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visionary, Raghunath Karve (1882-1953)
Raghunath the eldest son of the well known social reformist Bharat Ratna Maharshi
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. However, Raghunath was fortunate to have a deeply supportive spouse,
who participated in his work and bore the financial responsibility of their family.
Despite his lifelong mission for the cause that has not lost its significance till today,
Raghunath Karve has been denied due credit even decades after his death.
theatre as an actor, director and producer since 1967. He has also been a very successful and highly acclaimed actor in the world of
cinema since 1974. He is one of the most brilliant filmmakers of contemporary Indian cinema. Dhyaasparva has won India's
national award for 2001 as well as six state awards and has received excellent reviews.
© California Arts Association 2006