Brinda Karat Biography: Early Life, Political Career, and Achievements
Quick Info →
Age:
78 years
Hometown:
Kolkata
Husband:
Prakash Karat
Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Brinda Karat (née Das) |
| Profession | Politician, author and activist |
| Known For | Women's rights activism and political career |
| Political Role | Former Rajya Sabha MP and former CPI(M) Politburo member |
Physical Stats & More
| Eye colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Salt & Pepper |
Career
| Early Life and Education | Brinda Karat was born in Calcutta, now Kolkata, on 17 October 1947. - She attended Welham Girls' School in Dehradun. - She studied at Miranda House, University of Delhi. - She developed an interest in theatre, drama and debates during her college years. - Her political outlook evolved through exposure to Marxist ideas and anti-war movements. |
| Career and Political Journey | Brinda Karat began her career with Air India in London in 1967. - She developed an interest in Marxist ideology and anti-war movements while living abroad. - She returned to India and joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in the early 1970s. - In 1975, she moved to Delhi and worked with trade unions and labour organisations. - She served as general secretary of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) from 1993 to 2004. - In 2005, she became the first woman elected to the CPI(M) Politburo. - She represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2011. - Her political work has focused on women's rights, workers' welfare and social justice. |
| Awards & Achievements | In 2005, Brinda Karat became the first woman member of the CPI(M) Politburo. She served as General Secretary of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) from 1993 to 2004. She received the Excellence and Achievement Award from the Miranda House Alumnae Association in 2005. She served as a Rajya Sabha MP representing West Bengal from 2005 to 2011. She is recognised for her long-standing work on women's rights, workers' welfare and social justice. She has authored books including Survival and Emancipation: Notes from Indian Women's Struggles. |
| Books and Film Appearance | Survival and Emancipation: Notes from Indian Women's Struggles. - Memoir: An Education for Rita (2024). - Film: She appeared in Amu, directed by her niece Shonali Bose. - Her writing and activism focus on women's rights and social inequalities. |
Personal Life
| Date of Birth | 17 October 1947 |
| Age | 78 years (as of October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Atheist |
| Educational Qualification | • Schooling: Loreto House (Calcutta) and Welham Girls' School (Dehradun) • Undergraduate: B.A. from Miranda House, University of Delhi (graduated around 1967) • Postgraduate Studies: Enrolled for an M.A. in History at the University of Calcutta in 1971 |
| Controversies | Brinda Karat faced political debates over her legal action against alleged hate speeches by BJP leaders. In 2021, she drew attention for questioning remarks made in court regarding cases involving women. Her outspoken views on political and social issues have sometimes attracted criticism from political opponents. |
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
Family
| Husband/Spouse | Prakash Karat, a senior CPI(M) leader |
| Father | Suraj Lal Das |
| Mother | Oshrukona Mitra |
| Sister | Radhika Roy associated with NDTV co-founder Prannoy Roy |
| Nephew | Vijay Prashad (Historian) |
| Niece | Shonali Bose (Filmmaker) |
Favourites
| Hobbies | Writing, Acting and Public activism |
Money Factor
| Net Worth (approx) | ₹1.82 lakh |
Some Lesser Known Facts
- Brinda Karat was born on October 17, 1947, in Calcutta, now known as Kolkata. She was born Brinda Das and later adopted the surname Karat after marrying Prakash Karat.
- She attended Welham Girls’ School in Dehradun before studying at Miranda House, Delhi University.
- During college, she enjoyed theatre, drama and debates. According to published accounts, she did not initially plan to pursue a political career.
- While living in London, she encountered anti-Vietnam War demonstrations that influenced her political outlook and encouraged her to question social inequality.
- She worked closely with textile workers and working-class communities in Delhi, focusing on labour issues and women’s struggles.
- After returning to India, she became involved in political activism and joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), in the early 1970s.
- During India’s Emergency from 1975 to 1977, she worked underground using the pseudonym “Rita.” She later resumed using her real name.
- In 2005, Brinda Karat became the first woman elected to the CPI(M)’s Politburo, the party’s highest decision-making body.
- She served as a Rajya Sabha member representing West Bengal from 2005 to 2011.
- She appeared in the 2004 film Amu, directed by her niece Shonali Bose. The film explores the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.
- Brinda Karat has written about women’s rights, political activism and social struggles. Her books include Survival and Emancipation: Notes from Indian Women’s Struggles and her memoir An Education for Rita, published in 2024.
- Brinda Karat served as general secretary of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), advocating women’s rights and gender equality.
