Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was a visionary leader whose pioneering efforts in promoting Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and theatre helped elevate the socio-economic status of Indian women, solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential figures in modern Indian history.

One of Kamaladevi's most significant contributions was her advocacy for the revival and promotion of India's traditional arts, particularly handlooms and handicrafts. In the post-independence era, she recognized the threat posed by industrialization to India's artisanal heritage, particularly among women in rural areas. Kamaladevi pioneered the effort to protect and promote these crafts, ensuring that they thrived in the modern world while empowering the artisans who relied on them. Her work earned her the title "Hatkargha Maa," a tribute to her dedication to handlooms. She founded numerous institutions, including the Central Cottage Industries Emporia, which showcased and sold Indian handicrafts, and the Crafts Council of India, which she led as the first president of the World Crafts Council's Asia Pacific Region. She also established the Theater Crafts Museum in Delhi, a vital institution that preserved India's traditional crafts related to the performing arts.

As the first woman to contest elections in India, from the Madras Constituency, Kamaladevi broke barriers in a society that had little place for women in politics. She also played an instrumental role in the All-India Women's Conference, which she co-founded, and worked tirelessly to advance women's education, social welfare, and legislative reforms. Kamaladevi was ahead of her time, championing causes like the independence movement, social justice, and women's rights in a rapidly changing world.

Kamaladevi’s work was not limited to the crafts sector. She contributed significantly to the field of theatre and was the driving force behind institutions such as the National School of Drama and Sangeet Natak Akademi. Her leadership in these organizations helped shape India’s cultural landscape, fostering a rich tradition of music, dance, and drama. Recognized for her lifelong contributions, Kamaladevi was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1955, the Padma Vibhushan in 1987, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1966 for Community Leadership. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, a testament to her unwavering dedication to the empowerment of women and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.