Born: July 15, 1918

Bachelor of Arts (Hons.); Bachelor of Education; Doctor of Philosophy, Post-Doctoral Studies at Columbia University, New York

Has shown a commitment since her academic days towards Special Education Services required for delinquent and mentally handicapped children.

Joined the Rural Institute in the backward Bhudangad Taluka of Kolhapur District in Maharashtra. Set up rural women informal co-operatives, Mahila Mandal and Balwadi, a Rural Health Clinic and social educational camps in Harijan locations.

Took over as Director of Indian Institute of Education which was founded to interlink education with development through field-level action and research. Established centres for training women in home nursing, first aid, child and maternal health, home remedies, nutrition, sanitation, clean drinking water and overcoming superstitious health practices.

Among the other important achievements are:

• Study-project on "Mobilising Gram Panchayats for Rural Development"

• Establishment of a centre for training of social workers and rural women animators

• Development of a Rural Bal Bhavan

• Establishment of women education camps for population control

Was asked by the Prime Minister to join the Planning Commission as Member in charge of education, culture, backward classes, women and child development.

Was awarded Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1986. Received the first Raja Roy Singh Award for outstanding educational work in Asian region for the education of rural girls, United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Also received Tagore Award for literacy and Rajiv Gandhi Award for social service.

Indian Institute of Education,
J. P. Naik Path,
128/2, Kothrud,
Pune,
Maharashtra - 411 029
Tel: 022 - 336980 / 331617
Fax: 020 - 335239