Asaf Ali (1888-1953)

Birth anniversary of Asaf Ali was recently celebrated.

About the Asaf Ali:

• Asaf Ali (1888-1953) was a freedom fighter, lawyer, political leader, and diplomat in independent India.
• Birth: May 11, 1888, in Bijnor, present-day Uttar Pradesh.
• Spouse: Aruna Asaf Ali, a freedom fighter who hoisted the national flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan during the Quit India Movement.
• Contributions before independence:
• Participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (resigned from Privy Council), Civil Disobedience Movement, Individual Satyagraha (imprisoned), and Quit India Movement (imprisoned).
• Indian National Congress: President during 1928-29 and member of the Congress Working Committee.
• Elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1935 as a member of the Muslim Nationalist Party.
• Founding member of the Home Rule League at Delhi.
• Defence counsel: Defended freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt.
• INA Defence Team: Convened the team in 1945 to defend INA officers charged with treason.
• Minister for Railways during the formation of the interim government in August 1946.
• Member of Constituent Assembly: Responsible for drafting India’s constitution.
• Post-independence contributions:
• Ambassador to the US: First Ambassador of independent India to the US.
• Governor of Odisha: Served two terms as Governor.
• Ambassador to Switzerland: Passed away while serving in this role.

Ref: Source