Maharashtra Law and Judiciary Minister of State (MoS) Aditi Tatkare visited Raigad’s Yusuf Meherally Centre on April 30, 2022 to celebrate 60 years of rural development in Tara village. Founder Dr. GG Parikh also attended the event to honour the memory of the freedom fighter in whose name the centre was built.
Yusuf Meher Ali was a prominent freedom fighter and socialist leader. He played a significant role in several peasant and trade union movements during the freedom struggle. He is best known for his slogan ‘Simon Go Back’. Ali is also said to have coined the slogan ‘Quit India’ for the Quit India Movement and has been photographed alongside Mahatma Gandhi during the nationwide campaign for independence. Additionally, he was elected Mayor of Bombay in 1942 while he was imprisoned in Yerawada Central Prison.
For all his services to India, another renowned freedom fighter Parikh established the centre in his name. During earlier talks with news media like Indian Express, the 92-year-old said he believed India’s true freedom came from rural development. In line with this, the centre takes up several social initiatives for education, health care, women empowerment, organizing youth, employment, environmental protection, inculcating values from the freedom movement and providing relief during natural calamities.
On Saturday, supporters of the centre came together to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Yusuf Meherally Centre that has reached out to nine states across India. Tatkare inaugurated a bust of Ali at the centre along Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
With Shri. Tushar Gandhi at a function to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Yusuf Meherally Centre at village Tara in Raigad District. Dr. G.G. Parikh started YMC in 1962 and it is active now in 9 states across India. pic.twitter.com/BVQOmJlOGk
— Anil Hebbar (@anil_hebbar) April 30, 2022
The attendees gathered in hundreds and cheered for Parikh, Ali and other freedom fighters who fought for an independent India.
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