Govind Deodhekar (1919-1997)

Govind (‘Dev’) Deodhekar was a devoted secularist and rationalist: a member of the South Place Ethical Society and of the Rationalist Press Association, and active in the humanist movement in both his native India, and in the UK — his home for nearly 50 years.

Govind Narayan Deodhekar, known as Dev, was born in Gujarat, India in 1919. Both parents were social workers, who fostered in their son an early awareness of the world around him and an active interest in reform. At Bombay University, he obtained his BA, BSc, and LLB. He joined the Indian Communist Party, and was an active union leader – for which he was imprisoned under the Bombay Public Security Measures Act.

In 1951, Deodhekar moved to England, working in the office of V. K. Krishna Menon, the High Commissioner for India. He subsequently became a science and maths teacher, working in education for over two decades.

A life member of the Indian Secular Society, Deodhekar quickly became involved with the UK humanist movement. He acted as treasurer of the National Secular Society, a role he undertook for over 30 years, and was a member of the Rationalist Press Association for more than 40. He also spoke and wrote regularly, contributing to The Freethinker and New Humanist. Deeply concerned with the cause of secularism the world over, he maintained an active interest in international affairs, as well as contributing to the Rationalist and Scientific Attitude Promotion Trust in Bombay (which he had established), and supporting Stree Hitkarini – focused on the welfare and education of women and children living in the slums of Bombay. He was also a supporter of India’s Radical Humanist Movement.

In his later years, Deodhekar moved to Shoreham-on-sea, where he was part of the Brighton and Hove Humanist Group. He died in 1997 while visiting relatives in Muscat, Oman, and was cremated in Bombay with a non-religious ceremony. A memorial meeting was later held at Conway Hall, led by Bill McIlroy, during which Jim Herrick recalled his ‘immense good humour’ and the ‘deep caring for the lot of other people’ which had animated his life and his humanism.

In tributes across the humanist press, Deodhekar was remembered for his lifelong commitment to rationalism and secularism, as well as for his humour and friendship. His activism had spanned continents and organisations but, as Bill McIlroy concluded his obituary:

‘Freethought stalwart on two continents: a tribute to G N Deodhekar’ by William McIlroy in The Freethinker (March 1997)

‘Obituary: Govind N. Deodhekar’ in New Humanist (March 1997)

_{Main image: G N Deodhekar by Pam Brearey in The Freethinker (March 1997)}