Kushaba Sidu Navale was born in 1901 into a farming family in Navalewadi village, Ahmednagar district and inherited a legacy of patriotism from the revolutionary fervor of his village. Inspired by the assassination of British officer Pirzade in 1918 and the subsequent imprisonment of his fellow villagers in Andaman, Navale became deeply involved in the freedom struggle.
Joined by his brothers Dada and Rama, Kushaba Sidu Navale, under the leadership of Buvasaheb Navale and P.G. Bhangare, actively participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942. Carrying the mantra "Karenge ya Marenge" from Mahatma Gandhi's call to action, they organized secret meetings and coordinated efforts to disrupt British governance in Akole and Sangamner talukas.
On 23 October, 1942, they planned to hoist the tricolor on the Akole Tehsil office. However, British police were prepared and violently dispersed the march, leading to arrest warrants for Navale and his compatriots. Navale went underground for 14 months, bravely resisting British oppression until his eventual arrest and sentencing to four months of hard labor in Nashik's Central Jail.
After his release, Kushaba Sidu Navale dedicated himself to agriculture and social work, earning recognition from the Government of Maharashtra with a certificate of honor and receiving a freedom fighter's pension. His unwavering commitment to the cause of independence and his contributions to society stand as a testament to his progressive and disciplined character.
List of freedom fighters of Navale wadi village published by Gram Panchayat Navale wadi. Names of freedom fighters are marked on the memorial at Navale wadi.
Certificate issued by Gram Panchayat Navalewadi
Source: Vijay Balasaheb Pawbake, Contributor for CCRT.