Dr. Ambedkar countered by arguing that any perceived societal perversion should be addressed through awareness, education, and information.
Story : Avani kulshrestha
Raghunath Dhondo Karve was born on January 14 1882 as the eldest son of th renowned social reformer Maharishi Dhondo Karve. He was born in Murud, Dapoli district, and dedicated his life to addressing problems such as population growth, and educated people about birth control as well as other sexual health related issues.
He was also an excellent student, and achieved academic excellence throughout. He earned a degree in Bachelors of Art from Fergusson College, Pune, in 1904, and later, a Master’s in Mathematics. His quest for knowledge took him to Paris, where he earned an additional degree in Mathematics.
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He began his career as a professor at Solapur High School in 1903, changed institutions a few times, and eventually started teaching at Wilson College in Mumbai. Here, he began to advocate for sex education as well as family planning, which the college authorities did not like. He was given an ultimatum – to either continue his job or pursue his social cause. Karve chose the latter, and left Wilson College.
He opened India’s first birth control clinic in 1921, which was groundbreaking in India, and paralleled the opening of a similar clinic in London in the same year. This was a very bold move on Karve’s part, as discussing family planning and sexual health was considered a taboo at the time in the country.
His ideas were very revolutionary and went against what the society considered acceptable at the time. He did not hesitate to discuss about women’s rights to experience sexual pleasure and talked about population control through scientific reasoning. He also started a magazine called ‘Samajswasthya.’ A Marathi health magazine, it talked about contraceptive methods, unwanted pregnancies, induced abortions as well as sexual health.
Despite facing poverty, neglect, and societal disdain, Karve continued his mission with unwavering dedication. He authored several influential books, including “Guptrogapasun Bachav” (Prevention of Venereal Diseases), “Aadhunik Kaamashastra” (Modern Sexology), “Adhunik Aharshastra” (Modern Nutrition), and “Vaishya Vyavasay” (Prostitution Business). His monthly publication, “Samajswasthya” (Social Health), launched in 1927, tirelessly promoted sex education until his death in 1953.
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The revolutionary’s life was marked by poverty, neglect, social disdain and many such hardships, and he found solace and support in his wife, Maltibai. He was also supported by personalities such as Dr. BR Ambedkar and Riyasatkar Sardesai. Ambedkar also supported Karve when he was taken to court. People had found his writings on homosexuality and sexual health ‘vulgar.’
Dr. Ambedkar countered by arguing that any perceived societal perversion should be addressed through awareness, education, and information. He cited evidence from Havelock Ellis’s works to illustrate that discussing topics like homosexuality should not be termed criminal, as Ellis’s research portrayed such matters neither as vices nor sins. Dr Ambedkar defended Karve’s right to free speech and expression, asserting that offending certain segments of society should not justify restricting Karve’s freedoms. However, despite compelling arguments, Karve ultimately lost the legal battle and was fined Rs. 200.
Raghinath Dhondo Karve’s life is a poignant reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by a social reformer who was ahead of his time. His advocacy for family planning laid the foundation for sexual health in the country. His efforts have left an indelible mark on India’s societal landscape, marking him as a true harbinger of change in the country.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
