Shapurji Saklatvala, a lesser-known yet pivotal figure in history, emerged from the affluent Tata family but chose a path that led him to become an influential politician advocating for India’s freedom from colonial rule. Despite his affluent roots, his life was marked by struggle, defiance, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Unlike his relatives who ascended to positions of power within the Tata Group, Saklatvala carved out a unique legacy as one of Britain’s first Asian Members of Parliament (MPs). His journey from the world of business to the political arena was fueled by a deep-seated desire to address the inequalities faced by the working class, particularly during his formative years in colonial India.
Born to a wealthy cotton merchant and a member of the Tata clan, Saklatvala experienced familial discord that pushed him away from the family business. His keen awareness of social injustices, stemming from witnessing the devastation of the bubonic plague in Bombay in the late 1800s, galvanized him into action. Working alongside scientists fighting the epidemic, he became a voice for the poor, advocating immunization and public health.
His marriage in 1907 to Sally Marsh, a woman from a working-class background, further solidified his commitment to the cause of the underprivileged. Immersed in political activism after moving to the UK, he joined the Labour Party in 1909 and later the Communist Party in 1921, championing social equality and workers’ rights.
Saklatvala’s tenure in parliament from 1922 to 1929 was marked by his passionate advocacy for India’s independence. His radical views drew the ire of British officials, leading to a travel ban to India due to his fiery speeches supporting the freedom movement. His relationship with Mahatma Gandhi was complex, characterized by mutual respect and disagreement over methods; while Gandhi espoused non-violence, Saklatvala called for more direct action.
Even after losing his parliamentary seat, Saklatvala continued to galvanize support for India’s independence, becoming a prominent figure until his death in 1936. His ashes were interred with those of his family in London, symbolizing his enduring connection to the Tata legacy.
