First Women in Odisha Details With Free PDF 2025

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First Women in Odisha

Odisha is a state full of pride, culture, and talent. Over the years, many women from Odisha have broken barriers and become the “first” in their fields,

Let’s meet some of Odisha’s amazing first women in simple words!

Political Firsts First Women in Odisha

Sarala Devi (1904-1986)

First Woman: Freedom fighter and first woman legislator from Odisha
Achievement: Elected to Odisha Legislative Assembly in 1936
Legacy: Founded Utkal Navajeevan Mandal for women’s education and empowerment

Rama Devi (1899-1985)

First Woman: To lead the Salt Satyagraha movement in Odisha
Achievement: Established first women’s organization “Seva Sangha” in Odisha (1924)
Legacy: Founded Rama Devi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar

Nandini Satpathy (1931-2006)

First Woman: Chief Minister of Odisha (1972-1976)
Achievement: First woman to hold the highest executive office in the state
Legacy: Implemented land reforms and promoted Odia language and culture

Educational Pioneers First Women in Odisha

Shailabala Das (1875-1968)

First Woman: Graduate from Odisha
Achievement: Completed BA from Calcutta University in 1899
Legacy: Founded Shailabala Women’s College in Cuttack (1913)

Download Important Stadium In Odisha

Kuntala Kumari Sabat (1901-1938)

First Woman: Doctor from Odisha
Achievement: Graduated with medical degree from Calcutta Medical College
Legacy: Renowned poet and author; championed women’s health issues

Rasamani Devi

First Woman: Teacher in modern education system in Odisha
Achievement: Started teaching at Ravenshaw Girls School in early 1900s
Legacy: Pioneered women’s education in the state

Literary and Cultural Firsts

Parbati Ghose (1933-2018)

First Woman: Film director from Odisha
Achievement: Directed “Lakshmi” in 1963
Legacy: Won multiple state film awards; acted in over 70 films

Sarojini Sahoo (b. 1956)

First Woman: Recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award from Odisha
Achievement: Recognized for her novel “Pakhibasa” in 2016
Legacy: Known for feminist literature focused on female sexuality and identity

Pratibha Ray (b. 1943)

First Woman: From Odisha to receive Jnanpith Award
Achievement: Won India’s highest literary award in 2011
Legacy: Author of “Yajnaseni” and advocate for tribal communities

Administrative and Legal Firsts

Sailabala Pujari

First Woman: IAS officer from Odisha
Achievement: Joined Indian Administrative Service in the 1960s
Legacy: Served in various administrative positions in state government

Justice Amiya Kumari Padhi

First Woman: Judge of Orissa High Court
Achievement: Appointed in 1988
Legacy: Paved the way for women in judiciary

Usha Padhee

First Woman: IAS officer to become Director General of Civil Aviation
Achievement: Appointed as Joint Secretary in Ministry of Civil Aviation
Legacy: Pioneer in aviation administration

Sports and Arts First Women in Odisha

Dutee Chand (b. 1996)

First Woman: Athlete from Odisha to qualify for Olympic Games
Achievement: Represented India at Rio Olympics 2016
Legacy: Fought against hyperandrogenism regulations; openly acknowledged being in same-sex relationship

Gita Mehta

First Woman: International author from Odisha
Achievement: Published internationally acclaimed “Karma Cola” (1979)
Legacy: Brought Odia culture to global audiences

Minati Mishra (b. 1942)

First Woman: Classical dancer from Odisha to gain international recognition
Achievement: Performed Odissi globally in the 1950s-60s
Legacy: Instrumental in revival and recognition of Odissi dance form

Science and Medicine

Susmita Mohanty

First Woman: Space entrepreneur from Odisha
Achievement: Founded Earth2Orbit, India’s first private space start-up
Legacy: Advocate for sustainable space technology

Dr. Indira Jena

First Woman: Gynecologist from Odisha
Achievement: Pioneered women’s healthcare in the state in post-independence era
Legacy: Established healthcare facilities focused on maternal health

These pioneering women from Odisha broke societal, professional, and cultural barriers to achieve remarkable firsts in their respective fields, creating pathways for future generations of women. Their legacies continue to inspire and influence contemporary Odisha society.