Brinda Karat, born on October 17, 1947, in India, is a prominent politician affiliated with the Communist Party of India. She was raised in Calcutta, India, as the daughter of Sooraj Lal Das and Oshrukona Mitra. Brinda is one of four siblings and grew up in a politically active household.
After completing her bachelor's degree at Miranda House College at the University of Delhi, Brinda went on to pursue a master's degree in history at the University of Calcutta. Following her education, she worked for Air India's London office before eventually transitioning into politics.
Brinda Karat's entry into politics came early on, as she became involved with the All India Democratic Women's Association. She served in various roles within the organization, including as secretary and vice-president, advocating for women's rights and social justice.
In 2005, Brinda joined the Communist Party of India's Politburo and was elected to the Rajya Sabha, India's upper parliamentary house. Throughout her career, she has been vocal about issues relating to women's empowerment, social equality, and economic justice.
Aside from her political career, Brinda Karat is also a published author. In 2005, she released a historical and sociological work titled "Survival and Emancipation: Notes from Indian Women's Struggles." The book delves into the challenges and triumphs of Indian women throughout history.
Brinda Karat is married to fellow communist politician Prakash Karat. Through her sister Radhika Roy's marriage, she is also connected to New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV) CEO Prannoy Roy. Family has always been an essential part of Brinda's life, influencing her values and dedication to social activism.
Throughout her political career, Brinda Karat has faced criticism and controversy. Indian National Congress Party politician Sharad Pawar once denounced her for making inflammatory remarks about famous yogi Swami Ramdev. Despite these challenges, Brinda has remained steadfast in her beliefs and commitment to social change.
Brinda Karat continues to be a prominent figure in Indian politics, advocating for the rights of women, marginalized communities, and the underprivileged. Her dedication to social justice and equality has made her a respected voice in the political landscape of India.
Related links