Today is the birth anniversary of Aruna Asaf Ali, a patriot and a freedom activist.Born Aruna Ganguly this day in 1909 at Kalka to a renowned Bengali Brahmo family, she was educated in elite institutions.A rebel of sorts, in 1928, she married Asaf Ali, a barrister and an independence activist, much older in age. Obviously, there was fierce opposition from her family, and an Uncle who had brought her up reportedly performed her 'shraaddh' presuming her dead.
After marriage she joined the Indian National Congress. She actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha and other independence activities and courted arrest. Actively into the Quit India Movement of 1942, she is remembered for hoisting the Indian National flag in Bombay.After marriage she joined the Indian National Congress. She actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha and other independence activities and courted arrest. Actively into the Quit India Movement of 1942, she is remembered for hoisting the Indian National flag in Bombay.
Post Independence, she joined the Socialist Party and later left it to join the Communist Party of India and also visited Moscow.Her husband Asaf Ali died in 1953.Active in politics , she became the first elected Mayor of Delhi in 1958. She also started a publishing house which she left after a few years.She re-joined the Congress in 1964, though was not in active politics.
She remained a President of the All India Democratic Women's Association.
Blessed with a long life, she died on July 29, 1996 .
She was awarded Bharat Ratna in 1997 posthumously.
Our humble tributes to the Grand Old Lady of the Indian Freedom Movement !
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