Congress Radio: A Comprehensive Account
Historical Context and the Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement, launched on 8 August 1942, marked a turning point in India’s
independence struggle. Spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi, it called for the British to leave
India immediately, sparking nationwide protests. Gandhi’s famous speech at Bombay’s
Gowalia Tank Maidan urged Indians to adopt a nonviolent but uncompromising stance
against colonial rule. He called upon every Indian to "Do or Die" in their pursuit of
freedom.
Within hours of the movement’s initiation, Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders
were arrested, leaving the movement leaderless. Despite this setback, grassroots activists
and ordinary citizens took up the mantle, staging protests, strikes, and acts of defiance
across the country. Amid this chaos, Congress Radio emerged as a revolutionary tool to
bypass British control over information, share updates on the movement, and inspire
Indians to persist in their fight.
Congress Radio: Its Founders and Purpose
Congress Radio was established by a small group of young activists in Bombay. These
individuals had no formal broadcasting experience but shared a deep commitment to the
independence movement.
- Usha Mehta: At just 22 years old, Usha Mehta became the station’s most recognizable
voice. A devout follower of Gandhi, she had already been active in the freedom struggle
through smaller protests. Her calm yet powerful broadcasts became the soul of Congress
Radio, inspiring listeners across Bombay.
- V. M. Khakar: He secured funding for the station and maintained critical connections
with underground Congress leaders.
- Nariman Printer: A skilled radio technician, he built the station’s transmitter using
dismantled and hidden equipment, defying British orders to surrender amateur radio
parts.
- Supporting Figures: Sucheta Kripalani helped prepare news bulletins; Ram Manohar
Lohia and Achyut Patwardhan provided logistical and financial support. Nanak Motwane,
a radio equipment supplier, also contributed vital technical resources.
Their shared vision was clear: to keep the spirit of the Quit India Movement alive by
spreading uncensored news, broadcasting speeches by Gandhi and other leaders, and
encouraging resistance.
Broadcast Operations and Content
Congress Radio first went on air in August 1942. Operating with a low-power
transmitter, it had a limited range but a significant impact. Its broadcasts included:
1. Speeches by Gandhi and Congress Leaders: The station frequently aired readings or
recordings of Gandhi’s addresses, keeping his message alive despite his imprisonment.
2. Updates on the Freedom Struggle: Congress Radio bypassed British censorship by
reporting on ongoing protests, strikes, and other acts of defiance.
3. Patriotic Songs and Messages: These broadcasts aimed to inspire hope and unite
Indians in their struggle against colonial rule.
The station frequently changed locations to evade detection, broadcasting from various
secret spots in Bombay. Its makeshift operations and frequent disruptions added to its
rebellious charm, symbolizing the spirit of defiance that defined the Quit India
Movement.
Broader Context: Role of Movements and Media
Congress Radio was not the first attempt to use alternative media for political resistance.
During World War II, Axis powers like Germany and Japan used Indian-language
broadcasts to spread propaganda. Leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose used such platforms
to garner support for the Indian National Army (INA) and inspire revolutionary
sentiments. These broadcasts likely influenced the idea of using radio as a tool for India’s
independence.
Moreover, Congress Radio was part of a larger network of resistance during Quit India.
Underground initiatives in cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, and Calcutta also attempted to
set up secret radio stations, though none achieved the same prominence. These efforts
demonstrated how the Quit India Movement empowered ordinary Indians to innovate and
resist in their own ways.
Challenges and the British Crackdown
Running Congress Radio was fraught with risks. The station’s low-power transmitter had
limited reach and often faced technical difficulties. Additionally, the team had to
constantly move locations to avoid detection by the British police. Despite these
challenges, Congress Radio continued broadcasting for several months, inspiring
resistance and becoming a beacon of hope.
In November 1942, British authorities finally located and raided the station. Usha Mehta,
along with several other key members, was arrested. During their trial, Usha Mehta’s
unwavering resolve and eloquent defense turned her into a national hero. The British
sentenced her and others to harsh prison terms, but their sacrifices only strengthened the
resolve of the independence movement.
Symbolism and Legacy
Congress Radio’s importance transcended its technical limitations and brief existence:
- Symbol of Defiance: It challenged British authority by proving that even ordinary
Indians could use modern technology to disrupt colonial power.
- Empowering Women and Youth: Figures like Usha Mehta showcased the critical role of
young people and women in the freedom struggle, breaking social norms of the time.
- Inspiration for Future Media: Congress Radio demonstrated the power of
communication as a tool for resistance, setting the stage for the role of media in post-
independence India.
- Legacy in Movements: It inspired similar initiatives and became a lasting symbol of
courage, ingenuity, and commitment to justice.
Conclusion
Congress Radio was much more than an underground radio station; it was a bold
experiment in using technology for social and political change. In the face of British
suppression, it became a voice of hope, resilience, and defiance. Its story highlights the
critical role of innovation, grassroots activism, and the indomitable spirit of young
freedom fighters in India’s journey to independence. Today, it stands as a testament to the
power of communication and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the pursuit of
justice and freedom.
