Women's day special: Five greatest Indian women of all time

New Delhi: History shows that women from the entire world have been fighting for the equal rights for ages. International Women's day is celebrated on March 8 every year to mark the relentless fight, achievements and struggle of women.

How it all started:

In 1908, some 15,000 working women of New York Cloth Mill staged protest demanding reduction in working hours, hike in salary and for Right to vote. After that in 1909, Socialist Party of America celebrated for the first time ‘National Women’s Day. In 1910, an International conference on working women was held at Copenhagen (Denmark) and there they decided to celebrate Women’s Day at International Level. Subsequently, in 1911, International Women’s Day was celebrated on 19 March.

Later, in 1913-1914, the Women’s Day was changed to March 8 and since then tradition continues till date.

Following are the five greatest women of India:

Mother Teresa:

File photo: Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa spent her whole life helping poor, sick, orphans and the destitute. She was honoured with Nobel Peace Award in 1979 and in 1980 with the most prestigious award Bharat Ratna.

Indira Gandhi:

File photo: Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi was the first woman Prime Minister of India. She was very brave and strict, that is why she is also known as Iron Lady.

Chanda Kochher:

File photo: Chanda Kochchar

Chanda Kochher is the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executing Officer (CEO) of ICICI bank limited. Kochher is known as one of the most powerful women in the corporate world.

Mary Kom:

File photo: Mary Kom

M.C Mary Kom is a five time amateur world women boxing champion. In 2012, London Olympics she won bronze medal for India. In Asian games she won bronze medal in 2010 and a gold medal in 2014.

Lata Mangeshkar:

File photo: Lata Mangeshkar

Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar is the icon of Bollywood and she is a institution in herself. She has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna.