Monday 15 August 2022 | PNS | Bageshwar
While countless Indians fought for India’s freedom, there were also some like British lady Catherine Mary Heilman who was named Sarala Behen by MK Gandhi, who also did her bit for the independence of the nation from British rule.
During the Quit India movement, she spread awareness in the Kumaon region from the Lakshmi Ashram at Kausani. She encouraged the people by meeting the families of the sons who were lodged in jail during the freedom movement. Even today, her story has been kept alive at Kausani’s Lakshmi Ashram where people are still inspired by her courage.
Originally from England, Catherine Mary Heilman was influenced by the ideas of MK Gandhi and reached India in 1932 to meet him. On Gandhi’s advice, she changed her name to Sarala Behen.
She came to Almora in 1941 and while staying at Chanoda Gandhi Ashram near Kausani, she actively participated in the movement for India’s independence along with social work.
She also helped organize and lead the movement in various parts of Kumaon. She traveled extensively in the region to reach out to the families of political prisoners. Her actions challenged the colonial rulers who found it hard to digest that a British woman was fighting for India’s freedom. She was arrested by the colonial government which initially sent her to Almora jail and then imprisoned her in the Lucknow jail. She spent about two years in jail. Coming to Kausani after her release from jail, she worked to promote Gandhi’s ideology and educate women. She founded the Kasturba Mahila Utthan Mandal (Lakshmi Ashram) at Kausani in 1946. From here she launched a campaign for environmental protection, women empowerment and basic education to the girl child.
