Ela Bhatt, the founder of Swashrayee Mahila Seva Sangh, Ahmedabad, died in Ahmedabad on Wednesday after a brief illness. She was 89 years old.
Popular as Ilaben was Padma Bhushan awardee and a noted Gandhian. Her maternal grandfather was an eminent physician and freedom fighter.
Her three maternal uncles were also freedom fighters. The whole family was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
After graduating in English Literature from MTB College, Surat, she moved to Ahmedabad to study Law.
She worked throughout her life for women’s empowerment. She was honoured with the Roman Magsaysay Award in recognition of her exemplary work. She has written many books.
Ila Ramesh Bhatt was born on September 7, 1933 in Ahmedabad. His father’s name was Sumantrai Bhatt and his mother was Vanalila Vyas.
