Page 44 - NIS English 01-15 July 2022

Nation Amrit Mahotsav
W e achieved independence after great struggle and sacrifice. With the purpose to

pay homage to its freedom fighters and enlightening the citizens with the glorious
past of the country, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is being celebrated. 75 years ago,
India led the independence movement through the medium of non-violence and
demonstrated to the world that freedom could be achieved without bloodshed.
Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, started on the behest of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi more than 25,000 events across the country have been organized.
In the series of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this time read the stories of Sumant
Mehta, Sushila Chain Trehan, Amarendra Nath Chatterjee, and Alekh Patra, who
sacrificed their all for the freedom of Maa Bharati.

A London returned physician who

fought for independence

Born: 1 July 1877, Died: 15 December 1968

nspired by his wife, Sumant Mehta dedicated his and daughter, as well as her contribution as a social
life to the independence of India. He was also worker, academician, and great freedom fighter,
Ia physician who worked for the upliftment of Mahatma Gandhi said- "In his next life he would
the poor. He completed his studies in medicine in like to be born from her womb". Sumant Mehta
England. He was married before going to England actively participated in the Bardoli Satyagraha
for studies. After returning from there, Dr. Sumant in 1928. At the time of this Satyagraha, he ran
Mehta was appointed Chief Medical Officer in the day-to-day administration of Sarabhaun
Baroda Raj. Ashram successfully which impressed Sardar
In his absence, his wife Sharda Mehta Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi a lot.
devoted herself to writing articles After this, he actively participated
in newspapers and magazines, Sumant Mehta in the independence movement
translating and writing short books of India and went to jail many
on children's literature. However, actively times. He was arrested by the
Sharda Mehta was not satisfied participated police for participating in the civil
and she wanted to do something disobedience movement and was
for the nation. On seeing his wife's in the Bardoli lodged in Jalalpur Jail, Gujarat.
dedication he was inspired to work Satyagraha in Due to his involvement in the
for the independence of the nation. independence movement, he had
Afterwhich he met Mahatma Gandhi 1928. to spend 5 years in Sabarmati,
along with Sharda and became Visapur, and Nashik jails. Being
actively involved in the independence an environmentalist and nature
movement. During his visit to Europe, he also worshiper, he also emphasized desi and
met revolutionaries like Madam Cama, Shyamji ayurvedic treatment.
Krishna Verma, and Virendra Nath Chatterjee who He established an ashram in Sertha village
left a lasting impression on him. The religious near Kalol in 1936 and worked lifelong for the
texts of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami welfare and upliftment of farmers, laborers, and
Vivekananda and their works also had a great tribals. After independence, when there was a
influence on him. In fact, Sumant Mehta's wife scramble for getting power and titles, Sharda
Sharda Mehta was no ordinary woman. and her husband chose the path of people's
Impressed by her role as a wife, mother, sister, welfare and devoted their lives to it.

42 New India Samachar July 1-15, 2022