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Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve
On April 18, 1858 Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve also known as Annasaheb Karve was born at Sheravali, Maharashtra. He completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Elphinstone College in Bombay (Mumbai). During 1891-1914, Karve started teaching mathematics at Fergusson College in Pune. After that Karve decided to dedicate his whole life to the upliftment of female education. He did lots of work for uplifting the status of widows. He encouraged widow remarriage and helped their children’s.
Karve founded several organisations for the welfare of women such as Widhawā-Wiwāhottejak Mandal in 1893, Maharishi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha etc. After that he established the first university for women named as Shreemati Nāthibāi Dāmodar Thāckersey Indian Women’s University in India (Pune), 1916. The Government of India recognized SNDT University as a statutory university in 1949. He is also a founder of the Samatā Sangh (Association for the Promotion of Human Equality).
Besides dedicating his life to the freedom and education of women in India, he raised his voice against for the abolition of the untouchability in Hindu Society and Caste System. For his life time contribution to an Indian Society he was presented with the Bharat Ratna award by Government of India in 1958.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.
Get the list of Bharat Ratna Awardees by clicking here.
