Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar left law practice to participate in the freedom movement
He played an active role in the independence movement from Gujarat in the 1930s-1940s and went to jail several times. He spent about six years in jail and undertook reform work for the welfare of inmates.
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Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar, India's renowned freedom fighter and the first speaker of the Lok Sabha, was born on 27 November 1888 in Baroda, Gujarat. He is also fondly known as 'Dadasaheb' and GV Mavalankar. Mavalankar came to Ahmedabad in the year 1902 for higher education and did his B.A from 'Gujarat College'. After obtaining a law degree from 'Mumbai University', he started a law practice in Ahmedabad and within a short span of time carved a niche for himself.
However, having a keen interest in social work as well, he came in contact with eminent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and within a short span of time he joined many prominent social organizations in Gujarat. He played an active role in the independence movement from Gujarat in the 1930s-1940s and went to jail several times. He spent about six years in jail and undertook reform work for the welfare of inmates. He was a learned man with knowledge of several languages. He also actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and Salt Satyagraha. Mavalankar always played a pivotal role in rescue work during times of natural calamity, famine, social crisis, or any kind of political crisis. He exhibited a special interest in writing and has many literary achievements.
His book 'Manavtana Jharna' written in the Gujarati language consists of true stories of the prisoners whom he met and guided during their prison term from the period of 1942 to 1944 during the freedom struggle. GV Mavalankar was elected to the Bombay Legislative Assembly in 1937 representing Ahmedabad city. He was the Speaker of the Bombay Legislative Assembly from 1937 to 1946. He was elected the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha in May 1952 after the first general elections of independent India and was elected unopposed. As Speaker of the first Lok Sabha, Mavalankar set procedures and conventions in line with the ethos of the country.
Courtesy : SAPTARISHI
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