Samaldas Gandhi

Samaldas Gandhi (1897–1953) was a journalist and Indian independence activist who headed the Aarzi Hakumat or Provisional Government of the erstwhile princely state of Junagadh. He was a nephew of Mahatma Gandhi.

Early life Samaldas was born in 1897. He was a son of Laxmidas/Kalidas Karamchand Gandhi and Nandkunwarba. Samaldas was a close follower of his uncle, Mahatma Gandhi.

Career

Journalism Gandhi joined Gujarati evening newspaper Janmabhoomi. He served as a deputy editor and later editor of it from 1937 to 1940. Due to differences with Amrutlal Sheth, the founder of Janmabhoomi, regarding policy regarding princely states, he left Janmabhoomi in 1940 and started a new Gujarati daily Vande Mataram. Vande Mataram became popular.

Politics He was active in politics and social activities. He was the President of Kathiawar Praja Mandal which brought awareness in Bombay regarding problem of people of Kathiawar. He was also welcome president of the Kathiawar Praja Sammelan held at Azad Maidan in Bombay in June 1947. He opposed Jam Group Scheme regarding integration of princely states of Kathiawar.

Personal life He married Vijayaben and had two sons, Kishor and Hemant; and two daughters, Pushpa and Manjari. Kishor Gandhi published a children's magazine Ramakadu.