PROOF – BIRTH CENTENARY OF SMT. VIJAYA RAJE SCINDIA

Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia popularly known as Rajmata of Gwalior was born on 11th October 1919 at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh. She was named Lekha Divyeshwari Devi at birth. She was educated at home initially, later studying at the Vasanta College, Banaras and the Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow. After completing her education, she was inspired by the Indian freedom movement and joined the struggle for independence. In 1941, at the age of 22, she was married to Jivajirao Scindia, Maharaja of Gwalior. Her political journey started in 1957 when she won the Guna Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia remained Member of Parliament for many years between 1957 and 1998. She believed in educating the girl child and women empowerment. She was a writer and penned an autobiography; The Last Maharani of Gwalior, proved a bestseller. It provides many valuable details of her life and career. Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia died on 25th January, 2001.