Elaben Bhatt, an internationally acclaimed advocate for women’s empowerment, was honored for her groundbreaking efforts in organizing the informal sector to promote self-employment and elevate women, both in India and throughout South Asia. Her numerous awards include the Padma Bhushan, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize. Her lifelong dedication continues to inspire women around the globe in their pursuit of empowerment.
In 1972, Ela Ben established the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which has grown into one of the largest cooperatives in India, boasting over two million members across 18 states and neighboring countries. SEWA’s mission to empower women through self-reliance has turned into a symbol of hope for women through the years.
Her trailblazing spirit captured the interest of global leaders. In 2007, she became a member of The Elders, an organization of world leaders established by Nelson Mandela to advocate for peace and human rights worldwide. In the 1980s, she also held positions as a Member of the Rajya Sabha and on the Planning Commission of India. Her impact reached the international arena, where she advised the World Bank, co-founded Women’s World Banking, and delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
ElaBen’s enduring legacy of social reform and empowerment stems from the values instilled in her family. Her son, Mihir R. Bhatt, a prominent Indian architect and researcher, carries on the family’s dedication to impactful change. His wife, Reema Nanavaty, a Padma Shri awardee, has spent over thirty years organizing women into cooperatives, enterprises, and trade unions throughout India. Together, they represent the spirit of social responsibility that ElaBen advocated— a truly inspiring family committed to enhancing society.
In 2012, then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lauded ElaBen’s efforts, stating, “I have a lot of heroes and heroines around the world, and one of them is Ela Bhatt, who started an organization called SEWA in India many years ago.”
Born on September 7, 1933, in Ahmedabad, ElaBen grew up in a family deeply involved in social causes. Her father, Sumant Bhatt, was a lawyer and the Charity Commissioner for Bombay and later Gujarat, while her mother, Vanalila Vyas, served as secretary of the Gujarat branch of the All India Women’s Conference, working for educational and social reforms.
Hollywood producer Jay Patel, who met ElaBen in 2022, fondly recalls their meeting as one of the golden moments of his life. “Getting to know the renowned founder of SEWA was a profound experience. Her humility, wisdom, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on me,” Jay shared. Jay describes ElaBen as a modern-day Gandhian, a practitioner of non-violence and self-reliance who believed that financial and emotional independence were critical for women’s empowerment. Despite receiving the highest civilian honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Ramon Magsaysay Award, ElaBen remained grounded, elegant, and approachable.
During their nearly three-hour meeting, Jay and his friend, director Abhishek Dudhaiya, were captivated by her simplicity and forward-thinking approach. “ElaBen’s motherly affection, her warmth, and her smile as she served me a cup of ginger masala tea will remain etched in my heart forever,” Jay reflected.
Her passing has been mourned by many, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted in Gujarati, “Sad to know about the death of ElaBen Bhatt. She will be remembered long for her work in women’s empowerment, social service, and youth education. Condolences to her family members and admirers.”
Other leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, expressed their grief, saying, “Saddened by the demise of noted activist and Padma Bhushan awardee Smt. Ela Bhatt. She devoted her life to Gandhian ideals and transformed the lives of millions of women by empowering them.”
Tributes also poured in from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and countless other political and social leaders, underscoring the immense impact of her life’s work. As the world honors the life and legacy of Ela Bhatt, her significant contributions to women’s empowerment, social reform, and human rights will undoubtedly inspire future generations. Through her visionary work, she has made a lasting impact on the global quest for equality and justice.
