Himself: The Autobiography of a Hindu Lady, Translated and Adapted by Katherine Van Akin Gates from a book written in the Marathi language by Mrs. Ramabai Ranade, founder of the Seva Sadan Society, one of the first organizations to introduce educational, medical and social service for women in India.
This is a true story of real people. They lived in Western India during th
Himself: The Autobiography of a Hindu Lady, Translated and Adapted by Katherine Van Akin Gates from a book written in the Marathi language by Mrs. Ramabai Ranade, founder of the Seva Sadan Society, one of the first organizations to introduce educational, medical and social service for women in India.
This is a true story of real people. They lived in Western India during the latter part of the last century. Mrs. Ramabai Ranade introduces herself as a spoiled little girl of eleven, and explains why she has remained unmarried for so long. At that time her father arranged with Mr. Ranade's father for her marriage to his son. This son was already a graduate of University and Law School, a member of the Bar and a judge in a lower court, a mature, gifted man of thirty-two who was married to an illiterate eleven year old.
The story follows the young wife through the years of her adjustment and education, showing the discipline afforded her by the joint family system. Her husband insisted on teaching her both Marathi and English, and training her to take part in the educational and social reforms which he sponsored.
How these two people, in spite of discrepancy in age and educational equipment, succeed in creating a happy home and in establishing a splendid relationship between themselves, is the thread of intense human interest which weaves the story together. Although different from Western ideas, this ideal Indian womanhood, as it comes to us through the experience of this gifted woman of another race, has universal appeal.
Ramabai Ranade (25 January 1863 – 1924) was an Indian social worker and one of the first women's rights activists in the 19th century. She was born in Kurlekar family in 1862. At the age of 11, she was married to Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, who was a distinguished Indian scholar and social reformer. In that era of social inequality, women were not allowed to go to school and become literate, Ra
Ramabai Ranade (25 January 1863 – 1924) was an Indian social worker and one of the first women's rights activists in the 19th century. She was born in Kurlekar family in 1862. At the age of 11, she was married to Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, who was a distinguished Indian scholar and social reformer. In that era of social inequality, women were not allowed to go to school and become literate, Ramabai, soon after her marriage, started to learn reading and writing with strong support and encouragement from Mahadev Govind Ranade. Starting with her native language Marathi, Ramabai strove hard to master English and Bengali.
Inspired by her husband, Ramabai started 'Hindu Ladies Social Club' in Mumbai to develop public speaking among women. Ramabai was also a founder and President of 'Seva Sadan Society' in Pune. Ramabai devoted her life to the improvement of women's lives. Ramabai Ranade opened famous girl's school in Pune "Hujurpaga".