Class 8 English Chapter 8 Chandraprabha Saikiani
Subject: English
Board: SEBA Assam
Medium: English
Introduction
“Chandraprabha Saikiani” is an inspiring story of a great social reformer from Assam who dedicated her life to the education and empowerment of women.
She fought against the old traditions, social taboos, and gender discrimination that prevented women from getting education and equal rights.
Through this lesson, students learn about her courage, struggle, and strong will to bring change in society during the early 20th century.
About Chandraprabha Saikiani
Chandraprabha Saikiani was born on 16 March 1901 in Doisingari village, Kamrup district, Assam.
Her father was Ratiram Mazumdar and mother Gangapriya.
She grew up at a time when girls were not allowed to attend school or mix freely with boys.
But young Chandraprabha and her sister Rajaniprabha were determined to study.
They walked several kilometers through mud and water to attend a school meant only for boys.
This marked the beginning of her lifelong journey to fight for girls’ education and social equality.
Her Fight for Girls’ Education
Chandraprabha realized that girls had to struggle hard to get the same education as boys.
After completing her studies, she began teaching other girls in her village.
Her dedication impressed education officer Nilkanta Barua, who granted her a scholarship to study at Nagaon Mission School.
At that time, only Christian girls were allowed in hostels, but Chandraprabha fought against this discrimination and helped to make hostel facilities open for all girls, irrespective of religion.
Challenging Social Customs
In 1925, Chandraprabha boldly challenged the custom of women sitting behind bamboo screens during public meetings.
At the Assam Sahitya Sabha in Nagaon, she delivered a powerful speech demanding the removal of this discriminatory practice.
Her courage inspired many, and as a result, the first women’s organization of Assam “Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti” was formed in 1926 under her leadership.
Her Role in the Freedom Movement
Chandraprabha Saikiani was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 and joined the freedom movement.
She spread Gandhi’s message of Khadi, abolition of untouchability, ban on opium, and women’s education.
She was arrested several times in 1931, 1942, and 1943 for her participation in India’s freedom struggle.
Her patriotism and courage earned her great respect across Assam.
Contribution and Recognition
Chandraprabha was not only a reformer but also a great speaker and writer.
She continued working for women’s rights till her last days.
In 1972, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her extraordinary contribution to society.
Even after her death, her work was honored by issuing a commemorative postal stamp in 2002.
Summary in Simple Words
Chandraprabha Saikiani was born in 1901 in Kamrup, Assam.
She broke social barriers and fought for girls’ education.
She protested against unfair customs like women sitting behind bamboo screens.
She led the formation of Assam’s first women’s organization.
She joined the freedom movement under Mahatma Gandhi.
She spent her life promoting equality, education, and dignity for women.
She received the Padma Shri and remains a symbol of women empowerment in Assam.
Questions and Answers
1. Who was Chandraprabha Saikiani?
Answer:
Chandraprabha Saikiani was a renowned social reformer from Assam who worked for women’s education and freedom from social taboos.
2. What did Chandraprabha do to educate the girls of her village?
Answer:
She gathered girls from her village and started teaching them lessons she had learned at school, inspiring them to study.
3. What incident shows her fight against discrimination in schools?
Answer:
When hostel facilities were given only to Christian girls, Chandraprabha opposed it and helped make hostels open to girls of all religions.
4. How did she challenge the custom of women sitting behind bamboo screens?
Answer:
At the Assam Sahitya Sabha in 1925, she delivered a powerful speech demanding the removal of the bamboo screen that separated men and women.
5. What was Chandraprabha Saikiani’s role in India’s freedom movement?
Answer:
She joined the freedom struggle inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, promoted Khadi, fought against social evils, and was imprisoned for her patriotic activities.
Fill in the Blanks
1. At a time when society did not allow girls to step out of home, she fought for women’s education.
2. Chandraprabha and her sister were awarded a scholarship to study in Nagaon Mission School.
3. The first women’s organization in Assam was Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti.
4. Chandraprabha Saikiani was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi to join the freedom movement.
Word Meanings
Word Meaning
Reform To improve something or make better
Taboo A social rule that forbids something
Equality Being treated the same as others
Scholar A learned or educated person
Rebellion Resistance or protest against injustice
Short Notes
1. Her protest against bamboo screens:
She demanded equality for women at public meetings, refusing to accept being hidden behind screens.
2. Assam Pradeshik Mahila Samiti:
The first women’s organization in Assam, founded in 1926 under her leadership to promote women’s rights.
3. Influence of Mahatma Gandhi:
Inspired by Gandhi’s ideas, she joined the independence movement and spread messages of social reform and equality.
Grammar Lesson – To-Infinitive
Examples from the chapter:
She was inspired to join the freedom movement.
It is not good to keep the guests waiting.
She started a school to educate girls.
Practice:
Combine the sentences using “to” + verb.
1. I will visit the fair. I will buy a few books.
→ I will visit the fair to buy a few books.
Human Values & Message
The story of Chandraprabha Saikiani teaches us:
To fight against injustice and inequality.
To value education for all, especially for women.
To show courage in the face of discrimination.
To believe that social change begins with one strong voice.
Moral of the Chapter
“Education and equality are the real powers that change society.”
Chandraprabha’s life reminds us that a single person’s determination can transform generations and inspire others to fight for justice.