Hirabai Lobi
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Hirabai Ibrahim Lobi | |
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| Born | 1960 Talala tehsil, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat, India |
| Died | January 24, 2025 (aged 64–65) |
| Occupation | Social worker |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2023) |
Hirabai Ibrahim Lobi (1960 – 24 January 2025) was an Indian tribal leader and social worker from Gujarat,[1] known for her tireless efforts to uplift the Siddi tribal community.[2][3] She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2023,[4] one of India's highest civilian honors, for her contributions to social work.[5][6]
She resided in Jambur village, located in the Talala tehsil of the Gir Somnath district in Gujarat.[7] As a member of the Siddi community, which has African roots, Hirabai experienced the loss of her parents during her early years and was subsequently raised by her grandmother.[8][9] She was married at the age of 14.
She acquired knowledge from her surroundings, especially through the radio. Programs on organic fertilizer-making inspired her to implement these techniques in her community. She frequently visited the Gandhinagar Secretariat, seeking new information and understanding various schemes to improve the lives of her community members.[10] Hirabai focused on empowering women of the Siddi community. In 2004, she founded the Mahila Vikas Foundation, which became a cornerstone for her initiatives to uplift women.[11]
