The history of India’s independence is full of stories of courage, sacrifice, and determination. Among these inspiring tales stands the name of Usha Mehta, a young woman whose fearless spirit gave strength to millions of Indians during the Quit India Movement of 1942. At a time when newspapers were censored and leaders were arrested, she organized an underground radio station that spread the message of freedom across the country. Known as the "Secret Congress Radio", it became a symbol of defiance against British rule.
Usha Mehta’s life is an example of how even a young woman, armed with nothing more than education, conviction, and patriotism, could shake the confidence of an empire. Her contribution might not have involved weapons or armies, but her voice and determination became powerful tools in India’s struggle for independence.
Early Life and Childhood
Usha Mehta was born on 25 March 1920 in Saras, a village near Surat in Gujarat. Her father, Hariprasad Mehta, was a respected judge, while her mother was a deeply religious and simple woman. Despite being born into a relatively comfortable family, Usha grew up with an environment where patriotism and nationalistic feelings were deeply respected.
As a child, she was fascinated by stories of freedom fighters and would often participate in prayers, processions, and patriotic songs. By the age of eight, she was already part of rallies against British rule. Unlike most children of her age, she had a burning desire to serve the nation.
One incident from her childhood shows her spirit: when Mahatma Gandhi visited her area, young Usha joined other children in singing patriotic songs and shouting slogans like “Simon Go Back”. She always said later in life that her inspiration came from Gandhian ideals, especially truth and non-violence.
Education and Early Political Awareness
Usha was an intelligent student. She studied in Maharashtra and Gujarat, later moving to Bombay (now Mumbai) for higher studies. She joined Wilson College in Mumbai, where she pursued political science.
Even during her student life, she remained actively involved in the freedom struggle. She attended meetings of leaders, read nationalist literature, and followed news of movements closely. For Usha, education was not just about degrees but also about understanding the true condition of India under British rule.
Her father, being a judge in the British system, hoped that she would stay away from active politics. But Usha’s determination was so strong that after his death, she openly devoted herself to the national movement.
The Quit India Movement – A Turning Point
The year 1942 was a turning point in India’s struggle. The British were deeply involved in World War II, and Indian leaders felt it was the right time to demand complete independence. On 8 August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement with the slogan “Do or Die.”
The British immediately arrested top leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel. The Congress party was banned, meetings were prohibited, and newspapers were censored. The British thought that by silencing the leaders, the movement would collapse.
But the spirit of Indians could not be suppressed. It was at this moment that Usha Mehta stepped forward with extraordinary courage. She believed that the country needed a voice that could reach the people and keep the spirit of resistance alive.
Birth of the Secret Congress Radio
In August 1942, Usha Mehta, along with her close associates like Vithalbhai Jhaveri and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, decided to set up an underground radio station. It was named the Congress Radio, but popularly remembered as the Secret Congress Radio.
The station began broadcasting on 27 August 1942 from a hidden location in Bombay. It operated on the frequency 42.34 meters. The programs started with the words:
“This is the Congress Radio calling on 42.34 meters from somewhere in India.”
Through this radio, Usha and her team spread messages of hope, patriotism, and courage. They broadcast speeches of leaders, reported news of protests, strikes, and British atrocities, and kept alive the flame of the freedom struggle.
At a time when the British-controlled All India Radio spread propaganda, the Congress Radio gave Indians a sense of unity and strength.
Courage in the Face of Danger
Running an underground radio during British rule was an extremely dangerous task. The government was constantly trying to trace the location of the broadcasts. The police and intelligence officers used advanced technology to detect signals.
Usha and her team shifted their location frequently, often moving equipment secretly from one house to another. They used small rooms, basements, and even forests to hide their transmitters. The risks were immense—if caught, they could face long imprisonment.
Yet, Usha never lost her courage. She once said:
“When leaders were in jail and newspapers censored, we thought it was the time to do something which would keep the Congress flag flying.”
Arrest and Imprisonment
The British authorities worked tirelessly to track down the source of the Congress Radio. After months of effort, they finally succeeded. On 12 November 1942, Usha Mehta and her colleagues were arrested.
She was only 22 years old at that time. Despite her young age, she showed incredible bravery during interrogation. The British officers tried to force her to reveal names of others involved, but she refused to betray her comrades.
For her role, she was sentenced to imprisonment. During her time in jail, she suffered poor health and harsh treatment. But even behind bars, she remained committed to the cause of independence. She considered prison as her contribution to the struggle.
Life After Independence
When India finally achieved independence in 1947, Usha Mehta was overjoyed, but she also remained deeply humble. She never sought political power or fame for her role. Instead, she devoted her life to education, research, and social work.
She completed her PhD in Political Science from the University of Bombay. Her thesis was on “Political and Social Thought of Gandhi”, which reflected her lifelong admiration for Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
Usha Mehta became a respected professor at the University of Bombay, where she taught generations of students about Gandhian philosophy, Indian politics, and the history of the freedom struggle.
She was also associated with various social organizations and continued to spread the message of peace, non-violence, and democracy.
Recognition and Awards
Though she never worked for recognition, Usha Mehta’s contribution was eventually acknowledged. She received several honors, including:
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Padma Vibhushan (1998) – India’s second-highest civilian award.
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Recognition as a leading figure of the Quit India Movement.
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Her story has been included in history books, inspiring generations of Indians.
Personality and Ideals
Usha Mehta was known for her simplicity. She lived a modest life, wearing plain clothes, and never seeking luxury. She believed in the Gandhian ideal of living close to the people.
She also believed that independence was not just about political freedom but also about eradicating poverty, inequality, and injustice. Even in her later years, she kept reminding Indians that the real struggle was to build a just and equal society.
Death and Legacy
Usha Mehta passed away on 11 August 2000 at the age of 80. Her death marked the end of an era, but her story continues to inspire young Indians.
The Secret Congress Radio remains one of the most remarkable chapters of the independence movement. It showed that even in the darkest times, a few determined individuals could keep hope alive for millions.
Today, her life serves as a lesson that courage, conviction, and honesty can make a difference, no matter how young or ordinary one might seem.
Conclusion
Usha Mehta may not be as famous as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, or Bhagat Singh, but her contribution to India’s independence was unique and unforgettable. At a time when the voice of freedom was being silenced, she created a platform that gave India hope.
Her underground radio broadcasts were not just about news—they were about resistance, unity, and the undying dream of freedom.
She proved that the struggle for independence was not only fought on battlefields or in prisons but also through ideas, communication, and courage.
Usha Mehta will always be remembered as the woman whose voice echoed freedom across India during one of its most critical battles against colonial rule.
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