Ali, Aruna Asaf (c. 1909–1996)

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Ali, Aruna Asaf (c. 1909–1996)

Indian resistance leader. Name variations: Aruna Ganguly, Ganguli, or Gangulee. Born Aruna Ganguly, July 16, c. 1909, in Kalka, India; died July 29, 1996, in New Delhi, India; m. Asaf Ali (lawyer and politician), 1928 (d. 1953).

Indian revolutionary who believed in secularism and advocated social reform through education and improvement of primary health care; helped found All India Women's Education Fund Association; was imprisoned for participation in civil disobedience movement against British government (1932, 1941); became prominent by hoisting Indian flag at Gwalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai (Bombay), despite crackdown by British authorities against nationalist leaders during "Quit India" movement (Aug 9, 1942); with reward posted for capture, went underground, and traveled country trying to rally nationalist forces (1942–46); was elected 1st mayor of Delhi (1958); founded newspaper, The Patriot, and magazine, Link (1958); was associated with the Socialist Party, Left Socialist Party, and Communist Party of India; was involved with Indo-Soviet Cultural Society, All-India Peace Council, and National Federation of Indian Women. Received numerous honors, including Lenin Prize for Peace (1975), Nehru Award for International Understanding (1992), and Bharat Ratna (1998).

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