Janaki Devi Bajaj (Aged 86) born on 7th January 1893, was an Indian independence activist who was imprisoned for her participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932. Her marriage was entirely harmonious and conventional, and she was a devoted wife and mother. At the time of their wedding, the Bajaj family was an average middle-class trading family, but over the years, Jamnalal built a large business empire and became one of India’s earliest industrialists.
Even more remarkable was Jamnalal’s reaction to his great wealth. He became more frugal and abstinent as his wealth grew, rejoicing in frugality rather than luxury, an instinct deeply rooted in Indian culture. This self-denial and simplicity would hardly have been possible but for the fact that Jankidevi wholeheartedly shared her husband’s instincts, rooted in Indian tradition, and likewise embraced simplicity.
Mahatma Gandhi was so affected and approving of Jamnalal’s demeanor that he repeatedly declared “Jamnalal is my fifth son.” Jamnalal was the outstanding exemplar of the concept of trusteeship propounded by Gandhi. He participated in the freedom struggle movement, and Jankidevi also took up khadi spinning on the charkha, working for Gauseva and the betterment of the lives of harijans and their temple entry in 1928. After independence, she worked with Vinoba Bhave on the Bhoodan movement.
She served as the President of Akhil Bhartiya Goseva Sangh for many years since 1942. She was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in 1956. She published her autobiography titled “Meri Jivan Yatra” in 1965. She passed away on 21st May 1979. Many educational institutions and awards have been set up in her memory.
Janaki Devi Bajaj
(1893 – 1979) – (Madhya Pradesh)
Janaki Devi Bajaj (Aged 86) born on 7th January 1893, was an Indian independence activist who was imprisoned for her participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932. Her marriage was entirely harmonious and conventional, and she was a devoted wife and mother. At the time of their wedding, the Bajaj family was an average middle-class trading family, but over the years, Jamnalal built a large business empire and became one of India’s earliest industrialists.
Even more remarkable was Jamnalal’s reaction to his great wealth. He became more frugal and abstinent as his wealth grew, rejoicing in frugality rather than luxury, an instinct deeply rooted in Indian culture. This self-denial and simplicity would hardly have been possible but for the fact that Jankidevi wholeheartedly shared her husband’s instincts, rooted in Indian tradition, and likewise embraced simplicity.
Mahatma Gandhi was so affected and approving of Jamnalal’s demeanor that he repeatedly declared “Jamnalal is my fifth son.” Jamnalal was the outstanding exemplar of the concept of trusteeship propounded by Gandhi. He participated in the freedom struggle movement, and Jankidevi also took up khadi spinning on the charkha, working for Gauseva and the betterment of the lives of harijans and their temple entry in 1928. After independence, she worked with Vinoba Bhave on the Bhoodan movement.
She served as the President of Akhil Bhartiya Goseva Sangh for many years since 1942. She was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in 1956. She published her autobiography titled “Meri Jivan Yatra” in 1965. She passed away on 21st May 1979. Many educational institutions and awards have been set up in her memory.
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