K. R Gowri Amma
Area of Expertise: Politics
Bio: K. R Gouri Amma is one of the leading women political leaders from Kerala. She was a prominent figure in the communist movement in Kerala since late 1950’s. She heads the Janathiapathiya Samrakshana Samithi (JSS), a political party based in Kerala. As a part of communist ministry, she has served as ministers in different portfolios during 1957, 1967, 1980 and 1987. She also becomes a minister in the Congress led cabinet from 2001 to 2006.
Gouri Amma was born on 14 July 1919 at Pattanakad village in Alappuzha district of Kerala. She is the seventh daughter of K.A Raman and Parvathy Amma. She married T.V Thomas, a prominent figure of Communist Party from Kerala. She is the first female Law student of the Ezhava community from Kerala. She entered politics under the influence of elder brother and trade union leader Sukumaran.
She started her public life in association with trade unions at a younger age. Gouri was jailed on a number of occasions for participating in political activities. She was elected to the Travancore Council of Legislative Assembly in 1952 and 1954. She becomes Revenue Minister in the first communist ministry in 1957, headed by E.M.S Namboodiripad. The land reform in Kerala is one of her greatest achievements. Later she has served in different positions in cabinet.
Resources:
http://www.veethi.com/india-people/k._r._gowri_amma-profile-3459-19.htm
http://asianetindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/amma.jpg (photo credits)
