Vitthal Ramji Shinde Biography 
Vitthal Ramji Shinde was a social and religious reformer from Maharashtra. He was a prominent figure among the liberal thinkers and reformists of pre-independent era of India. Eradication of untouchability and equality among the different classes of society are regarded as his most significant contributions. Establishment of a night school for the children of untouchables in Pune, Depressed Classes Mission in Mumbai and Ahalyashram building at Pune are regarded as his valuable contributions. He has also been associated with Indian freedom struggle movement.
Mahrshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde was born on April 23, 1873 in the princely state of Jamkhandi in Karnataka. He was born in a Marathi-speaking Maharashtrian family. Liberal family structure influenced his childhood a lot. They had family friends and visitors belonging to different castes and religions. Thus since childhood, he didn’t bind his religion with blind faith and meaningless rituals. Instead he learnt how to get involved in the service of God through religion and faith. Writings of Mahatma Jotiba Phule, John Stuart Mill, Herbert Spencer, and Max Mulle also influenced him a lot.
He completed Bachelor of Arts degree from the Fergusson College at Pune in the year 1898. Though he started LLB course, he didn’t complete it following his involvement with other social activities. Very soon, inspired by the principles of Justice Mahadev Govinda Ranade, G.B. Kotkar, Sir Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar and a few more leaders, he became a missionary for the Prarthana Samaj. He reached England in 1901 to study comparative religion at Manchester College, Oxford.
Once returned, he devoted his life to religious and social reforms. In 1905 he established a night school for the children of untouchables in Pune, and in 1906 started the Depressed Classes Mission in Mumbai. In 1922 the mission’s Ahalyashram building was competed at Pune. He has also authored a few books like Bhartiya Asprushyatecha Prashna.
Published: N/A
Updated: December 28, 2013
