Freedom Fighter And Social Worker Shakuntala Choudhary Passes Away At 102

Shakuntala Choudhary, a 102 years old freedom fighter who was renowned for her Gandhian social work, passed away on February 20. Choudhary, fondly known as Shakuntala Baideo, hailed from Kamrup in the state of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma paid their condolences on the death of Choudhary via social media today.

Earlier this year, Chaudhary had been honoured with one of the highest civilian awards, Padma Shri by the Government of India for her social work. She is known to have worked for the well-being of people, especially women and children in her native state.

On her death, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote, "Shakuntala Choudhary Ji will be remembered for her lifelong efforts to promote Gandhian values. Her noble work at the Sarania Ashram positively impacted many lives. Saddened by her passing away. My thoughts are with her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti."

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The Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a picture of Choudhary and wrote, "Deeply anguished at the passing away of veteran Gandhian and Padma Shri Shakuntala Choudhary. Her life was devoted to selfless service, truth, simplicity and non-violence at Sarania Ashram, Guwahati where Mahatma Gandhi had stayed in 1946. My prayers for her sadgati Om Shanti!"

Shakuntala Choudhary Death: Know More About Her

Shakuntala Choudhary was also a recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj award, amongst many honours bestowed upon her by the state and centre. She has also been at the forefront of the Gram Sevika Vidyalaya, which is the Gandhian institution and Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT) since 1947 in the Assam branch.

On June 25, 2020, she had turned 100-years-old and on the occasion, a simple function was organised by the residents of the ashram that she ran in Guwahati. A prayer meeting was held but no invitees were allowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The niece of Choudhary, Chandana Choudhary Barua told PTI, "We and all the inmates of the ashram where she lives had hoped to celebrate her 100th birthday with several programs but due to the prevailing situation, it was kept simple but she enjoyed the day."

Choudhary was also a close associate to Vinoba Bhave and had participated in Padayatra, which was one and half years long and was held during Gandhi's Bhooban movement. She acted as an interpreter and helped Gandhi convey his message to people in Assamese.

Feature Image Credit: Navbharat Times