IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Pandita Ramabai

23rd April, 2021 History

GS PAPER I: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

Context: Remembering Pandita Ramabai: women’s rights activist and valiant traveler on her birth anniversary.

About Pandita Ramabai:

  • Pandita Ramabai founded Arya Mahila Samaj (Arya Women's Society).
  • Influenced by the ideals of the Brahmo Samaj and Hindu reformers, the purpose of the society was to promote the cause of women's education and deliverance from the oppression of child marriage
  • Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati, was a women's rights & education activist, a pioneer in the education and emancipation of women in India, and a social reformer.
  • She was the first woman to be awarded the titles of Pandita as a Sanskrit scholar and Sarasvati after being examined by the faculty of the University of Calcutta.
  • Calcutta University conferred on her the titles of Pandita and Sarasvati in recognition of her knowledge of various Sanskrit works.
  • She was awarded with the Kaisari-i-Hind Medal for community service in 1919, awarded by the British Colonial Government of India
  • She was one of the ten women delegates of the Congress session of 1889.

https://www.thehindu.com/society/remembering-pandita-ramabai-womens-rights-activist-and-valiant-traveller/article34386053.ece?homepage=true