lokhitavadi
SHATA PATRE- Letters 1848 AD- ideas of promoting education among the native populations. A letter published in 1848 under pen name “lokhitavadi” mentions that there are many schools in Poona. Literate population is not much aware about reading books on literature and other subjects. The then Governor of Bombay Province Henry Browne suggested establishing a public library in Poona by calling a meeting of community elders on 28th January. This was agreed to by the leaders present. Many of them were students of English schools , present and past. The sardars and other well to do were not enthusiastic and did not contribute funds towards this cause. However Rs1500 was collected. Ten members elected formed a committee but no more funds could be garnered. Then, a sub committee with a Librarian was formed. The Collector granted space in “Budhwar Wada” building and public library was inaugurated in the following month.…
Lokhitavadi
Early life and times Gopalrao Hari Deshmukh, Lokhitavadi was born on 18th February 1823 in Pune. Maratha power had ended in 1818. His grandfather was the Deshmukh of Pawas in the Konkan and this title was adopted as the surname. His father Sardar Haripant was in the employment of the last Peshva Bajirao II. Bajirao II , after the battle of 1818 in which the Marathas lost, fled to Burhanpur. Elphinston made a public declaration that all those in the employment of the Peshva must surrender within two months , failing which their properties shall be confiscated. Haripant did not surrender and his properties were confiscated. Later Bajirao relinquished his Peshva ship to Company sarkar and Haripant was appointed by Bajirao as his Vakil at Pune. This was not to last for long. When Gopal was thirteen, his father passed away and the British were pleased to offer Rs600 to…
Lokhitavadi Deshmukh
Earliest reformer in Maharashtra of nineteenth century whose insights are relevant even today.
Lokhitavadi
Let us honor and celebrate the life of this extraordinary 19th-century social reformer, whose tireless work continues to shape our collective journey towards a more just and equitable world.