Freedom fighter and Social activist Hema Bharali passes away at 102 in Guwahati 

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam born freedom fighter and social activist and Padma Hema Bharali passed away at her residence in Guwahati on Wednesday. She was 102 years old.

She is known for her initiative to establish the Kasturba Ashram Pub Sarania.

The Assam Government has announced that her last rites would be held with State honours. However, prior to her death, she had donated her body to the GMCH (Guwahati Medical College Hospital) and her eyes to Nethralaya.

Assam Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi in a condolence message stated that with her death the state has lost a social worker and a Gandhian thinker. She was known for her contributions for the empowerment of women who also worked tirelessly for the uplift of the socially and economically challenged sections of the society. Her life and works will continue to be a source of inspiration for the present and upcoming generations in the State.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed grief about her death and said that she was an inspiration for everyone for her role in the society.

Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in a condolence statement stated, “Hema Bharali was an eminent social worker, Sarvodaya leader and a true Gandhian. Her service for women empowerment and upliftment of the poor and marginalized people will be ever remembered. Her demise is an irreparable loss to our society.”

Former CM Tarun Gogoi, AGP president Atul Bora, State BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass also expressed grief for her demise.

Hema Bharali was born on 19 February 1919 and is known to have taken to social work from an early age. She became active in the Indian freedom struggle and when an earthquake caused devastation in North Lakhimpur area in 1950, she took part in the relief operations. A year later, she joined the Bhoodan movement launched by Vinoba Bhave in 1951 and became one of its leaders. She was a part of the team, led by Vinoba Bhave, who were involved in the service of the victims of the war-torn area of Tezpur and stayed at Maitreyi Ashram of Bhave during the operations. She was also involved with the Padayatra in connection with the Bhoodan movement and was a founder member of the executive council of the Central Social Welfare Board.

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