Dhondo Keshav Karve

Key facts

Born

18 April 1858, Dapoli

Died

9 November 1962, Pune

State of birth

Dapoli, Maharashtra

Sector

Social work & NGOs

Profession

Indian social reformer (1858–1962)

Gender

Male

Biography

Dhondo Keshav Karve, popularly known as Maharshi Karve, was a social reformer in India in the field of women's welfare. He advocated widow remarriage, and he himself remarried a widow as a widower. Karve was a pioneer in promoting widows' education. He founded the first women's university in India, the SNDT Women's University in 1916. The Government of India awarded him with the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1958, the year of his 100th birthday. He organized a conference against the practice of devdasi. He started 'Anath balikashram' an orphanage for girls. His intention was to give education to all women and make them stand on their own feet. Through his efforts, the first women university was set up in 20th century. In addition to his work in women's education, he actively campaigned against the caste system and played a key role in founding societies aimed at advancing primary education in rural areas.

Summary based on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), reviewed by the RochakDuniya editorial team.

Timeline

1. 1858Born in Dapoli
2. 1955Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in literature & education
3. 1958Awarded the Bharat Ratna
4. 1962Dies in Pune