Google celebrated Venu Chitale's 111th birthday with a colourful and touching Doodle, honouring her achievements as a broadcaster, activist, and author on 28th Dec, Thursday. Chitale started her education in Mumbai when she was young, but later moved to England to study at University College London and Oxford University.
Her story takes place during the time before World War II. She dedicated herself to community safety by volunteering at an air raid shelter. This was the beginning of her legacy and set the stage for her to become a powerful voice for the people, as shown in the Google Doodle.
“This was the beginning of her legacy as a voice of the people," the description said.
In 1940, Z. A. Bukhari asked Chitale to join BBC Radio as a secretary to George Orwell, the producer of BBC talks in the India Section of BBC Radio's Eastern Service. Her colleagues at that time were Una Marson, Mulk Raj Anand, Balraj Sahni, and Princess Indira of Kapurthala. Chitale would write and present a program preview every month, which Orwell would edit, and she would often read translated scripts in Marathi, her native language.
Chitale's important position as George Orwell's secretary allowed her to explore her talent as a translator-broadcaster on BBC Radio's Eastern Services. Her broadcasts skillfully challenged stereotypes about Indians and brought attention to the difficulties experienced by British women and children. This established her as a prominent advocate and promoter of awareness.
Chitale's dedication to activism and humanitarian work continued even after her successful career at BBC. She actively supported India's independence and self-rule as a member of the India League in London. After the Partition, she selflessly cared for people in Delhi refugee camps upon her return to Bombay, showcasing her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.
In 1945, she visited India to attend the eighteenth All India Women's Conference in Hyderabad, held from 28 December 1945 to 1 January 1946. During this time, she was introduced by Sarojini Naidu and encouraged Indians to learn multiple Indian languages to foster greater unity.
In 1950, Chitale delved into the world of literature and wrote novels and published her first novel, the same year, which delves into the lives of three generations of an Indian family amidst the interwar years. Her literary works not only reflected the era but also established her as a versatile influencer.
Chitale passed away at the age of 82 on January 1, 1995. Vijaya Deo documented her life in a chapter of the Marathi book Sakhe Soyare. The BBC created a video about her in 2017.
Venu Chitale's life was filled with remarkable achievements, showcasing her resilience and dedication to serving the public. Despite facing challenges, she followed an unconventional path that inspired others and played a crucial role in India's journey to independence.
Google's special Doodle paid tribute to Venu Chitale, capturing the essence of her impactful legacy. As the world celebrates her 111th birthday, her contributions to broadcasting, activism, and literature continue to inspire future generations.
(With Input from agencies)
Photo: Wikkipedia
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