Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve was a prominent social reformer & worked for women upliftment born on 18th April 1858. He is widely known for his contribution to women’s education, remarriage and empowerment. He founded the first women’s university in India, the SNDT Women’s University, in 1916.

Establishment of SNDT University

In one of the significant development towards education, Maharshi Karve inspired to establish first women university in Pune during 1916 with just 5 students. He than established a “Training College for Primary, School teachers and another school for girls named “Kanya Shala”.

In 1920, an industrialist and philanthropist from Mumbai, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey donated 1.5 million Indian rupees. The women’s university was renamed after the beloved mother of Sir Vithaldas Thackersey as “Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University” (SNDT).

In 1931, the SNDT university established its first college in Mumbai. The University Headquarters is in Churchgate Campus, Mumbai and the other two campuses of this University are at Juhu, Mumbai and Karve Road, Pune.

Biography of Dr Dhondo Keshav Karve

Dr Dhondo Keshav Karve, popularly known as Maharishi Karve, was a prominent social reformer and educator in India. He was born on April 18, 1858, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, and passed away on November 9, 1962, at the age of 104.

Dr. Keshav Karve was a strong advocate for women’s education and empowerment, and he dedicated his life to improving the lives of women in India. He founded several institutions for women’s education, including the SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai.

He made a huge contribution towards Remarriages of Widow. – In 1893, he founded Widhwa Wiwahottejak Mandali which besides encouraging marriages of widows, also helped the needy children of widows.
In 1896 established “Hindu Widows Home Association. Started Mahila Vidhyalaya in 1907 and in following year started Hingane Stree Shikshan Sanstha.

Dr. Karve was also involved in social and political reform. He was a member of the Indian National Congress and worked with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Gopal Krishna Gokhale to promote Indian independence and social justice.

Dr. Karve received several awards and honors for his contributions to society, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in 1955. He also received the title of “Maharishi” in recognition of his contributions to education and social reform.

The Modern Review. January 1916, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Awards & Honors
1942 – Awarded Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) by Banaras Hindu University
1951 – Awarded D. Litt by Pune University
1954 – Awarded D. Litt by S.N.D.T University
1955 – Awarded Padma Vibhushan by the Oovernment of India
1957 – Awarded LL.D by the University of Mumbai
1958 – Awarded Bharat Ratna by the Government of India

Maharshi Karve’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians, particularly women, to pursue education and work towards social and political change.

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