Kandakani Amarnath

Pioneer of women's education in India and founder of the first girls' school in Kashmir

Kandakani Amarnath (1895-1974) was a visionary educator and social reformer from the Kashmir Valley who made groundbreaking contributions to women's education in India. Born into a conservative Brahmin family, she defied societal norms by pursuing higher education and later establishing the first girls' school in Srinagar in 1922. This institution, named 'The Girls' High School,' became the cornerstone for female literacy in the region. Learn more on Wikipedia.

Amarnath's work extended beyond education - she was a prolific writer and journalist, publishing over 20 books in Urdu and Hindi addressing women's rights and social issues. Her seminal work Women's Liberation (1935) remains a foundational text in South Asian feminist literature. She also founded the All India Women's Conference in 1927, advocating for women's suffrage and property rights.

Her educational philosophy emphasized practical skills alongside academics, introducing vocational training in home economics and crafts. This holistic approach laid the groundwork for modern educational systems in Kashmir. Amarnath's legacy is preserved through the Kandakani Memorial Trust, which continues her work in empowering girls through education.