Social work as a practice has significantly provided solutions to the myriad of social and economic issues affecting India.
Several well-known social workers have devoted their lives to improving the lot of the socially less protected population, defending equal rights, and campaigning for the development of society.
Here is a brief on a few of India’s most renowned social workers who have made considerable societal contributions.
1. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
We all know Gandhi is also known as the Father of the Nation, but we do not see that he was one of the finest social workers of his time. His work extended from political liberty to untouchability, communal unity, and the welfare of the villages and women.
Gandhi advocated for nonviolent action and fairness with his Sarvodaya, which means the rise of all. He initiated many welfare schemes to uplift the standard of Indian villages in sanitation, education, and self-employment.
Key Contributions:
- Phase-wise elimination of untouchability, mainly through organizations like Harijan Sevak Sangh.
- Policies that will enhance the development of the rural areas, and Swadeshi policies.
Through campaigns and ashrams, fight for women’s rights and their health.
2. Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Mother Teresa was born in Albania but went to India in 1929, where she spent the rest of her life working with the poor, the sick, and the dying.
She is well known for establishing ‘The Missionaries of Charity’ in Calcutta and providing service worldwide. In 1979, she was honoured with a Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts.
Key Contributions:
- Looked after the dying and the forsaken.
- Built houses for the homeless widows, orphans and leprosy stricken.
- The modern signifier of a figure who relentlessly helps the poor and needy.
3. Baba Amte (1914-2008)
Baba Amte is referred for leprosy and its patients. Leprosy-afflicted patients are treated at Anandwan, a rehabilitation centre he started in Maharashtra.
Amte also supported environmental and social reforms through several movements.
Key Contributions:
- They set up an Anandwan and other similar colonies for leprosy rehabilitation.
- Directly involved in the struggle of Narmada Bachao Andolan, who protested against large dam formations displacing indigenous people.
- They advocate for social equality and human rights.
4. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891-1956)
Ambedkar was a social reformer, an outstanding politician, and the person who prepared the Constitution of India.
Ambedkar, a fighter for the Dalit rights (formerly the untouchables), spearheaded many struggles against untouchability.
Key Contributions:
- I erased the taboo against untouchability and campaigned for better treatment of the untouchable castes – the depressed classes.
- Conducted positive changes to laws favouring women and, in effect, empowered them.
Promoted educational and social reform and established several academic institutions.
5. Aruna Roy (Born 1946)
Aruna Roy is a modern social worker in India who strives hard to change a systematically corrupt society and to bring transparency and accountability to the government.
Rural women are heard through Shola, who co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), which played a crucial role in passing the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Key Contributions:
- Has civil society advocated for the Right to Information movement in India, where citizens were given a window to access records of this government?
- Supported workers’ unions and stood up for rural people.
6. Sudha Murtwomen'sn 1950)
Sudha Murthy is an Indian writer and prominent charity worker with her Infosys Foundation.
They are education, health rights, rural livelihoods, disaster response and humanitarian crises.
Key Contributions:
- Raised for scholarships and construction of schools to educate underprivileged children.
- Promoted healthcare projects within rural settings by establishing hospitals and clinics.
- Offered disaster aid during calamities that were natural in origin.
7. Medha Patkar (Born 1954)
Narmada Bachao Andolan activist Medha Patkar is an environmental and social activist involved in many environmental issues.
As a member of parliament, she has advocated for indigenous peoples and people affected by large-scale projects like big dams.
Key Contributions:
- They were against the removal of Indigenous people from their homes because of the construction of dams.
- Contested for social justice for development and preserving the most natural environment.
- The field is in the fight to make an impact on social issues that affect minority groups.
8. Murlidhar Devidas Amte (Prakash Amte)
The son of Baba Amte, Prakash Amte has continued his Father’s legacy by working with tribal communities in remote areas of Father’shtra.
Along with his wife, Mandakini Amte, he runs the Lok Biradari Prakalp, which provides healthcare, education, and livelihood support.
Key Contributions:
- He provided healthcare and education to marginalized tribes.
- Established initiatives for wildlife conservation.
- Worked towards integrating remote tribal communities into mainstream society.
9. Ela Bhatt (1933-2022)
Ela Bhatt founded the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which has empowered millions of women by providing them financial independence.
She was a pioneer in the field of microfinance and cooperative development.
Key Contributions:
- Empowered self-employed women through microfinance and employment initiatives.
- Promoted women’s cooperative movements to uplift female workers.
- She played an essential women’s social justice and labour rights advocacy.
10. Jyotirao Phule (1827-1890) and Savitribai Phule (1831-1897)
Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, were pioneers of women’s education and fought against caste discrimination.
They started women’s first school for girls in Pune and worked tirelessly to uplift Dalits and women in Indian society.
Key Contributions:
- Established schools for girls and Dalits at a time when education was restricted.
- Advocated for the abolition of caste-based discrimination.
- Worked towards widow remarriage and women’s rights.
Conclusion
The efforts of these social workers have contributed significantly to shaping India’s social fabric. Their work in diverse fields, such as education, human rights, rural development, and transparency, continues to inspire new generations.
India owes much of its social justice and equality progress to these extraordinary individuals who dedicated their lives to public service and advocacy.
These social workers have brought tangible improvements to society and changed how India approaches social issues and development at grassroots levels.
Their legacies will inspire future generations to work towards a more inclusive and just society.
