Aruna Asaf Ali (1909-1996) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and a key figure in the struggle for India’s independence from British colonial rule. She is best known for her role in hoisting the Indian National Congress flag during the Quit India Movement of 1942, which marked a significant moment in the Indian freedom struggle. Here is an overview of her life and contributions:

1. Early Life and Education: Aruna Asaf Ali was born on July 16, 1909, in Kalka, Haryana, India. She received her education in Delhi and later pursued higher studies in the United States.
2. Involvement in the Freedom Movement: Aruna Asaf Ali was deeply influenced by the Indian independence movement and the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. She joined the Indian National Congress and became an active participant in various protests and campaigns against British colonial rule.
3. Quit India Movement: Aruna Asaf Ali is most renowned for her courageous act of hoisting the Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan) in Mumbai on August 9, 1942, during the Quit India Movement. This symbolic act of defiance against the British authorities played a significant role in galvanizing the movement.
4. Arrest and Imprisonment: Following the flag hoisting, Aruna Asaf Ali went into hiding to evade arrest by the British authorities. She continued her underground activities and was eventually arrested and imprisoned for her participation in the Quit India Movement.
5. Post-Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, Aruna Asaf Ali remained active in public life. She was involved in various social and political causes and served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted the Indian Constitution.
6. Philanthropy and Social Work: Aruna Asaf Ali was known for her commitment to social causes, including women’s rights, education, and healthcare. She was involved in several charitable organizations and initiatives.
7. Death: Aruna Asaf Ali passed away on July 29, 1996, in New Delhi, India.
8. Legacy: Aruna Asaf Ali is remembered as a courageous freedom fighter and a symbol of women’s participation in the struggle for India’s independence. Her act of hoisting the flag in 1942 remains an iconic moment in the history of the Indian freedom movement.
9. Commemorations: Numerous institutions, awards, and landmarks have been named in her honor, including the Aruna Asaf Ali Marg in Delhi and the Aruna Asaf Ali Government Hospital in Delhi.

Aruna Asaf Ali’s contributions to the Indian freedom movement and her dedication to social causes continue to inspire generations of Indians. She is celebrated as a pioneering figure in the fight for India’s independence and a champion of women’s rights and social justice.