Shobhana Ranade, Renowned Social Worker and Padma Bhushan Awardee Passes Away in Pune

Pune, 4th August 2024: Shobhana Ranade, a distinguished Gandhian activist and social worker celebrated for her dedication to destitute women and children, passed away at the age of 99 today due to old age. Her significant contributions to social work earned her the Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India in 2011.

Born on 26th October 1924, in Pune, Ranade’s life was profoundly influenced by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi), whom she met at the Aga Khan Palace when she was 18. Inspired by his ideals, she committed her life to serving the underprivileged, particularly women and children.

Throughout her life, Ranade focused on the welfare of destitute women and children. In 1955, she joined Vinayak Narahari Bhave (Vinoba Bhave) on a foot march in North Lakhimpur, Assam.

Ranade was instrumental in founding the first child welfare centre at Maitreyi Vedic Village and Shishu Niketan. She initiated a program through the Bhartiye Adim Jati Sevak Sangh to empower Naga women by teaching them how to operate spinning wheels.

When she returned to Pune in 1979, she significantly contributed to founding the Gandhi National Memorial Society and a training institute at the Aga Khan Palace. Through her leadership, the Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyalaya in Yerawada was established in 1998 to offer vocational training to destitute women. Additionally, she initiated the Balgram and Balsadan child welfare projects in Saswad, Pune.

Ranade played an active role in the Ganga Bachao Abhiyan, a movement aimed at preventing pollution in the Ganga River. She held numerous significant positions, such as:

– Trustee of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust
– Secretary of the Gandhi National Memorial Society
– President of the All India Women’s Literacy Eradication Committee
– President of the All India Women’s Council and Bhoodan Gram Dan Mandal, Maharashtra

Her outstanding contributions were widely acknowledged, earning her several prestigious awards, including:

– Padma Bhushan
– Jamnalal Bajaj Award
– Rabindranath Tagore Award
– Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award
– Pride of Pune Award
– National Award for Child Welfare
– Mahatma Gandhi Award

Shobhana Ranade’s legacy is a testament to her steadfast dedication to Gandhian values and her relentless efforts in social service.