India connection & the making of Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem, the renowned writer, journalist, and activist who played a pivotal role in the American women's movement, passed away at the age of 92. Her foundation confirmed her demise on Instagram, without mentioning the cause. For over half a century, Steinem served as a powerful voice for women's rights and social equality, renowned for her signature streaked hair, centre-parted hairstyle, and large aviator glasses.

Before she became a household name, however, a fellowship in India left an indelible mark on her understanding of feminism.

Steinem's journey to India began with a Chester Bowles Asian Fellowship after her graduation from Smith College. At 22, the fellowship provided her with a unique opportunity to immerse herself in the country's rich history and culture. Steinem spent about a year living at the Miranda House hostel in Delhi, before travelling to Calcutta, southern India, and Bombay. It was during her time in India that Steinem formed friendships with women and became introduced to grassroots organising among followers of Mahatma Gandhi.

Steinem later recognized that India played a significant role in shaping her understanding of feminism. Even before she was familiar with the term, she acknowledged the impact India had on her views. She was particularly struck by the role women had played in India's Independence movement and their struggles against oppressive practices.

Steinem's experiences with women like Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay introduced her to a history of female activism that she had not encountered in the United States. This exposure helped Steinem begin connecting questions of women's rights, social justice, and equality in a way that would become crucial throughout her life.

The impact of her time in India extended beyond her fellowship year. Steinem continued to feel connected to India long after her return. In 1976, she told India Today, "I was here 18 years ago for almost two years. I came to like India very much and to feel influenced by India very much." Though she travelled extensively across India during her fellowship, her connection with Miranda House in Delhi remained a cherished memory.

During a visit with economist Devaki Jain around 2014, Steinem reflected on her time at the college hostel and how it helped her build friendships with women. This experience further influenced her engagement with social justice and equality.

Steinem also supplemented her income during her time in India through modelling, reportedly including advertisements featuring saris. Her experiences in India were not merely those of a young foreign visitor exploring another country; they were an integration of personal encounters with women, exposure to India's Independence movement, and participation in grassroots organising. These experiences instilled in Steinem ideas about equality and activism that would remain with her for decades.

Steinem eventually became one of the most visible symbols and influential voices of the American women's movement. She co-founded Ms. Magazine and remained a fierce advocate for feminist causes for more than five decades. However, the journey that began with her fellowship in India occupied a distinctive place in her understanding of social justice and feminism.

At 22, Steinem arrived in India through a fellowship, and it was there that she forged friendships, experienced grassroots activism, and began connecting ideas about women's rights and social justice that would define her life's work.