Bhikhaiji Rustom Cama, popularly known as Madam Cama, stands out as a pioneering figure in India’s struggle for independence and as a champion for women’s rights. Born on September 24, 1861, in Mumbai, Cama belonged to an influential Parsi family. Her early life was marked by education and social work, but it was her unwavering commitment to India's freedom struggle that made her a national icon. Cama’s contributions, particularly her bold acts of defiance against colonial rule, earned her the admiration of many, both in India and abroad.

One of the most significant moments in Bhikhaiji Cama's life came in 1907 at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. There, she boldly unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag—an act that not only symbolized her deep commitment to India's independence but also placed her at the forefront of the global movement for Indian self-rule. The flag she raised, which incorporated elements from various Indian traditions, was a precursor to the modern Indian tricolor, becoming an emblem of unity and resistance. Cama’s audacity to raise this flag in a foreign land marked her as the first person to hoist an Indian flag outside India, a feat that would resonate throughout the independence movement.

Cama’s contributions weren’t limited to her role in the freedom struggle. Her feminist stance was equally remarkable for her time. Inspired by the suffragette movements in Europe, she strongly advocated for women's rights. While her primary focus was on Indian independence, she also saw gender equality as an essential part of the nation's liberation. Cama's support for women's participation in political and social spheres was ahead of her time, and she was an ardent voice for the inclusion of women in the Indian independence movement.

Despite suffering ill health, including contracting the plague in 1896 and later suffering a debilitating stroke in 1935, Cama remained committed to the cause of independence until her last days. Today, her contributions are celebrated through various memorials, including stamps, a vessel named after her, and a street in Delhi. Her life and work are a testament to the immense strength and resolve of women in shaping India's destiny, making her a true embodiment of "Naari Shakti, Naari Sanman."