sakhi Samiti was a beacon of hope in 19th-century Bengal, illuminating the path to women’s empowerment. By addressing the dire needs of widows and orphans, promoting education, and fostering economic independence, she challenged deep-rooted patriarchal norms. Her legacy, though underrecognized, continues to inspire modern feminist movements, reminding us of the power of compassion and collective action in transforming lives.