Ghelubhai Nayak

Ghelubhai Naik (1924 – 16 January 2015), popularly called Ghelukaka, was an activist and Gandhian from Gujarat, India.

Life

Ghelubhai Naik was born in 1924 to Laxmiben in Kolva village near Gandevi, Valsad district, Gujarat. He first met Mahatma Gandhi at Rentiyashala of Amalsad when he was eleven. He studied Master of Social Welfare from Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai. He and his brother Chhotubhai Naik, were mentored by Jugatram Dave. In 1948, both brothers went to tribal Dang district when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel asked them. As a Sarvodaya worker, he co-founded Dang Swaraj Ashram with his brother and Chunilal Vaidya at Ahwa to promote education and social reforms in tribals. He helped in establishment of the first Ashram Shala (residential school for tribal children) at Kalibel in 1949. Later more than hundred Ashram Shala were opened in tribal areas. He also organized a health and cleanliness awareness programme called Gam chalyu nahva (village goes to bath).[1][2]

During Mahagujarat Movement, he helped in prevention accession of Dang district with Maharashtra.[1][2][3] He also opposed Christian Missionaries converting tribals in Dang to Christianity.[4][5]

He died on 16 January 2015 at Surat Gujarat.[1][2]

Awards

He received Gramseva Award of the Gujarat Vidyapith in 1999.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Thomas, Melvyn Reggie (16 January 2015). "Veteran freedom fighter from Dangs, Ghelubhai Naik passes away". The Times of India Mobile Site. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 DeshGujarat (16 January 2015). "Father figure of tribal Dang region of Gujarat Ghelubhai Nayak passes away". DeshGujarat. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  3. ↑ DeshGujarat (16 January 2015). "How Ghelubhai Nayak and brother Chhotubhai convinced Jawaharlal on Dang's merger with Gujarat". DeshGujarat. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  4. ↑ Lavakare, Arvind (19 January 1999). "A Gandhian Speaks Out From Dangs". Rediff.com. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  5. 1 2 DeshGujarat (16 January 2015). "Ghelubhai Nayak gave protection cover to Gujarat against false propaganda campaign in 1999". DeshGujarat. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
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