A Lucknow Visionary, Begum Hamida Habibullah: A Life of Empowering Women and Uplifting Society

By Afroz Khan, New Age Islam 25 September 2025 Begum Hamida Habibullah (1916–2018), a Lucknow visionary, empowered women through SEWA’s Chikankari promotion, founded a prestigious girls’ school, revitalised Saidanpur’s mango cultivation, led women’s cricket, and excelled as a Congress politician, serving in the Rajya Sabha and various ministerial roles. Main Point's 1. Empowered women via SEWA, promoting Chikankari and self-reliance. 2. Founded a prestigious Lucknow school for underprivileged Muslim girls. 3. Transformed Saidanpur’s mango cultivation, boosting farmers’ incomes. 4. Congress leader, served in Rajya Sabha and as minister. 5. Pioneered women’s cricket as first Women’s Cricket Association president. ----- She lived a long life of 102 years, witnessed India's freedom struggle till its independence, saw India reach new heights, and also made unprecedented contributions to the development of society and women. We are talking about Begum Hamida Habibullah, who was born on 20 November 1916 in Lucknow. Her father was Nawab Nazir Yar Jung Bahadur, who was the Chief Justice of Hyderabad High Court; her mother's name was Talman Khatoon. Hamida Begum was very sharp in studies since childhood. She passed the Senior Cambridge examination and secured distinction in five subjects, passed the B.A. examination from Osmania University with a gold medal, and after this, she received two years of teacher training from Whitelands College (Putney), London. In 1938, she married Major General Inayat Habibullah. Her husband retired from the army in 1965, after which Hamida Begum became active in politics. Hamida Begum was known for her work on women’s issues. She worked with SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association), an organisation that trains women and provides them with self-employment. SEWA promoted Lucknow’s famous Chikankari art and provided employment to lakhs of women, helping them become self-reliant. In 1975, Hamida Begum and her mother-in-law founded a school for girls’ education in Lucknow. This school was specifically designed to provide quality education to Muslim girls from underprivileged groups. Currently, this school educates over 3,500 girls. This school is one of Lucknow’s most prestigious institutions. In 1973, Hamida Begum became the first president of the Women’s Cricket Association. At that time, women’s cricket was not given much importance, but after assuming the post of president, Hamida Begum tried her best to bring women’s cricket on par with men’s cricket. She encouraged women to take an interest in sports. Political Career Hamida Begum’s political career was filled with achievements. She held several important positions and implemented social welfare work. Hamida Begum was a Congress supporter. She served as an elected member of the Legislative Assembly from Haidergarh. She was also an elected member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) from 1969. She served as Minister of State for Social and Harijan Welfare, National Integration, and Civil Defence from 1971 to 1973. She served as Minister of Tourism from 1971 to 1974. She served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee until 1980. She served as President of the UPCC Mahila Congress from 1972 to 1976. She served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1976 to 1982. She also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi, from 1987. She was a member of the Executive Council of Lucknow University from 1974 to 1980. In 1965, Hamida Begum visited Saidanpur village (Barabanki). Due to a lack of water, the mango orchards were not yielding adequate produce, and farmers were unable to reap the benefits. Hamida Begum then advised farmers on ways to increase mango production, based on the guidelines of the Agricultural University. Her efforts began to transform the fortunes of Saidanpur village, boosting both the village’s identity and the farmers’ income. Hamida Begum cultivated several mango varieties, including Malihabadi, Dussehri, Chausa, Langra, and Safeda, in her mango orchards. Farmers’ incomes soared from thousands to lakhs within a few years. At a mango festival held in Saidanpur village, Hamida Begum once said, “With proper guidance and technical knowledge, I have seen a transformation in my orchards. Plants were brought from Malihabad, and farmers were introduced to the latest agricultural techniques.” Many women have also participated enthusiastically in this campaign of Hamida Begum. They learn the techniques related to mango production and assist the male members of the family in mango cultivation. Hamida Begum passed away on 13 March 2018 at the age of 101. Hamida Begum was a great example of women’s empowerment in the true sense. She carried out many works related to the welfare of women at the grassroots level. She provided support in providing education, sports, and employment. She dedicated every moment of her life solely to the welfare of society. ----- Afroz Khan is a teacher by profession, focusing on writings about women and Islam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/visionary-begum-habibullah-women-uplifting-society/d/136970 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism