Towards Unity: The Grand Old Lady of Independence

As we celebrate our 77th Independence Day, the story of Aruna Asaf Ali, the Grand Old Lady of the Indian Independence Movement, comes to life once more - a tale of unity, courage, and unyielding devotion.

Aruna Ganguly, a name that has been etched in the annals of history, was born into a Bengali Brahmin family in the small town of Kalka, Punjab, on the 16th of July in 1909. Her early years were steeped in the stories of valiant ancestors who had fought for justice and freedom. With a heart brimming with determination, she embarked on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the course of her nation.

Her educational path took her to the prestigious Sacred Heart Convent in Lahore and later to All Saints' College in Nainital. Armed with knowledge and an unquenchable thirst for change, she stepped into the role of a teacher at the Gokhale Memorial School in Calcutta. Here, fate orchestrated an encounter that would shape the trajectory of her life forever.

Asaf Ali, a leader in the Congress party, entered her life like a whirlwind of passion and ideals. Against all odds, they defied societal norms and forged a marriage that would be as unbreakable as their shared dreams. Their union was a testament to the power of love that transcended religion and age, and it was the beginning of Aruna's deep involvement in the fight for India's independence.

The Indian Independence Movement was a symphony of determination, with countless unsung heroes composing their chapters in the struggle. Aruna Asaf Ali's chapter (that I describe as 'Towards Unity') unfolded during a time when religious identity threatened to eclipse the overarching socio-cultural unity of India.

Aruna's contribution was two-fold. She not only played a pivotal role in the pre-independence era, participating in public processions during the Salt Satyagraha and facing arrests, but she also took up the baton of unity in the post-independence era when communal divides seemed to be growing. The story of her remarkable action during the Quit India Movement in 1942 shines brightly.

On the 8th of August, 1942, the Indian National Congress passed the Quit India resolution, and the government responded with the arrest of key leaders. Aruna Asaf Ali stood undeterred, presiding over the remainder of the session and hoisting the Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan. The police opened fire on the assembly, but Aruna remained steadfast. She became the Protagonist of the 1942 movement, her bravery etching her name in history.

As her story unfolds, her underground movement in 1942 emerges as a testament to her resilience. Her home, once a haven for ideologies and dreams, was seized and sold, but Aruna's determination could not be contained. She edited "Inquilab," a monthly magazine of the Congress Party, and her call to the youth to join the revolution echoed through its pages.

The passage of time did not dim her ardor. Even in the post-independence era, Aruna remained a beacon of unity. She became Delhi's first Mayor, bringing together diverse groups for the betterment of the city. Her commitment to the cause of women's rights led to the formation of the National Federation of Indian Women, a testament to her enduring dedication.

With the dawn of a new day, the 77th Independence Day, Aruna Asaf Ali's legacy shines as brightly as ever. Her story, one of unity prevailing over division, of courage in the face of adversity, echoes through the generations. Her journey from a small town to the heart of India's struggle for freedom serves as an inspiration for all who seek a united, just, and inclusive world.

As the Indian flag fluttered in the gentle breeze, millions across the nation celebrated not just the freedom won, but the unity that had made it possible. And among the countless stories of sacrifice and valour, Aruna Asaf Ali's call for Unity stand tall, a chapter that reminds us that unity is the beacon that guides a nation towards the light of a better future.