Remembering Dr. Sarojini Babar: A Stalwart of Marathi Literature, Politics, and Freedom Struggle | 6 Facts
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Dr. Sarojini Babar, an eminent figure in Marathi literature and politics, made substantial contributions to both fields. Engaged actively in these fields, she was also a freedom fighter, making significant contributions to India's independence movement. Babar, who played pivotal roles across diverse fields, passed away on April 20, 2008.
1. Sarojini Ji, born in 1920 in Bagni of Sangli district, Maharashtra, was exceptionally well-educated. She completed her BA at Sir Parashurambhau College in Pune, and later obtained a PhD from the University of Mumbai, focusing on women writers in Marathi literature as her area of specialization.
2. When an intensive agitation was carried out against the British in 1942, Sarojini Babar also participated in it. In her freedom fight against the British, she was even arrested.
From 1952 to 1957, she was a member of the Vidhan Sabha (the state legislative assembly). Six years later, she served as a member of the Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad (the state legislative council). From 1968 to 1974, she was a member of the Rajya Sabha. Simultaneously, she served on several government and non-government committees on women’s empowerment.
4. Sarojini Babar had always batted for preserving folk art and literature. For 32 years, starting in 1961, she was the head of the Maharashtra Rajya Loksahitya Samiti (MRLS). Under her leadership, hundreds of titles on Marathi folk culture, folk art, and native forms of literature were published.
5. She guided the radio service Akashvani Pune and presented Marathi folk art-based programs.
6. The stalwart was 87 when she breathed her last due to old age ailments.
Here are a few facts you need to know about the prominent personality-
1. Sarojini Ji, born in 1920 in Bagni of Sangli district, Maharashtra, was exceptionally well-educated. She completed her BA at Sir Parashurambhau College in Pune, and later obtained a PhD from the University of Mumbai, focusing on women writers in Marathi literature as her area of specialization.
2. When an intensive agitation was carried out against the British in 1942, Sarojini Babar also participated in it. In her freedom fight against the British, she was even arrested.
3. Babar’s political career began while she pursued her doctoral degree. In 1952, she became the first woman legislator from her constituency (Walwa-Shirala constituency) to represent in the Bombay assembly and was given a great public felicitation by the citizens of her constituency.
From 1952 to 1957, she was a member of the Vidhan Sabha (the state legislative assembly). Six years later, she served as a member of the Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad (the state legislative council). From 1968 to 1974, she was a member of the Rajya Sabha. Simultaneously, she served on several government and non-government committees on women’s empowerment.
4. Sarojini Babar had always batted for preserving folk art and literature. For 32 years, starting in 1961, she was the head of the Maharashtra Rajya Loksahitya Samiti (MRLS). Under her leadership, hundreds of titles on Marathi folk culture, folk art, and native forms of literature were published.
5. She guided the radio service Akashvani Pune and presented Marathi folk art-based programs.
6. The stalwart was 87 when she breathed her last due to old age ailments.