Social reformers of IndiaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. (March 2012) India has a rich history of social reformers who have helped establish the foundations of modern India, and, in some cases, have affected a world wide impact through political action and philosophic teachings. Especially given India's leaning towards oral and mythical rather than a written tradition throughout much of its history it is almost impossible to put together an exhaustive list of social reformers who have lived through the ages. Below are some of them. Contents [hide] 1 Basaveshwara 2 Srimanta Sankardev 3 Raja Ram Mohan Roy 4 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi MAHATMA GANDHI 5 Kabir 6 Virchand Gandhi 7 Swami Vivekananda 8 Jamnalal Bajaj 9 Vinoba Bhave 10 Baba Amte 11 Shriram Sharma Acharya 12 Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar 13 Dhondo Keshav Karve 14 Balshastri Jambhekar 15 Dr.B. R. Ambedkar 16 Annie Besant 17 Vitthal Ramji Shinde 18 Gopal Hari Deshmukh 19 Kandukuri Veeresalingam 20 Jawaharlal Nehru 21 Vijaypal Baghel 22 Periyar E. V. Ramasamy 23 Pandurang Shastri Athavle 24 See also 25 References Basaveshwara[edit] Basava(1134–1196), also known as Bhakti Bhandari Basavanna or Basaveshwara was a philosopher, Statesman and a social reformer from present-day Karnataka, India. Basava fought against the inhuman practice of caste system, which discriminated people based on their birth, and certain rituals in Hinduism. He spread social awareness through his poetry, popularly known as Vachanaas. Basavanna used Ishtalinga to eradicate untouchability, establish equality among all human beings and a means to attain spiritual enlightenment. These are rational and progressive social thoughts coupled with established perception of God in Hindu society. He was a great philosopher. Srimanta Sankardev[edit] Srimanta Sankardev(1449–1568), was a 15th-16th century Assamese polymath: a saint-scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer and a colossal figure in the socio-cultural and religious history of Assam, India. He is credited with building on past cultural relics and devising new forms of music (Borgeet), plays (Ankia Naat), theatrical performance (Bhaona), dance (Sattriya), literary language (Brajavali). Besides, he has left an entensive literary ouvre of transcreated scriptures (Bhagavat of Sankardev), poetry and theological works written in Sanskrit, Assamese and Chopra.N. And he delivered 535 lectures in USA and Europe. Urdu: ( )کبير1518–1440)[1][2][3][4] was a mystic poet and sant of India.Brajavali.[6] Virchand Gandhi[edit] Main article: Virchand Gandhi Virchand Gandhi was from Mahuva. P. several Indian women came to U. Under the banner of SEWI. whose writings have greatly influenced the Bhakti movement. and Sattras (monasteries) that he and his followers established continue to flourish and sustain his legacy. Gandhi led nationwide campaigns to ease poverty. Eminent historians like R. 1772 – September 27. His statue still stands at the Jain temple in Chicago. Puri and M. The Bhagavatic religious movement he started. end untouchability. He also died at age of 37 alike Swami Vivekanand. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is regarded as one of the most important figures in the Indian Renaissance. such as old Brahmanic Hinduism. The religion he preached is practiced by a large population. He won a silver medal in same.[3] influenced two medieval kingdoms---Koch and the Ahom kingdoms---and the assembly of devotees he initiated evolved into Sattras over time. and increase economic self-reliance Kabir[edit] Main article: Kabir Kabīr (also Kabīra) (Hindi: कबबीर. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi MAHATMA GANDHI[edit] Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) was the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement. Swami Vivekananda[edit] Main article: Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda (January 12. Society for the Education of Women in India (SEWI).C. build religious and ethnic amity. Ram Mohan Roy's impact on modern Indian history was a revival of the pure and ethical principles . He is a 19th-century Indian patriot who was a friend of Mahatma Gandhi and contemporary to Swami Vivekanand. Today Government of India has recognised his service by issuing postal stamp in his memory. He is best known for his efforts to abolish the practice of 'sati' It was he who first introduced the word "Hinduism" into the English language in 1816. . He was the pioneer of 'satyagraha'—resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience. Sankardev inspired bhakti in Assam just as Guru Nanak. 1902) was the founder of Ramakrishna Mission.S. Punjabi: ਕਬਬੀਰ.N. the teachings of Nath yogis and the personal devotionalism of South India mixed with the imageless God of Islam. 1863 – July 4.[5] The influence of these various doctrines is clearly evident in Kabir's verses. Kabir was influenced by the prevailing religious mood of his times. Tantrism. firmly founded upon ahimsa or total non violence— which led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Majumdar.A. 1833) was a founder of the Brahma Sabha in 1828 which engendered the Brahmo Samaj. Ramananda. School of Oriental Philosophy. an influential Indian socio-religious reform movement. which continue to be important socio-religious institutions in Assam and to a lesser extend in North Bengal. He was key member of Indian National Congress. Jain Literature Society in London. The name Kabir comes from Arabic al-Kabīr which means 'The Great' – the 37th name of God in Islam. Raja Ram Mohan Roy[edit] 'Raja Ram Mohan Roy' (May 22. He and swami vivekananda drew equal attention at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.N. Gandhi Philosophical Society. Kabir. Basava and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu inspired it elsewhere. for higher studies. His literary and artistic contributions are living traditions in Assam today. He advocated female education. expand women's rights. And as a reformer established. B. Ekasarana Dharma and also called Neo-Vaishnavite movement. Das have held that Kabir is the first Indian saint to have harmonised Hinduism and Islam by preaching a universal path which both Hindus and Muslims could tread together. He felt this inherited wealth was a sacred trust to be used for the benefit of the people. Jamnalal Bajaj[edit] Main article: Jamnalal Bajaj Jamnalal Bajaj: (4 November 1884 – 11 February 1942) was an industrialist. writer who produced numerous books. He introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions at Chicago in 1893. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar[edit] . Urdu. 1990) was an Indian seer. 1911 – June 2. A university named after him Vinoba Bhave University is still there in the state of Jharkhand spreading knowledge even after his death. creative integration of the modern and ancient sciences and religion relevant in the challenging circumstances of the present times. Amte founded three ashrams for treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients. 1895 . To help people. Baba Amte[edit] Main article: Baba Amte Baba Amte (December 26. He devoted his life to the welfare of people and the refinement of the moral and cultural environment. India. Jamanalal dedicated much of his wealth to the poor. His real name was Narendra Nath Dutta. His criticism of Dnyaneshwar's poetry as also the output by other Marathi saints is quite brilliant and a testimony to the breadth of his intellect. a philanthropist. Indian social worker.November 15. He was considered a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga in Europe and America. thinker. people’s ignorance of the powers of the inner self. Hindi. and a social reformer. 1914 – February 9. 1982) was an Indian advocate of Nonviolence and human rights. sage. He is known for this efforts of promoting Khadi and village Industries in India. orator. disabled people. 2008) was an Indian social worker and social activist known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy. works of Adi Shankaracharya. and the lack of righteous attitude and conduct. English. he carried out the unique spiritual experiment of sukshmikaraña. Vinoba Bhave was a scholar. and successfully brought his ideas into practice at Anandwan. He began a campaign by eating a meal with Harijans and opening public wells to them. Shriram Sharma Acharya[edit] for main article go to Shriram Sharma Acharya Shriram Sharma Acharya (September 20. translator who made Sanskrit texts accessible to common man. and Indian independence fighter. linguist who had excellent command of several languages (Marathi. meaning sublimation of vital force and physical. Vinoba Bhave[edit] Main article: Vinoba Bhave Vinoba Bhave: (September 11. With the intent of eradicating untouchability.[7] Gandhi is known to have adopted him as his son.Swami Vivekananda was also known as a great scholar. he fought the non admission of Harijans into Hindu temples. He wrote brief introductions to. He opened several wells in his fields and gardens. Acharyaji recognized the crisis of faith. During 1984-1986. and people from marginalized sections of the society in Maharashtra. a philanthropist. He is considered as the spiritual successor of Mahatma Gandhi. and criticisms of. mental and spiritual energies. He pioneered the revival of spirituality. including yarn spinning using a charkha and wearing khadi. and became a follower of Gandhism for the rest of his life. He spent some time at Sevagram ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. He practiced various aspects of Gandhism. He believed in Gandhi's concept of a selfsufficient village industry that empowers seemingly helpless people. his aim was to diagnose the root cause of the ailing state of the world today and enable the upliftment of society. In honour of his social initiatives a well known national and international award called Jamnalal Bajaj Award has been instituted by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. several religious and philosophical works like the Bhagavad Gita. Sanskrit). a visionary of the New Golden Era and the Founder of the All World Gayatri Pariwar. the Bible and Quran. Vivekananda is considered to be a major force in the revival of Hinduism in modern India. for main article go to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820–1891) was a philosopher. economist. Ambedkar spent his whole life fighting against social discrimination. 1858 . which the Indian public often assigned to Karve. political leader. This turned out to be the beginning of Marathi journalism. 1846) is known as Father of Marathi journalism for his efforts in starting journalism in Marathi language with the first newspaper in the language named 'Darpan' in the early days of British Rule in India. He founded Darpan as the first Marathi newspaper. writer. Vitthal Ramji Shinde[edit] for main article go to Vitthal Ramji Shinde . He is also credited with having sparked the bloodless revolution with his most remarkable and innovative Buddhist movement. translator. writer and orator and supporter of Irish and Indian self-rule. 1847 – September 20. orator. His efforts to simplify and modernize Bangla prose were significant. When war broke out in Europe in 1914 she helped launch the Home Rule League to campaign for democracy in India and dominion status within the Empire which culminated in her election as president of the India National Congress in late 1917. Dhondo Keshav Karve[edit] for main article go to Dhondo Keshav Karve Dhondo Keshav Karve (April 18. Unlike some other reformers who sought to set up alternative societies or systems. prolific writer. Dr. revolutionary and the revivalist of Buddhism in India. He was a Bengali polymath and a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance. In 1908 Annie Besant became President of the Theosophical Society and began to steer the society away from Buddhism and towards Hinduism. the appellation Annā is often used to address either one's father or an elder brother. 1812– May 18. to which Karve belonged. and philanthropist. reformer. French. He was also the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. to transform orthodox Hindu society from within. R. entrepreneur. Vidyasagar championed the uplift of the status of women in India. The appellation Maharshi. Dr. scholar. educator. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar B. 1962) was a social reformer of his time in India in the field of women's welfare. Ambedkar[edit] for main article go to Dr. he sought. He was editor of this newspaper during the British rule in India. (In Marāthi-speaking community. Bhārat Ratna. publisher. printer. particularly in his native Bengal. editor. After the war she continued to campaign for Indian independence until her death in 1933. anthropologist. in 1958 (Incidentally his centennial year). Sanskrit. Vidyasagar introduced the practice of widow remarriages to mainstream Hindu society. In earlier times. Karve was one of the pioneers of promoting women's education and the right for widows to remarry in India. historian. Buddhist activist. Those who knew Karve affectionately called him as Annā Karve. however. English and Hindi. 1933) was a prominent theosophist. Gujarati and Bengali. philosopher. remarriages of widows would occur sporadically only among progressive members of the Brahmo Samāj. joining the Indian National Congress. women's rights activist. India's highest civilian award.November 9. The Government of India recognized his reform work by awarding him its highest civilian award. Ambedkar: (14 April 1891 — 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist. means ”a great sage”. academic. Apart from that he also had a good grasp of Greek. Baba Saheb Ambedkar has been honoured with the Bharat Ratna. Annie Besant[edit] for main article go to Annie Besant Annie Besant (October 1. She also became involved in politics in India.B. thinker. R.) Balshastri Jambhekar[edit] for main article go to Balshastri Jambhekar Balshastri Jambhekar: (January 6. Latin. the system of Chaturvarna — the Hindu categorization of human society into four varnas — and the Hindu caste system. He had mastery in many languages including Marathi. Gopal Hari Deshmukh[edit] for main article go to Gopal Hari Deshmukh Gopalakrishnan : (1823–1892) was a social reformer in Maharashtra. 1944) He was a prominent campaigner on behalf of the Dalit movement in Maharashtra and established the Depressed Classes Mission to provide education to the Dalits in Maharashtra. He was influenced by the ideals of Brahmo Samaj particularly those of Keshub Chunder Sen. 1873 – January 2. One of the leading figures in the Indian independence movement. R. Jawaharlal Nehru[edit] Main article: Jawaharlal Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru (Hindi/Kashmiri: जववहरलवल ननहर. He was a social reformer who first brought about a renaissance in Telugu people and Telugu literature. In 1876 he started a Telugu journal and wrote the first prose for women. 14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964[4]) was an Indian statesman who was the first (and to date the longest-serving) prime minister of India. and started a school in Dowlaishwaram in 1874. He is also the founder of the socio-cultural organisation Dravidar Kazhagam. As one of the founders of the Non-aligned Movement. he was also an important figure in the international politics of the post-war era. he penned 108 articles on social reform. He encouraged education for women.[8][9] [10] Pandurang Shastri Athavle[edit] Main article: Pandurang Shastri Athavale Pandurang Vaijnath Shastri Athavale (Marathi: पवपडडरग प शवसततरबी आठवलन) (October 19. Ramasamy[edit] Main article: Periyar E. Unfortunately. politician. V. Periyar E. V. Kandukuri Veeresalingam[edit] for main article go to Kandukuri Veeresalingam Kandukuri Veeresalingam:was born on 16 April 1848. V. as Panditji (with "-ji" being an honorific suffix). V. He is known for his efforts in protecting environment at grass root level through traditional methods. Ramasamy Thanthai Periyar or E. Nehru was elected by the Congress Party to assume office as independent India's first Prime Minister. He started a social organisation called Hitakarini (Benefactor). He is frequently referred to as Pandit Nehru ("pandit" being a Sanskrit and Hindi honorific meaning "scholar" or "teacher") and. specifically in India. 1920 – . who started the Self-Respect Movement or the Dravidian Movement and proposed the creation of an independent state called Dravidasthan comprising South India. save water. In the first two years. He devoted his life to conserve nature. worshiper of nature & lead promoter of spiritual/religious/herbal/medicinal/environmental values having species of flora. pronounced [dʒəʋaːɦərˈlaːl ˈneːɦru]. peoples are called him greenman. He is a prominent campaigner on behalf of mission as Jhola Movement for fighting against polythene across India.Vitthal Ramji Shinde: (April 23. from 1947 until 1964. was a businessman.. and re-elected when the Congress Party won India's first general election in 1952. Ramasamy Periyar E. first planter of divine tree Kalpavriksha's (Adansonia digitata) at all famous pilgrims of around the world. green resolution. Indian independence and social activist. reduce pollution and stop global warming with the theme of 'Think globally-Act locally'. he passed away on 27 May 1919. That group of articles has come to be known in Marathi literature as Lokhitwadinchi Shatapatre.His birthday is celebrated as children's and teenagers day in India Vijaypal Baghel[edit] Main article: Vijaypal Baghel Vijaypal Baghel ( 20 February 1967) is an environmental activist. Deshmukh started writing articles aimed at social reform in Maharashtra in the weekly Prabhakarunder the pen name Lokhitwadi. He got involved in the cause of social reforms. ISBN 978-81-241-1164-2. 90 ^ "The Gandhian spirit". Wilson Compton was impressed with Athavale's ideas and offered him a post in the US. 2003. spiritual leader. Shankar Raghuraman (2004). N. (1974) Macmillan. 425. was an Indian philosopher. In 1942. ^ "Narrative Section of a Successful Application". ^ Arora. Oxford University Press.. p. Awasthy (2007). South Asia: A Short History. pp. Greenwood Publishing Group. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks. Thomas Pantham (2006). 1997. which literally translates as elder brother in Marathi.D. a centre set up by his father in 1926. Retrieved 12 July 2012. 230. . Vrajendra Raj. his grandfather set up an independent course of study for the young boy with individual tuition. Athavale was taught in a system very similar to that of the Tapovan system of ancient India. He was one of five children of Sanskrit teacher Vaijanath Athavale and Parvati Athavale. reading and digesting every nonfiction literature (ranging from Marx's philosophy to Whitehead's writings to ancient Indian philosophy). ISBN 978-0-313-30513-9. ^ Tributes paid to founder of Swadhyaya movement Times of India. ^ Pandurang Shastri Athavale – Obituary ^ Spiritualist from India is honored with religion's Templeton Prize The Seattle Times. ^ Hugh Tinker (1990). There. Carol E. Sage Publications: New Delhi.[12] a self-knowledge movement based on the Bhagavad Gita.[13][14] with over 5 million members. March 5. 76–. held in Japan. See also[edit] Swami Keshwanand Ram Manohar Lohia Virchand Gandhi Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Shahu IV of Kolhapur Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Ramakrishna Paramhansa Acharya Vinoba Bhave Swami Dayanand Saraswati shivaranjani Tanjore References[edit] ^ Encyclopædia Britannica ^ Carol Henderson Garcia. ISBN 978-0-7619-3420-2. pp. Retrieved 12 July 2012. Political Ideas in Modern India: thematic explorations.[15] He was also noted for his discourses or "pravachans" on Srimad Bhagawad Gita and Upanishads. Henderson (2002).5 ISBN 0-19-514876-2 ^ A Social. Cultural and Economic History of India. 2000. Paranjoy Guha. 70–. Financial Express. A Time of Coalitions: Divided We Stand.S. All the participants deeply impressed by his ideas and wanted evidence of such ideals being put into practice in towns across India. ISBN 9780-8248-1287-4. social reformer[11] and Hinduism reformist. 2003). Athavale presented the concepts of Vedic ideals and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. 48. January 2.[9] saying that he had work to accomplish if he wanted to show the world a model community peacefully practicing and spreading the divine Vedic thoughts and the message of the Bhagavad Gita. Thus. ^ Mehta.000 villages in India. Linda Beth Hess and Śukadeva Simṃ ha. S. Har-Anand Publications: New Delhi. Athavale politely declined. In 1954. pp. A Dr. Retrieved 12 July 2012. ^ Thakurta. he attended the Second World Philosophers Conference. He was born in the Konkan village of Roha in Maharashtra. Nov 12. which has spread across nearly 100. ^ The Bijak of Kabir (2002). India. Culture and Customs of India. who founded the Swadhyay Movement and the Swadhyay Parivar organization (Swadhyay Family) in 1954. When Athavale was twelve years old. Political Theory and Political Thought. p.October 25. pp. he started to give discourses at the Srimad Bhagavad Gita Pathshala. Volume II. p. where he could spread his ideas. also known as Dada-ji (Marathi: दवदव). Claflin University.[9] Athavale read diligently in the Royal Asiatic Library for 14 years. University of Hawaii Press. additional terms may apply. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation. December 29. Published by ABCCLIO. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.. and Practice.^ Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual. Inc. 2003. Culture. Privacy policyAbout WikipediaDisclaimersContact WikipediaMobile viewWikimedia Foundation Powered by MediaWiki . you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Categories: Lists of social activistsSocial movements in IndiaIndian social activists Navigation menu Create accountLog inArticleTalkReadEditEdit sourceView history Search Main page Contents Featured content Current events Random article Donate to Wikipedia Interaction Help About Wikipedia Community portal Recent changes Contact page Toolbox Print/export Languages Edit links This page was last modified on 24 July 2013 at 14:59. a non-profit organization. by Robin Rinehart. 2004. Page 375 ^ Year in Review – 2003 – Passages The Seattle Times. ISBN 1-57607-905-8. By using this site.