Shaikh Ghalib Saheb :- A Great Freedom Fighter of India who fought against the British Empire.
Shaik Ghalib Saheb, who groomed the students and youth organisations to play key role in the Indian freedom movement against the British, was born on 15 July, 1904 in Guntur of Andhra Pradesh state. His father was Shaik Chingi Shah and mother Ameenabi. He was inspired by the selfless activities of the freedom fighters at Guntur and took membership in the Indian National Congress in 1928. As he wanted to intensify the National Movement, he concentrated on the formation of the students’ and youth organizations. Since Shaik Ghalib Saheb had great respect towards the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, he followed the thoughts and deeds of Mahatma in religious spirit. Though he was offered a government job, he refused to join the same in order to dedicate himself to the Indian National Movement. He was running a laundry at Brodipet in Guntur town in his brother’s name. It became the center for the freedom fighters for their secret meetings. He was jailed for participating in the Salt Satyagraha in response to the call given by Mahatma Gandhi. Inspired by the Muslim ulemas, Galib saheb wanted harmony between the Hindus and Muslims and made good efforts in this regard. He led the Muslim Mass Contact Movement from 1937 to 1941 as its Secretary. During that period, he also discharged several responsibilities as the member of the Guntur Municipal Council. He also participated in the Individual Satyagraha in 1940 and the Quit India Movement in 1942, for which he was imprisoned. His health was spoiled because of the rigorous imprisonments. Shaik Ghalib Saheb opposed the divisive politics of the Muslim League and alerted people of the future dangers by organising several activities and programmes. After his recovery from the ill health in 1947, he became the provisional parliament member in 1950. Shaik Ghalib Saheb contested as Congress candidate in the first Loksabha Elections but suffered defeat. Later on, he became the Rajyasabha member in 1954, but resigned in 1958 on the request of the party. Later he worked as the Member of the State Legislative Council from 1958-1969. He was the president of the prestigious ‘Anjuman Islamia of Guntur’ for a pretty long period and thus creating history. Shaik Ghalib Saheb, who played a key role in the Indian National Movement and dedicated his life to serve the people, passed away on 21 August, 1970.
(Source : The Immortals, an album of 155 Muslim Freedom Fighters with the brief of each MFF in English and Telugu, authored by Syed Naseer Ahamed, Mobile : 9440241727)
