AIDWA expresses its deep condolences on the sad demise of Dr. Mina Swaminathan in Chennai on 14 March 2022. She was 89 years of age. Dr. Mina Swaminathan was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education. She paid a significant role in strengthening pre-school education in our country as chairperson of the study group on development of the pre-school child. It was the important report prepared in 1972 which formed the basis for creation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) in 1975. She had written three manuals for teachers to enrich child education with creative methods using drama, song etc. She was also one of the founders of Mobile Creches and worked with UNICEF and UNESCO on various schemes to strengthen education for children. She was former Chairperson of the Delhi Social Welfare Board.
AIDWA also fondly recalls Dr. Mina Swaminathan’s commitment to gender equality and her continuous support to various issues affecting women. Her interventions in policy making for women were significant. She had been a well wisher of AIDWA at the national level and also in the state of Tamil Nadu. She was a founder member of CWDS in 1980 and Vice-Chairperson from 1987–1993. She will be missed by all activists working with Children’s education and gender issues to which she has made such a major contribution.
AIDWA conveys heartfelt condolences to her husband Dr. M.S Swaminathan and her three daughters Dr. Saumya Swaminathan, Dr. Madhura Swaminathan and Dr. Nitya Rao.
