1st Jan 1922 – 30th Nov 2007
The society is pleased to introduce Sarla Bhargava as the ‘Inspiration of the Month’.
Smt. Bhargava, a dynamic leader and visionary, was born in 1922 in Ajmer, Rajasthan. A freedom fighter who joined the movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi and worked in the refugee camps under Jawaharlal Nehru, she was also a postgraduate in economics from the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and went on to be a part of a UN Assignment, and then a research assistant in the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in New York. She was a social worker who undertook various social projects to help needy women. Sarla Bhargava was a multifaceted personality who braved the numerous ups and downs of life and inspired others to follow in her footsteps.
In the year 1966, inspired by the call of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’, she initiated a program to ‘Grow More Food’ under the guidance of the Late Smt Lalit Shastri. She started talking to, and motivating housewives in this mission to be self-sufficient and caring towards nature. With the help of Mrs. K. L. Rao, Dr. B. Chaudhary, and Mrs. Premala Bai Chavan she created the All India Kitchen Garden Association with a modest base of 25 members.
The support of the wives of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and leading members of Civil Society, has helped make AIKGA a force to reckon with. The tireless work of Sarla Bhargava has provided great impetus to the concept of backyard gardens and greenery in all our homes. Over the years AIKGA has organized numerous Flower Shows, lectures, and training programs on a wide range of topics including terrace gardening, exotic plants, greenhouse gardening, biodiversity gardens, herbs, mushroom cultivation and much more, to achieve its goals of creating greater awareness about the environment, sustainability and self-reliance, reducing pollution, creating green patches and nature preservation.
Coined ‘Green Mother’ by Dr. Kiran Bedi, she was the motivational factor behind the spread of AIKGA. Today there are AIKGA units all over India, now with more than 6000 members.
She is no more with us today, but her legacy lives on. People like Sarla Bhargava never die. They are special and touch numerous lives and causes; in her case it was dedicating her life to the preservation of nature and women empowerment.
Indraprastha Horticulture Society owes its existence and growth to her support and guidance. We at IHS dedicate our achievements and accomplishments to her.
On Sarla Bhargava’s centenary we at IHS, while remembering her legacy and timeless contribution, pledge to continue her work with the same zeal and passion that she exhibited, and work tirelessly to spread her message to each and every home in India.