2017-06-03 Sat

Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve established an ashram for widows and a school for girls at Hingne village near Pune in 1896. This became the stepping-stone for the first Indian Women’s University in 1916. Sir Vithaldas Thackersey made a generous contribution of 15 lacs to commemorate the memory of his mother Smt.Nathibai and the University was renamed as Smt.Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University in 1920. The University has all India jurisdictions and it is the first University in Maharashtra accredited with the 5 stars status by NAAC.

The University completes 99 years. It has become a symbol of Excellence in Higher Education for Women. The motto “Sanskrita Stree Parashakti”, meaning ‘An enlightened woman is a source of infinite strength’, aptly encapsulates the vision of Maharshi Karve to build a citadel of learning for women.

A commemorative stamp was issued by India Post in 1976 when it completed its 60 years of establishment.