UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 78 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Usha Mehta Congress Radio

With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for

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Answer: A. Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement

Correct Answer: Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement

Usha Mehta was a young freedom fighter associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942. She is best known for running the underground Congress Radio.

1. Running the secret Congress Radio during Quit India Movement — Correct

Usha Mehta helped start the underground Congress Radio on 14 August 1942.

It broadcast messages, news of the movement and speeches of nationalist leaders after the British arrested top Congress leaders.

2. Participating in the Second Round Table Conference — Incorrect

The Second Round Table Conference was held in 1931.

Usha Mehta was only a child then. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu were associated with it.

3. Leading a contingent of the Indian National Army — Incorrect

This refers to Captain Lakshmi Sahgal.

She led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army under Subhas Chandra Bose.

4. Helping form the Interim Government in 1946 — Incorrect

The Interim Government was formed by senior political leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and others.

Usha Mehta’s major contribution was as an underground activist during the Quit India Movement.

* Usha Mehta is also remembered as the Radio Lady of India.

* Congress Radio was also called the Voice of Freedom.

* It operated secretly for nearly three months in 1942.

* Ram Manohar Lohia also broadcast messages through Congress Radio.

* Usha Mehta was arrested by the British in November 1942.

* She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1998.

Usha Mehta is remembered for running the secret Congress Radio, which kept the Quit India Movement alive after the arrest of major Congress leaders.

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