Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was the driving force behind many an important welfare organisation in India. Inspired by Gandhiji, shr devoted her life to active service associated with a variety of welfare groups and organisations. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was the first woman to hold a post in the cabinet, serving as Minister of Health from 1947 to 1957, after which she remained a member of the Rajya Sabha until her death on 2nd February, 1964. She was a founding membaer of the All India Women's Conference and the Indian Red Cross and served as Chairperson of their managing bodies. It is a difficult task to list all the organisations which she had either founded or headed.

A few names would suffice to show her multifaceted personality: the lady Irwin College, New Dlhi as President of its governing body, the Delhi Music Society of which she was founder President, the Indian Council for Child Welfare which she founded, the national and local branches of the Y.W.C.A., the St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Tuberculosis Asociation for which she personally raided Rs. 300,000 to set up a fund to care for poorer patients, the National Association for the Prevaention of Blindness and the Hind Kustha Nivaran Sangh (Indian Society for the Prevention of Leprosy).

As a member of the Congress Party under Gandhiji's inspiration, she took part in the Salt Campaign and was arrested in Bombay. Later on when the comunal award was announced she condemned it outright. She was convicted on July 16, 1937 and imprisoned on a charge of sedition. During he Quit India Movement in 1942, she led many a procession one of which was subjected to a ruthless lathi charge in Simla. Perhaps the most remarkable project she launched was the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, which she founded and for which she raised funds and drew technological assistance from various countries.

At her insistence a policy whereby medical students must spent thre months of their internship in a village was established. She was frequently represented India at UNESCO and WHO conferences. her interest in sports continued throughout her lifetime. She was the founder President of the National Spors Club of India and started the Rajkumari Sports Coaching Scheme. This was merged with the National Institute of Sports set up in 1961, with her as President, under the Union Education Ministry.

She championed many causes but her interest and dedication was far from superficial. The sencerity and warmth of her personality won her friends all over the world and her capacity to give substance to her ideas has ensured their longevity.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India