India bids a sorrowful farewell to G.G. Parikh, the esteemed Gandhian and freedom fighter, who peacefully passed away at the remarkable age of 101 in the early hours of Thursday, October 2, 2025. Parikh, a beacon of democratic socialism, dedicated his long life to empowering grassroots communities and championing the labour movement, a commitment that saw him imprisoned during both the Quit India Movement and the Emergency.
Those who knew him best recall G.G. Parikh as a staunch advocate for freedom, secularism, and democratic socialism. His tireless efforts extended to building robust labour movements and consumer cooperatives. Driven by a vision to instill socialist democratic values in younger generations, he founded the Yusuf Meherally Centre in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. This organization has since blossomed, impacting over 12 states by empowering local communities through sustainable industries. In his later years, Parikh passionately championed the zero-carbon movement, reflecting his enduring commitment to a better world.
Following Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, Parikh’s dedication to local empowerment manifested in the establishment of ‘gramodyog’ or rural enterprises. Madhu Mohite, secretary of the Yusuf Meherally Centre, shares how his work began in 1962 in Taara village, Panvel. What started there has grown into thriving local industries producing organic soaps, traditional mud pottery, and bakery items. Villagers have also gained skills in carpentry, vermicomposting, and nursery management. Today, Taara village proudly hosts three schools and a hostel for 100-125 girls, alongside a fully operational hospital—a testament to Parikh’s transformative vision.
G.G. Parikh (center, in beige kurta) pictured with his wife and Haresh Shah, former joint secretary of the Yusuf Meherally Centre. This file photo captures a moment with the inspiring leader.
Mohite emphasized Parikh’s proactive approach: ‘He didn’t just wait for government intervention. He galvanized people, taking the initiative to establish vital consumer cooperatives like Apna Bazaar, Gaondevi consumer society, and Nan Chowk consumer society.’ Beyond economic initiatives, Parikh was a strong advocate for social justice, organizing women through the ‘samajwadi mahila sabha’ and tirelessly supporting laborers and the development of village industries.
In 2005, at an advanced age, G.G. Parikh embarked on a ‘Bharat Yatra’ (journey across India) to promote communal harmony and inspire youth involvement in regional development. This ambitious endeavor significantly broadened the reach of the Yusuf Meherally Centre, which now sees young leaders across 12 states spearheading the creation of village industries for local economic empowerment.
Recognizing the urgent threat of climate change, Parikh became a vocal proponent of the zero-carbon movement in recent years, passionately advocating for widespread public participation and awareness.
Born in Rajkot on December 30, 1924, Parikh’s journey as an activist began early. At just 18, he joined the historic Quit India Movement in 1942, a courageous act that led to his ten-month imprisonment by the British. During this formative period, he encountered Acharya Narendra Dev, whose mentorship profoundly shaped Parikh’s robust ideological foundations.
1948 marked significant milestones for G.G. Parikh: he married Mangala Parikh, a fellow follower of Gandhian principles and an alumna of Shantiniketan. That same year, he immersed himself in the Samajwadi Paksha (Socialist Party) and took on leadership roles within the Hind Mazdoor Sabha labor union. Demonstrating his deep commitment to community welfare, he also established and managed a dispensary in Chikhalwadi, Grant Road, Mumbai.
His activism continued into the 1960s with his involvement in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement. Later, during the turbulent Emergency period, his principled participation in protests again led to his incarceration. Undeterred, Parikh initiated his impactful work in Panvel taluka, Raigad district, near Mumbai, in 1962, beginning with a weekly Sunday health clinic. His efforts gradually expanded, bringing essential services to Ratnagiri district too.
Madhu Mohite poignantly reflected on Parikh’s enduring legacy: ‘We have lost a guiding force, a man instrumental in molding activists (‘karyakartas’), offering invaluable constructive guidance, and tirelessly working to embed socialist values without relying solely on government action. He was a true architect of consumer societies. Until his very last breath, he dedicated himself to fostering a democratic, secular society. We offer him our deepest respects.’
In a final act of generosity reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, G.G. Parikh’s mortal remains were donated to Mumbai’s prominent J.J. Hospital, fulfilling his last wish. He is survived by his beloved daughter, a grandson, and a sister-in-law, whose lives, like countless others, were touched by his profound impact.