History News Desk!! He was a famous nationalist, social reformer, scholar and jurist of India. He is called the “Socrates of Maharashtra”. Ranade had actively participated in social reform works. Prarthana Samaj, Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj had a great influence on his life. Govind Ranade was one of the founders of ‘Deccan Educational Society’. He also supported the establishment of ‘Indian National Congress’. Ranade was a supporter of Swadeshi and the use of indigenously manufactured goods.
life introduction
Govind Ranade was born in Pune in 1842 AD. His father’s name was ‘Govind Amrit Ranade’. After receiving his early education in Pune, Ranade began English education at the age of eleven. In 1859 AD, he passed the entrance examination from Mumbai University in the first division and his studies were included among 21 meritorious students. He had to face many difficulties to continue his further education. He was appointed professor of English in ‘Elphinstone College’, Pune. L.L.B. After passing he was appointed Sub-Judge. He was famous for giving decisions boldly. Seeing his interest in spreading education, the British started feeling a crisis for themselves, and this was the reason why they transferred Ranade to a pargana outside the city. Ranade had to suffer the punishment of gentlemanliness. He considered it his good fortune. When he turned towards public service, he made special efforts to establish colleges of his own type in the country. He was an advocate of modern education, but according to the needs of India.
face difficulties
Mahadev Govind Ranade had to face difficulties in many areas. Due to the problems that arose from this, he also had to endure pain. He did the difficult work of walking the tightrope of social reform. The British government was keeping an eye on his every work. Due to breaking the traditions, he also incurred the wrath of the public.
example of humanity
One day Ranade left his house to go to the court. He saw that an old woman was carrying a load of wood. Ranade felt pity for the last condition of the old woman’s body and asked her, “Can I do you any favors?” On this the old woman said- “Take this bundle of wood off my head.” Ranade took down the bundle. Then one of his neighbors, who recognized Ranade, told the old woman that you don’t know, he is a session judge and you are getting him to do such work. Even before the old woman could say anything, Ranade replied – “Before being a judge, I am also a human being.”
social reform work
Ranade took an active part in social reform work. He was highly influenced by the reform works of Prarthana Samaj and Brahmo Samaj etc. Despite being in government service, he maintained regular contact with the public. Under the guidance of Dadabhai Naoroji, he kept inspiring educated people towards works in the interest of the country. From the platform of Prarthana Samaj, Ranade opposed superstition and harmful stereotypes in Maharashtra. He had no superstition in religion. He believed that religious practices keep changing according to the time and place. He promoted women’s education. He was a staunch opponent of child marriage and a supporter of widow remarriage. For this he had also established a committee ‘Widow Marriage Board’. Mahadev Govind Ranade was also prominent among the founders of ‘Deccan Educational Society’.
political activity
Mahadev Govind Ranade supported the establishment of ‘Indian National Congress’ and also participated in its first Mumbai session in 1885 AD. He has the credit for organizing social conferences along with political conferences. He believed that man’s social, political, economic and religious progress are dependent on each other. Therefore, there should be such a comprehensive reformist movement, which helps in the all-round progress of man. He did not believe that merely breaking old stereotypes was enough for social reform. He said that this can be possible only through creative work. He was a supporter of Swadeshi and emphasized on the use of goods manufactured in the country. The unity of the country was paramount for him. He had said that- “Every Indian should understand that first I am an Indian and later I am a Hindu, Christian, Parsi, Muslim etc.”
creations
Ranade was a great scholar. He had composed many texts, the main ones being-
Widow Remarriage Margin Law Biography of Raja Rammohan Roy Rise of Marathas Religious and Social Reforms
demise
Govind Ranade, who served the country immensely and showed new paths to the society, died on January 16, 1901.
