Indian Poet: Varma often writes about the time when a girl child was considered a Mahadevi burden to the family. She was grateful to be born in a liberal household where her mother was well Varma educated and fluent in Sanskrit and English. Her grandfather envisioned ✍ Chandra B her to become a great scholar. In 1903, she started her professional career by teaching at village schools around Allahabad. She was greatly influenced by Gandhi’s ideology and adopted his ideals. She became the headmistress and later the chancellor of Allahabad Mahila Vidyapeeth but she continued to write extensively while teaching. Her notable works include Yama, Mera Parivar, Path Ke Saathi and her famous childhood biography, Mere Baachpan ke Din. One of her heart touching stories is Gillu, the story of a little squirrel. Some of her works are also included in various board syllabi. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and the Jnanpith Award for her extensive poetry collection. A TO Z INDIA ● JULY 2021 ● PAGE 18