Renowned Gandhian G.G. Parikh Passes Away

• 03 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

Dr. Gunvantrai Ganpatlal (G.G.) Parikh, a Gandhian, freedom fighter, and socialist leader, passed away on 2nd October 2025 at the age of 101. 

• He spent his life strengthening the labour movement, consumer co-operatives, and spreading democratic socialist values. 

Key Points 

• Early Life and Role in Freedom Struggle: 
  • Born in Rajkot on 30th December 1924. 
  • Participated in the Quit India Movement (1942) and was imprisoned for 10 months. 
  • Mentored by Acharya Narendra Dev, which shaped his socialist ideology. 
  • Married Mangala Parikh, a Gandhian and Shantiniketan alumna, in 1948. 
• Contributions to Public Life: 
  • Medical Service: A practicing doctor in Mumbai and rural Maharashtra; ran clinics for decades, treating the underprivileged at nominal charges. 
  • Labour Movement: Active in Hind Mazdoor Sabha, leading workers’ struggles for rights and dignity. 
  • Political Role: Associated with Samajwadi Paksha, Seva Dal, and later the Janata Party after the Emergency. 
  • Emergency Era: Arrested during the Emergency; linked with the Baroda Dynamite case. 
• Yusuf Meherally Centre: Founded in 1962 at Taara village, Panvel (Raigad district, Maharashtra). 
  • Promoted Gramodyog (village industries) aligned with Gandhian ideals. 
• Social and Political Movements: 
  • Builder of consumer co-operatives like Apna Bazaar, Gaondevi Society, and Nan Chowk Society. 
  • Promoted women’s empowerment through Samajwadi Mahila Sabha. 
  • Advocated for communal harmony, led a Bharat Yatra (2005) to involve youth in grassroots development. 
  • Supported zero-carbon initiatives and experimented with sustainable agriculture. 
• Legacy & Relevance: 
  • Embodied Gandhian values of service, self-reliance, and grassroots empowerment. 
  • His life reflects the interlinkage of freedom struggle, socialism, and community development—a model of democratic socialism in practice.