Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati, an Indian social reformer, was born on 23
April 1858, as Ramabai Dongre into a Chitpavan Brahmin family who spoke
Marathi. Her father’s name was Anant Shastri Dongre. She was taught Sanskrit by
her father. She was one of the ten women representatives at the 1889 Congress.
She became a Christian during her time in England in the early 1880s. In order
to raise money for helpless Indian women, she undertook a lengthy tour of the
United States. Sharada Sadan, a charity for child widows, was founded by her
using the cash received.
Ramabai provided testimony before the
Hunter Commission, which the colonial government of India established in 1882
to investigate education. Ramabai connected with Christian groups working in
Maharashtra, particularly a group of Anglican nuns, who were also engaged in
women's education and medical missionary work.
Although she had embraced the religion of
the colonizer, she remained a staunch nationalist and maintained a consistent,
anti-colonial stand. In recognition of her works and dedication, the Government
of India issued a commemorative stamp on 26 October 1989. A road in Mumbai,
known as Pandita Ramabai Marg, is also named in her honour. Throughout her
tragic life, she stood for the cause of women’s emancipation through education,
and self-improvement.
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