A woman is always seen as a powerhouse of talent, and her multitasking abilities have always been a subject of amazement. She has been tested multiple times and has proved herself each time. With every challenge, she came back as a warrior. If we look back, we realize how far we have come. We have heard stories from our elders talking about how less freedom they or their moms had. Be it expressing their views on family matters, decisions about child’s future, or outside, their say was minimal. Those who desired to go against the social norms have even faced criticism and were termed as “bold” or “outspoken”.
We often say or think that women born and married in families with forward-thinking are lucky because they don’t have to suppress their feelings. Well, then, let’s recall the sad life story and tragic death of Lady Diana. She was surrounded by almost all the comfort and privileges any girl could dream of. Then what happened? Why wasn’t she happy? We all know the reasons, so let’s not repeat that. Instead, I want to say that, be it an ordinary woman or a royal princess, women has encountered challenges whenever they have tried to do something different or go against the normal flow. If she can face those comments and criticism, no one can stop her from achieving her goals.
Related article: Happy Women’s Day to all of you
Another example is Mandira Bedi. After her husband’s demise, how media has trolled her, was it right? But she stood for herself. One of the main reasons for such inner strength is their education and financial independence. Education makes them wise and gives their thinking a new perspective. And being financially independent gives them self-confidence.
Examples of Lady Diana and Mandira Bedi show every woman’s fundamental struggle irrespective of their financial well-being. These women faced criticism despite their high status and strong media presence. They can easily afford therapist sessions when not feeling good. Now, imagine what about those women who don’t have or have never had such facilities? For example, those born in the era when women didn’t have much freedom. Stepping outside their houses was a big deal and that too with husbands? – forget about it. They were restricted inside the four walls of their home. They were convinced and took pride in describing themselves as “annapoorna” – the goddess of kitchen. But they hardly paid attention to the power of Maa Sawarwati, Durga, or Kali inside them.
India’s “new woman” – Ramabai Mahadev Ranade
There is one personality who is also addressed as India’s “new woman”. She is Ramabai Mahadev Ranade. I am highly inspired by Ramabai Ranade, Indian scholar, and social activist. She is a perfect example of what one can do if they have grit.
As educating girls was taboo in those days, her father did not educate her. Can you believe that her grandma has told her that if she picks up the books, her husband will die? At the age of 11 years, she was married to Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade a widower who was twenty years older than her and a pioneer of India’s social reform movement.
Who could have stopped Ramabai when destiny had something big in store for her?
Later, with her husband’s help and encouragement, she became an Indian social worker and one of the first women’s rights activists in the early 20th century. Her husband taught her subjects like geography, math, and languages. She mastered English, Marathi, and Bengali. She made every possible effort to make women self-reliant and socially independent. After her husband’s demise, she went into isolation for one year, but after her mourning period, she came back with double energy and did as much work as possible for women.
We can read Ramabai Ranade’s life and work in her own words in ‘Himself: The Autobiography of a Hindu Lady’, written in Marathi and published in 1910. She was the first woman to write an autobiography in the Marathi language titled “Amchya Ayushyatil Kahi Athavani”.(some memories from my life)
Was the path easy?
All this sounds very inspiring. Isn’t? Indeed, it is inspiring for all of us. But it didn’t happen all of a sudden. Continuous criticism, disagreement, social pressure, expectations from her elders, and her responsibilities as a daughter-in-law was more than enough for her to give up. It is way more challenging than it sounds. But did she stop? Did she quit? Did she settle down after her husband’s death? No. She did not. She is among the few women who thought of expanding her horizon out of the small village of Devrashtre. Ramabai was the classic blend of sophisticated modern thinking and traditional belongings. She gave many women a feeling of individual dignity.
Related article: Women Empowerment: Let’s start from within and around us
This is a picture and quote of this amazing lady.
I learned about Ramabai through a Marathi TV show Unch Maza Zoka. I feel proud of her dedication and courage every time I watch the show.
If you have stayed with me till here then this means somewhere you also felt inspired by her. We all have Ramabai in us. She lit the lamp of hope a long time ago. We are fortunate to be born in this era. If she can dare to become the “new woman” in spite of difficulties and limited resources, can’t we try to become “new woman” with the privileges we ave today? There is so much that we all can do. We need to recognize our inner strength, capabilities and try our best to turn the odds in our favor. And our role of “new woman” doesn’t end here. We have to motivate other women as well. Then it will be justified in true sense.
This blog post is a part of the Women’s Day Blog Hop, themed on She: A Tribute to Her, hosted by Swarnali Nath.
Such an inspiring woman. I will be checking out this show Unch Maza Zoka now. 🙂
I loved how you said, “We all have Ramabai in us.”
Thanks Manali.
Thank you!!
First of all, thank you so much for joining us in the celebration with your tribute to a lady from the past. We should never forget to pay homage to these bold ladies who rewrote their fates and scripted history. It was empowering to read her story.
You are right Swarnali. They have done so much to look upto.
Thankyou for sharing this and passing on the inspiration, Alpana. Indeed, if back then Ramabai could do so much, with the privileges we have today the sky is the limit. Here’s to every “new woman”.
Absolutely!! We can and we must…
Just so amazed to have known her through your writings. And thanks for letting us know about this absolutely amazing strong woman. As you said, we all have this sparkling light inside us, we need to wake up and get the best out of us.
Your welcome Sadvika.
Thank you for writing about. Mrs. Ramabai Ranade. I dug around some more to find out that she was the founder of the Seva Sadan Society, one of the first organizations to introduce educational, medical and social service for women in India. Truly inspirational, given that it must have been a lot harder back in those days to have the courage to stand up for oneself and have the tenacity to uplift others. Great post!!
Yes, she is the person behind Seva Sadan Society. I am very happy that you found her inspiring and did some extra research. Not giving up and not being scared of going against the flow is what makes her special.
Ramabai Ranade is one of the usuf heroes who were no less than warriors and conquerors of their time. Thank you for sharing her story. It’s a shame that such stories remai localised and are not known to people outside the state. I loved the nuances you brought into the discussion through the examples of Diana and Mandira Bedi
Thank you Sinjana.
Thank you!
This woman is strong! Actually all of us are. We just need to find out how to bring out that strength. I love the comparison you made with Diana and Mandira! So true! I always thought they were strong.
Thank you Cindy!You are right. We have that strength, we have to unleash it.
“Actually all of us are”- very well said.
Thank you for sharing her inspiring life story. You are right when you say it sounds inspiration but did not happen overnight. All women we remember as pioneers have a strong personality and stronger determination. All your examples prove this from Lady Diana to Mandira Bedi
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your insights on lady Ramabai Mahadev Ranade. Women like her were trailblazers and we learn a lot from them / take inspiration from them. We are merely a cog in the wheel of change – just carrying their baton.
Yes, they are the true sheros.
You are right. There is s much we can learn from them. First is their patience and inner strength.
The story of Ramabai is truly inspiring and it’s a shame that i am hearing her name for the first time. these are the unsung heroes of India, not just for women for the society in general. because a society that fails its women is a society to be doomed. Today if India has become the 5th biggest economy in the world, there is a huge contribution of women pursuing higher education, n women joining the active workforce . Women like Ramabai, Savitribai faced the fire so today we could fight the storms and steer towards the dream of an equitable society.
Very well said!!
This woman is truly an inspiration. If you see, there are actually quite a few inspiring women around that same era who fought against the cages they were placed in.
It worries me when I see people today mock or make light of their contributions instead of understanding how they were actually game changers.
So very true.
Yes Roshan. I enjoyed your choice as well.
It is really long time I am visiting your website and the post was so informative and inspiring. The way you wrote about her life really made me think why women have to take such great efforts to break the walls and face the world. And ya if we realize our strength we can do much better in life.
Unfortunately, that was a challenge for women like Ramabai.
Those were the days. We are blessed to be born in this era. And we must make the best out of it
Whenever a woman had to face many odds, she has emerged with immense power to fight back against those odds. Ramabai Ranade is a true inspiration to every women who undergo lot of struggles, but stand strong to help others rise and shine.
Agree!
I never knew about her. Thanks for sharing. Such an inspirational story. I also like how you use an example of Lady Diana and Mandira Bedi. It’s not your situations or privileges decides what you can do, it’s your will power or inner strength that motivates you to keep going or to do something extraordinary.
Absolutely!! And we all have it.
Loved the title. Thank you for sharing Ramabai’s inspirational story. There are so many trailblazers in history that we have not read much about. Is her autobiography available in English? I would love to give it a read.
I am not sure Ritu.
I read about Ramabai earlier and was in awe of her passion to work for social upliftment. We have so many strong and brave examples of women shining bright against their adversities.
You are right .