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Quit India Movement: Notable women leaders who lit the flame of freedom

Published on: August 09, 2025 10:17 IST
Born on July 16, 1909, in Punjab, Aruna Asaf Ali is known for her role during the freedom struggle. She is also remembered for hoisting the national flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement. After independence, she became the first mayor of Delhi.
1/7 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Born on July 16, 1909, in Punjab, Aruna Asaf Ali is known for her role during the freedom struggle. She is also remembered for hoisting the national flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay during the Quit India Movement. After independence, she became the first mayor of Delhi.
2/7 Image Source : Wikimedia Commons
Born in Gujarat's Surat, Usha Mehta was involved in organising the 'Azad Radio', an underground radio station, during the Quit India Movement. For her role during the freedom struggle, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1998.
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Kasturba Gandhi was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, she was also arrested and imprisoned at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where she ultimately passed away in 1944.
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Mridula Sarabhai was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 1911. She was elected to Congress in 1934 and headed its women's wing. Following the partition, she was actively involved in restoring peace after communal riots.
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Annie Mascarene, a Congress leader, had played a key role during the Quit India Movement in 1942. After independence, she became the first woman from Kerala to be elected as a Member of Parliament.
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Born in July 1909, Durgabai Deshmukh founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha and the Central Social Welfare Board. A follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Deshmukh played a key role in the Salt Satyagraha.
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Sucheta Kriplani was also arrested during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Like many others, she was also a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and worked with him to restore peace following the partition riots. She was also the first woman CM of UP following independence.