Usha Mehta: Manned secret radio to counter British
Usha Mehta was an Indian freedom fighter best known for running the underground radio station — Congress Radio — during the Quit India Movement of 1942. A staunch Gandhian, she played a crucial role in spreading nationalist messages and keeping the spirit of resistance alive against British rule.
Born on March 25, 1920, in Saras village near Surat, Gujarat, she was drawn to the freedom movement from a young age, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. At the age of just eight, she participated in protests against British rule, including picketing liquor shops. Despite her strong political involvement, she pursued her education and completed a master's degree in political science from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai University).
When Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942, Usha Mehta took a bold step by setting up an underground radio station called Congress Radio on August 14, 1942. Operating secretly from various locations in Bombay, the station broadcasted news about the movement, speeches by leaders, and messages countering British propaganda. The broadcasts were in Hindustani, Marathi, Gujarati and English, ensuring they reached a wide audience.
The station ran for about three months, frequently shifting locations to evade British intelligence. However, the British eventually tracked it down, and on November 12, 1942, Usha Mehta and her associates were arrested. She was sentenced to four years in prison and subjected to harsh treatment, but she remained resolute, refusing to betray her comrades.
After India gained Independence, she chose to live a simple life rather than seek political power. She completed her PhD in Gandhian thought and became a professor of political science at the University of Bombay. She continued to advocate for Gandhian values and wrote extensively on the philosophy of non-violence and satyagraha.
In recognition of her contributions to India’s Independence, Usha Mehta was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 1998. She remained an inspiration for future generations through her lectures, writings and unwavering commitment to Gandhian principles.
She passed away on August 11, 2000, but her role in India’s struggle for freedom, especially through Congress Radio, remains an enduring chapter in history.
