Veteran Freedom Fighter 'Socio' Vasu Passes Away at 103

Why in news?

P. Vasu, a veteran freedom fighter known as ‘Socio Vasu’, passed away at the age of 103.

Key points

1. 1He was a participant in the Quit India Movement and was imprisoned by the British police.
2. 2After Independence, he joined the socialist movement and was mentored by Jayaprakash Narayan.
3. 3He declined land and financial compensation offered to freedom fighters, stating his participation was for national independence.
4. 4He also participated in protests during the Emergency and was hospitalized after police action.
5. 5He was felicitated by then President K.R. Narayanan in 1997.

Background & context

The Quit India Movement, launched in August 1942, was a civil disobedience movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi demanding an end to British Rule in India. The Emergency in India refers to a 21-month period from 1975 to 1977 when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency.