Kamla Bhasin worked for developmental and gender issues.
Women's rights activist Kamla Bhasin, known for being a part of 'One Billion Rising' campaign in South Asia among other important movements, died today. She was 75. A noted feminist and author, she had been working on issues related to gender, development, peace and human rights for over three decades in India and other South Asian countries.
A poet and an author, who identified herself as a "social scientist by training", she wrote multiple books - a large number of them on feminism and women's issues - since she started working on developmental issues in the 1970s.
Tributes and condolences poured on social media as the news of her death broke. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, activist Harsh Mander among others remembered Ms Bhasin in their posts.
"Kamla Bhasin was not only a women's rights activist, but also a philanthropist who set up and helped setting up many fine public Interest institutions like Jagori in HP & School for democracy in Rajasthan. She will be missed by many. May her soul rest in peace (sic)," lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted.
"Absolutely shocked and grieved to hear of that our dearest Kamla Bhasin is no more with us. How generous she was with sharing hope and song and friendship. What an unparalleled ability she had to express feminist politics in a language even a child could understand, and to change minds. Not an iota of arrogance, always willing to take criticism and reflect," wrote Kavita Krishnan, another activist who had worked with her.
Padmashree awardee Sunitha Krishnan wrote: "#KamalaBhasin Om Shanti! A great loss to the Women's Movement!"
"Kamla Bhasin was and will always be a beacon of feminist hope, her ideas and thoughts helped shape me on multiple occasions. And while yes we will always miss her but her words will guide young girls everywhere, forever," tweeted author Richa Singh.
'One Billion Rising', a global campaign she was involved with, was started about a decade ago with an aim to end violence against women.
In 2017, Ms Bhasin was awarded the "Laadli Life Time Achievement Award" for her work.
She had also worked for the United Nations but had quit the job to dedicate herself to her feminist network.