Asoka Mehta Biography 
Asoka Mehta was an Indian freedom fighter and socialist politician from Bhavnagar, who lived during the period, 24 October 1911 – 1984. Best known for his involvement in the formation of the socialist wing of the Indian National Congress, along with Jaya Prakash Narayan, he is widely regarded as a prominent political figure in the politics of Mumbai, then known as Bombay. He served as the Chairman of Ashok Mehta Committee under the Janata government. Economic Planning in India, Who Owns India?, Democratic Socialism, Studies in Socialism and Reflections on Socialist Era are some of the books authored by him.
Ashok Mehta was born in Bhavnagar, present-day Gujarat on 24 October 1911. He is the son of prominent Gujarati writer, Ranjitram Mehta best known for the book, Ranjitram Gadyasanchay published in two volumes. He was also the founder of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, dedicated to Gujarati literature. Ashok completed his schooling from Ahmedabad and Sholapur, followed by his graduation from Bombay University in 1931. It was during his academic years in Mumbai, he was introduced to Swadesi Movement.
He got involved in freedom struggle movement demanding freedom from British. He participated in Civil Disobedience Movement, got arrested and jailed as well. For his participation in Quit India movement in 1942, he got arrested again. After India's independence, he helped organize trade unions in Mumbai. He was one of the founders of INTUC. He also served as Mayor of Bombay city from 1946 to 1947.
Mehta was a founder member of Socialist Party. With early 1950s, he concentrated most on to his writing career. After he was expelled from Praja Socialist Party, he joined Indian National Congress in 1964. He was also a parliamentarian, who remained a member of Lok Sabha three times since 1954, and a member of Rajya Sabha once. He was arrested during the Emergency period. He passed away in 1984.
Published: January 07, 2019
Updated: January 07, 2019
