Saraswatibai Chaudhari was born in 1898 and resided in Khiroda Village, Raver tehsil of Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. Her husband, Dhanaji Nana Chaudhari, served as a police officer under the British government. However, upon Mahatma Gandhi's call to join India's freedom movement, he resigned from his position, a decision Saraswatibai wholeheartedly supported without hesitation. Inspired by her husband's principles, she actively engaged in the struggle for India's independence.
In 1936, the Indian National Congress organized its inaugural rural session in Faizpur. Dhanaji Nana played a pivotal role in arranging this session, serving as its secretary. Saraswatibai, along with her children, dedicated themselves as volunteers, contributing significantly to the event. This experience allowed her to interact with and learn from prominent Congress leaders.
Together, they established the Swarajya Ashram in Khiroda, just 7km from Faizpur, to further the cause of national service. The ashram focused on various vocational training activities and community development initiatives, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and patriotism. Despite facing government seizure during the movement of 1932, Saraswatibai remained resilient, actively participating in constructive endeavours such as Khadi village industries and educational programs.
During the Quit India movement of 1942, Saraswatibai fearlessly participated in rallies and meetings, advocating for independence. Consequently, she faced a six-month sentence of hard labour in the Bhusawal court. After release, she engaged in social activities.
Saraswatibai Chaudhari passed away in 1975.
Name mentioned in Gazetteer Government of Maharashtra
Source: Vijay Balasaheb Pawbake, Contributor for CCRT.