The struggle for freedom
Nirmala Srivastava, known by the honorific title Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, was born on the 21st of March, 1923 in Chhindwara, India. Her Christian parents, Prasad and Cornelia Salve, chose the name Nirmala, which means ‘immaculate.’ From the age of seven, Shri Mataji spent much time with Gandhi at his ashram, She often accompanied him during early morning walks before collective prayers.
While studying at the Christian Medical College in Lahore, Shri Mataji became a youth leader actively involved in Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Quit India Movement’ of 1942.