Dr Kumud Sonkuwar Pawde, born in 1938 into the Mahar Dalit caste in Maharashtra, had always been a clever girl. Inspired by Phule-Ambedkarite philosophy, and fuelled by BR Ambedkar's indomitable courage, her parents sent her to school confident that she would excel in her life.
Back then, when caste Hindus thought it unthinkable for a Dalit woman to progress, let alone excel in Sanskrit, Dr Kumud Sonkuwar Pawde showed astonishing courage and grit as a child. In an interview, she recalled how her classmates and teachers used to beat her up, but she hated crying and never broke down and kept going to class each day. In her autobiography Antasphot, she vividly describes other difficulties she faced in her life, including the times she was humiliated when she tried to drink water, being refused to participate in ceremonies, and more.
Nevertheless, her brilliance shone through with her hard work and dedication, and she soared through the hard times. A topper in school, she had already begun to excel in Sanskrit when she started college.
A degree holder in Sanskrit, Dr Kumud Sonkuwar Pawde's struggles didn't end there. She faced difficulties landing a job as university authorities were concerned about students not wanting to take her classes owing to her Dalit background. It was only after she got married and used her non-Dalit surname that significant opportunities opened for her! She laboured on, eventually becoming a name to reckon with, retiring as Head of Department of Sanskrit from Government College, Amravati, after decades of teaching. She was also declared a Sanskrit Pandita by the Nagpur Mahavidyalaya. But that's not all, Dr Kumud Sonkuwar Pawde was also a member of the All India Progressive Women's Movement, which is the national federation for Dalit woman, and she actively campaigned for inter-caste marriages.
Dr Kumud Sonkuwar Pawde's incredible story only goes to show how an indestructible spirit and unwavering strength can take one to the heights of success!
Source: Femina
0 COMMENTS
