Raghunath Karve

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[edit] Introduction

Raghunath Karve (1882-1953) was a reformer and a visionary. He was instrumental in initiating Family Planning and Birth Control for masses in India.

Raghunath, the eldest son of the well known social reformist Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, was a highly educated mathematician who sacrificed his successful academic career to devote himself to the causes of birth control and women's reproductive health. He started the very first birth control clinic in India in 1921 on his own initiative, in the same year when the first-ever birth control clinic had opened in London. Although there is little public awareness about reproductive health issues and open discussion about sex is still a taboo, his contribution proves to be revolutionary and pioneering. His pursuits caused him social ostracism and public humiliation. He also set up a monthly magazine - 'Samaj Swasthya' - which focussed on sex education.

However, Raghunath was fortunate to have a deeply supportive spouse, who participated in his work and bore the financial responsibility of their family. In 1923, he talked about gender equality and women’s empowerment—ideas that were nonexistent at the time.