Top Famous Female Alumni of Delhi University
INTRODUCTION
On the occasion of International Women’s day, we set out this blog with the recognition and appreciation that women deserve in all fields of life. Having been historically subordinate and subject to the male counterparts’ subservience, women have had to deal with patriarchy in every generation.
At present, the kind of liberty and status that women enjoy is the result of long, exhausting struggles with society for the basic acknowledgment of their being and of course human rights that they well deserve! Delhi University is home for many young minds and especially women in the many DU Women’s colleges.
DU has always sided with the struggles of women and fought for their right to education, Indraprastha College for Women was the first women’s college established under the University in 1924. Over the years, many women’s colleges have emerged, leading to a remarkable number of successful female alumni from Delhi University. In addition to offering quality education, these colleges are among the top institutions in the country. Moreover, Delhi University has consistently empowered women by providing opportunities to enhance their skills through vocational and professional courses. As a result, DU women have secured positions in diverse sectors, further strengthening their impact in various fields.
Women’s day is a significant celebration of women and to continue the cheers for the amazing women who we share spaces with, we present this blog on 10 influential DU women who continue to inspire the current DU graduates and students-
“The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description” – Steve Maraboli
Aung San Suu Kyi
Having pursued her Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the prestigious Lady Shri Ram college under Delhi University in 1964, Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the most popular female alumni of Delhi University who became a major political actor for the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar. She became internationally recognized for her leadership in opposing military rule and advocating for democracy, spending years under house arrest.
Kiran Bedi
Kiran Bedi is known as India’s first female IPS officer and an influential social reformer, who is a female alumni of Delhi University. She has procured multiple degrees and bagged her L.L.B. degree from the Faculty of Law, DU. After retiring, she became active in social work, writing, and politics. She was a key figure in the ‘India Against Corruption’ movement and later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry from 2016 to 2021.
Mira Nair
With a degree in B.A. Sociology Hons. from Miranda House, she is a female alumni of Delhi University. Mira Nair stands among India’s finest filmmakers, crafting socially conscious and visually rich stories. Her debut feature film, Salaam Bombay! (1988), earned international recognition, winning the Camera d’Or at Cannes and receiving an Academy Award nomination. Her other notable works include Monsoon Wedding (2001), The Namesake (2006).
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Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy has undertaken her undergraduate course in architecture at the Delhi School of Architecture, which is now part of the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, which makes her a prominent female alumni of Delhi University. She is a renowned author, activist, and public intellectual known for her literary and political work. Born in 1961, she gained international fame with her debut novel, The God of Small Things (1997), which won the Man Booker Prize.
Barkha Dutt
Barkha Dutt is an Indian journalist, author, and television news anchor known for her impactful reporting and transparent journalism. Being a female alumni of Delhi University, she pursued English Literature from St. Stephen’s College. She has been brave and covered many crisis events, national and international with the most prominent one being her coverage of the Kargil War in 1999.
Sheila Dikshit
Sheila Dikshit, has a Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree in history from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and was an Indian politician and member of the Indian National Congress who served as the Chief Minister of Delhi for 15 years (1998–2013), making her the longest-serving CM of the capital and a female alumni of Delhi University. Under her leadership, Delhi saw significant infrastructure development, including the expansion of the Delhi Metro and improved urban governance.
Sheeba Chaddha
Sheeba Chaddha is an Indian film, television, and theatre actress known for her versatile performances in several critically acclaimed films, web series, and TV shows, often playing strong character roles. She has studied English Lit. from Hansraj College, DU, being another face in bollywood who is a female alumni of Delhi University. Some of her notable works include Talaash (2012), Dum Lagake Haisha(2015), Badhai Ho (2018) and web series like Mirzapur and Bandish Bandits.
Konkona Sen Sharma
An acclaimed actress in the Indian Film industry, Sharma, has pursued English Literature from St. Stephens College, DU. She is also a writer, and director known for her work in both mainstream and independent cinema. Her projects include Page 3 (2005), Omkara (2006) and Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016). She has won multiple National Film Awards and is recognized for portraying complex characters.
Manika Batra
Manika Batra, a student of Jesus and Mary’s College, had to leave her degree in between to pursue her sports career, nevertheless, the spirit of a female alumni of Delhi University still lingers in her. She plays table tennis and is one of the country’s top-ranked paddlers. She gained widespread recognition after winning four medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, she has also represented India at the Olympics and various international tournaments.
Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi Rao Hydari is one of the most beautiful faces in Bollywood with incredible performances in movies like Padmavat, Delhi 6 and recently in Netflix’s Heeramandi. She has pursued her BA. Degree in English Literature from Lady Shri Ram college, DU. She is praised for her graceful screen presence, expressive performances, and versatility across different film industries.