Ela Bhatt (1933-2022) An Ongoing Journey

Abstract

The passing of Ela Bhatt leaves a certain void. This obituary is a refl ection upon the style of leadership that she provided for civil society intervention in empowering poor women in the unorganised sector. Elaben’s ideological position is located in the Gandhian frame of bringing about fundamental changes while continuing to engage with the system. She internalised the essence of Gandhian thought and interpreted it in her own fi eld of action, and demonstrated that this interpretation was effective for the cause espoused.