Pune: Padma Bhushan Awardee Shobhana Ranade Passes Away At 99Â
Pune: Padma Bhushan Awardee Shobhana Ranade Passes Away At 99
Shobhana Ranade, a stalwart in social activism and a Padma Shri awardee, breathed her last today at the age of 99 in Pune. Her journey of service began when she met Mahatma Gandhi at Pune’s Aga Khan Palace at the tender age of 18, an encounter that shaped her dedication to helping the underprivileged, particularly women and children. Ranade’s impactful life included pivotal roles in establishing significant welfare initiatives.
She was born on October 26, 1924, in Pune. She met Mahatma Gandhi at the Aga Khan Palace, at the age of 18 at a meeting that influenced her life. Inspired by Gandhi’s ideals, she devoted her life to the service of the underprivileged, especially women and children.
She co-founded the first child welfare centers at Maitreyi Ashram and Shishu Niketan, aimed at nurturing disadvantaged youth. Her efforts extended to empowering Naga women through spinning programs via the Adim Jati Seva Sangh.
Returning to Pune in 1979, Ranade played a key role in setting up the Gandhi National Memorial Society and a training institute at the historic Aga Khan Palace. Her commitment led to the founding of the Kasturba Mahila Khadi Gramodyog Vidyalaya in 1998, providing vocational training to marginalized women.
Projects like Balgram and Balsadan in Saswad highlighted her focus on child welfare. Beyond her local contributions, Ranade championed national causes such as the Ganga Bachao Abhiyan to combat river pollution. Her leadership roles included trusteeship of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust and presidency of various women’s organizations and literacy committees.
Recognitions for her tireless efforts included the prestigious Padma Bhushan, Jamnalal Bajaj Award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award, among others. Her legacy as a compassionate activist and educator remains deeply cherished.
