With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known fo...
Usha Mehta (March 25, 1920 – August 11, 2000) was a renowned Gandhian and freedom fighter of India. She is also remembered for organizing the Congress Radio, also called the Secret Congress Radio, an underground radio station, which functioned for few months during the Quit India Movement of 1942. In 1998, the Government of India conferred on her Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of Republic of India.
View all questions of this test
With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known fo...
Usha Mehta and the Secret Congress Radio
Usha Mehta was a notable figure in the Indian freedom struggle, known for her involvement in the running of the secret Congress radio during the Quit India Movement.
The Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement was a major civil disobedience movement launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942. The movement aimed to demand an end to British colonial rule in India and achieve independence.
Role of Usha Mehta
1. Establishing the Secret Congress Radio: Usha Mehta played a crucial role in establishing and running the secret Congress radio in the wake of the Quit India Movement. The radio station, known as the "Congress Radio," operated clandestinely and transmitted messages of the Indian National Congress and other freedom fighters to the masses.
2. Dissemination of Information: Usha Mehta, along with her colleagues, worked tirelessly to collect information about the movement, speeches, and messages of national leaders, and broadcast them to the people. The radio acted as a powerful tool to spread awareness and inspire the masses to join the movement.
3. Challenging British Censorship: The British government imposed strict censorship on the media during the Quit India Movement to suppress the uprising. The secret Congress radio was a courageous response to this censorship, providing an alternative source of information and defying British control over the dissemination of news.
4. Coordinating Resistance: The radio station served as a means of coordination for the freedom fighters. It helped in organizing protests, strikes, and demonstrations across the country, ensuring a synchronized and united resistance against British rule.
5. Symbol of Resistance: The secret Congress radio became a symbol of defiance and resistance against British colonialism. It gave a voice to the aspirations of the Indian people and played a significant role in mobilizing public support for the freedom struggle.
Conclusion
Usha Mehta's contribution to the Indian freedom struggle through her involvement in the secret Congress radio was remarkable. Her efforts in establishing and running the radio station played a crucial role in disseminating information, coordinating resistance, and inspiring the masses during the Quit India Movement. Usha Mehta's dedication to the cause of Indian independence makes her a well-known figure in the history of the Indian freedom struggle.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.