Kashibai Navrange (25 October 1878―21 August 1946) was an Indian social worker and reformer.[1] She started a Milk Fund in the year 1916 for pregnant and lactating mothers under the auspices of the Arya Mahila Samaj.[2] Navrange was the first Indian woman doctor to open her own clinic. She contributed to the field of medical.[2] Kashibai Navrange Road in Mumbai is named after her.[3][4]

Kashibai Navrange
Born(1878-10-25)25 October 1878
Died21 August 1946(1946-08-21) (aged 67)
NationalityIndian
CitizenshipIndian
Occupation(s)Social reformer, physician
Years active1907―1946
Notable workMilk Fund, Maternity Hospital (Garbhavati Chikitsalaya), Bombay, Arya Mahila Samaj, Prarthana Samaj
Parent
  • Vasudevarao Navarange (father)
AwardsJustice of Peace (1925)

Biography edit

Education edit

First, Kashibai went to Pandita Ramabai's Sharda Sadan. But later, her schooling took place in Huzurpaga, Pune. In 1896, she passed her matric and took admission to Bombay's Wilson College for further education. In 1909, she received a degree in BA. In 1906, she appeared LM & S examination. In 1907, Navrange started his own dispenser at Bhuleshwar.[2]

Works edit

Navrange was engaged in various social and reforming activities as the member of Prarthana Samaj. She started taking a separate worship meeting on Sunday for women. In 1916, she ran a Milk Fund for poor women, sending clothes to children, collecting funds.

By starting Garbhavati Chikitsalaya (hospital for pregnant women), Bombay, she gave free medication to poor women. She started some commercial activities to make women self-reliant. In 1922, she established the business institution of women and encouraged women to start various types of work by opening industry, credit banks, buy-selling centers. She was appointed as a Fellow of Mumbai University. Kashibai Navrange was the member of the Mumbai Municipal School Committee and Juvenile Court counselor. Three years before her death, she resigned from the post of President of Prarthana Samaj.[2]

Recognition edit

In 1925, the government honoured her with Justice of Peace. Kashibai Navrangre was the first southern woman who received this honour.[2]

Death and legacy edit

She died on 21 August 1946.[2] Kashibai Navrange Road (previously known as Alexandra Road)[5][4] in Mumbai's Gamdevi neighbourhood was named after her by the Bombay Municipal Corporation.[6] Arya Mahila Samaj also named the 'Dr. Kashibai Nawrange Memorial Hostel for Women Students' after her.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Strījīvanavishayaka sthityantara Mumbaī parisara : I. Sa. 1876 te 1950. Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti. 1992. p. 49 to 52.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Karve, Swati (2014). 101 Kartrutvavan Striya. Pune: Utkarsh Prakashan. p. 63. ISBN 978-81-7425-310-1.
  3. ^ a b Marfatia, Meher (July 4, 2020). "Doctor on the street". Mid Day.
  4. ^ a b "Mumbai: To learn the meaning of road names, check signboards". DNA India. 25 February 2019.
  5. ^ "The Bombay Civic Journal". 27. Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay. 1980: 21. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ Thale, Siddharaj (August 14, 2017). "Road in Mumbai named after woman who started Arya Mahila Samaj". Indian Express.