Chhattisgarh Culture Department

MiniMata Samman

Minimata was born in 1913 in village Jamunamukh of Nuwangon district of Assam. Your mother's name was Mithibai. Your family was originally a resident of Bilaspur district. Between 1901 and 1910, the gruesome famine of Chhattisgarh forced most poor families to go out of the state in search of livelihood. Your grandfather also went to Jhelatpur from Bilaspur by train for work in tea gardens of Assam. Two of his three daughters died during this period. A daughter, your mother only survived.

The family had settled till your childhood. Your real name was Meenakshi. You got school education in Assam You had knowledge of Assamese, English, Bangla, Hindi and Chhattisgarh. A new twist in your life came when the Guru Agamdas of Satnami society went to Assam in connection with the promotion of religion and later chose you as a life partner.

Dedicated whole life to overcome poverty, illiteracy and backwardness of its society. From 1952 to 1972, you represented the Sarangarh, Janjgir and Mahasamund regions in the Lok Sabha. The workers were also aware and collaborative about the interests and women's education. To overcome child marriage and dowry, you raised your voice from the society to the Parliament. Hussadeo dam project for agriculture and irrigation in Chhattisgarh is a reminder of your vision. In Bhilai Steel Plant, he has done remarkable work in providing employment and industrial training opportunities to the local residents.

You were a dreamer of good faith and love of Mamta, a skilled housewife, a conscious MP, a social worker, and a true sense of Chhattisgarh. On August 11, 1972, going to Bhopal from Delhi, you died in a plane crash near Palam airport. The Chhattisgarh government has established mini-mother's honor in his memory for his outstanding contribution in the field of women's uplift.