Sangam Laxmibai (1911-1979)
- Born in 1911 in a hamlet near Ghatkesar (Medchal district).
- Educated at the University of Karve and Sharada Niketan.
- Actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha and the Anti-Simon Commission movement (1928).
- Held several political roles:
- Deputy Minister of Education (1954-56) in Hyderabad State Legislature.
- Elected Lok Sabha MP (Medak Constituency) in 1957, 1962, and 1967.
- Played a significant role in the 1969 Telangana movement, preparing to resign as an MP in support of the cause.
- Led Vinobha Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement in Telangana.
- Authored Na Jailu Gnapakalu Anubhavalu while in jail.
- Founded Indira Sevasadan Society to support women and girls.
Masuma Begum
- Born in 1901 in Hyderabad.
- Awarded the Lady Baden Powell Medal for services to the Indian Scouts.
- First Muslim woman minister in India.
- President of the All India Women’s Conference (1962-64).
- Supported the 1969 Telangana Movement.
TN Sadalaxmi
- Influential speaker during the 1969 Telangana movement.
- Belonged to the Mehar caste, a Dalit sub-caste.
- Chaired the Telangana Praja Samithi.
- Political roles:
- Initially elected from Peddapalli constituency and later as MLA from Kamareddy.
- Served as Minister of Devadaya in Neelam Sanjiv Reddy’s Cabinet.
- First woman Deputy Speaker during Damodaram Sanjeevayya’s tenure.
- Joined the Telugu Desam Party in 1982.
- Established Bandhu Seva Mandali and Leadcop Organisation.
J Eshwaribai
- Born in Secunderabad in 1918 into a Dalit family.
- Inspired by Ambedkar’s teachings, worked for Dalit rights.
- Elected to the AP Legislative Assembly from Ellareddy constituency (Nizamabad) on behalf of the Republican Party.
- Served as Secretary of the Republican Party.
Geetanjali Pillai & Hamsa Rani
- On 6th August 1969, Kumari Geetanjali Pillai led 12 young women in Satyagraha in Secunderabad, resulting in their arrest.
- Kumari Hamsa Rani led young girls in Satyagraha at Chadar Ghat Bridge and Isamia Bazaar.
- Narasamma led similar protests in Abids.
- The movement was temporarily halted thereafter.