Venu Chitale's 111st Birthday

Dec 28, 2023

Venu Chitale's 111st Birthday

This Doodle celebrates Indian broadcaster and public servantVenu Chitale, who is widely remembered as an influential radio personality in the UK during World War II.

About the Doodle:

Venu Chitale's 111st Birthday

Chitale was born on this day in 1912 in Maharashtra, India.

About the Doodle:

As a child, Chitale attended schools in Mumbai but eventually moved to England to study at both University College London and Oxford University. During the years leading up to World War II, she volunteered at a local air raid shelter warning residents of imminent bombings and helping with rescue-and-aid missions. This was the beginning of her legacy as a voice of the people.

Soon after, Chitale became secretary to George Orwell and a translator-broadcaster for the newly established Indian Section of BBC Radio’s Eastern Services in 1940. Chitale masterfully integrated commentary that challenged stereotypes and misperceptions of Indians into her broadcasts. She also frequently shared stories that brought awareness to the struggles of British women and children.

Beyond her work with BBC, Chitale was also an activist, humanitarian, and author. In 1944, she joined the India League in London, an organization that campaigned for the country’s freedom and self-governance. Three years later, she returned to Bombay to help care for people living in Delhi refugee camps after the Partition of India. And in 1950, she started penning novels about the interwar experiences of Indians.

Throughout her life, Chitale accomplished several feats that proved her dedication to public service. She faced many odds and led an unconventional yet inspiring life ultimately helping India achieve independence.

Happy birthday, Venu Chitale!

Illustration of the letter G with a radio microphone positioned in front
About Venu Chitale

About the Venu Chitale Doodle

This Doodle celebrates the 111st birthday of Indian writer and radio broadcaster Venu Dattatreye Chitale who was one of the first few Indian women hired by BBC, a secretary to George Orwell, and an influential voice in the UK during India’s freedom movement.

Where this Doodle appeared

The Doodle Venu Chitale's 111st Birthday launched Dec 28, 2023

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