Ellen Gottschalk Roy
(15 August 1904 – 13 December 1960)
Ellen Gottschalk Roy was one of the founder, co-creator, and co-architect of Radical Humanism. Born in Paris, she was a radical writer, philosopher, thinker, editor, organizer, internationalist, and theorist who wrote extensively on radical democracy, freedom, and fascism. She played a crucial role in institutionalizing the movement through organizational work, publishing, and practice.
Ellen met M.N. Roy in 1928 in Berlin. While M.N. Roy was jailed during 1931-1936, Ellen exchanged letters with him and supplied books, literature, and other material. She also initiated a campaign for his release and wrote to several leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Stafford Crisp, Fenner Brockway, Einstein, Longevin, among others.
Ellen came to India in 1937 and married M.N. Roy. They settled in Dehradun. She co-created the Radical Democratic Party and the Indian Renaissance Institute, and shaped publications associated with the movement, including Independent India, The Radical Humanist, The Marxian Way, and Renaissance Publications.
When M.N. Roy died in 1954, Ellen remained in India and played a key role in sustaining and institutionalising the Radical Humanist movement. Her remarkable dedication to the cause continued until her tragic murder in December 1960.
Her key works, include Radical Democracy, The World Her Village: Selected Writings and Letters of Ellen Roy (Edited by Sibnarayan Ray), and In Man’s Own Image (co-authored with Sibnarayan Ray). She has also contributed articles and essays in Independent India, Radical Humanist, and other publications.
Ellen Roy also played a significant role in preserving archival resources, including the M. N. Roy Archives. She played a key role in compiling the text of Reason, Romanticism, and Revolution, written by M.N. Roy, and edited his other writings.