Mridula Sarabhai

Mridula Sarabhai Biography

Mridula Sarabhai was an activist and politician from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She lived during the period, 6 May 1911 – 26 October 1974. A member of Sarabhai industrial family, many of his family members established themselves in different fields and earned success and fame. Ambalal Sarabhai, Vikram Sarabhai, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mallika Sarabhai, Kartikeya Sarabhai, Anasuya Sarabhai, Gautam Sarabhai and Revanta Sarabhai are among other famous members of Sarabhai business family, associated with the fields of arts, business, politics etc. She is the daughter of Ambalal Sarabhai – the leading industrialist and textile owner from Gujarat who was founder of Sarabhai group of Companies.

Mridula Sarabhai was born into a rich business family of Ahmedabad. Her father Ambalal Sarabhai set up many industries in different parts of the country. Mridula is the sibling of Vikram Sarabhai, a world famous scientist best known for his contributions towards India's space programme. Her sister-in-law Mrinalini Sarabhai and niece Mallika Sarabhai are famous classical dancers. Mridula Sarabhai’s education was done at home. Later she enrolled at Gujarat Vidyapeeth for higher studies. But she discontinued the studies in order to participate in the Salt Satyagraha. She was imprisoned by British for her participation in Salt Satyagraha.

Though she had opportunities to study abroad, she didn’t go, as she was deeply influenced by Swadesi movement. As a child of ten, she worked with the Vanara Sena organized by Indira Gandhi. She worked with Jawaharlal Nehru for Youth Conference in Rajkot in 1927. Nehru later acted as her mentor in her social life. In 1946, Pandit Nehru appointed her as one of the General Secretaries of the Congress party. However after independence, she became disillusioned with Congress, and also became the vocal supporter of Sheikh Abdullah.

Published: January 07, 2019

Updated: January 07, 2019