Vira Kabir

A pioneering Indian social reformer who established the first girls' school in rural Rajasthan, challenging gender norms in the early 20th century.

Vira Kabir (1902–1968) emerged as a transformative figure in Indian education during a time when girls' literacy was nearly nonexistent in rural areas. Born into a conservative farming family in Rajasthan, she defied societal expectations by secretly learning to read and write from her brother's textbooks. After witnessing the plight of young girls forced into child marriage, she resolved to create opportunities for female education. In 1925, she founded the Vira Kabir School in her village using funds raised through door-to-door campaigns and support from progressive local leaders.

Despite facing violent opposition—including arson attempts on her school buildings—she expanded her efforts to establish 12 additional schools across Rajasthan by 1947. Her innovative use of local languages and folk traditions in teaching methods became a model for rural education. Vira's advocacy led to the 1935 Rajasthan Girls' Education Act, mandating primary schooling for girls. Her work inspired later movements like the UNICEF-supported girls' education initiatives. She remains a symbol of resilience, featured in the British Council's 'Women Who Changed India' series.

In 1956, she pioneered the first girls' vocational training center offering tailoring and healthcare courses. Her memoir Breaking Chains: A Teacher's Journey (published posthumously in 1972) details her struggles and strategies. Though lesser-known globally, her legacy is preserved through the Vira Kabir Educational Trust, which continues her mission today. Her story resonates particularly in modern debates on gender equity in education systems.