Maharshi Karve’s Entrepreneurial Venture for Women-Empowerment

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship evolves from entrepreneurial venture committed to social cause. Maharshi Karve, founder of the 112 year old organization devoted to education of women, was an enlightened social entrepreneur in Maharashtra. Plight of widows prompted him to devote his time, resources, strength, and expertise to change the age old custom. He boldly set an example himself by marrying a widow. 1. Karve has worked as a catalyst to bring about social change in following way. 2. He adopted a mission and created a social value that women have a right to education which can make them self reliant 3. He pursued his mission untiringly in many ways. His efforts culminated into establishing the first ever women's university in the country. 4. Karve was never deterred by lack of material resources as he drew his strength from tremendous belief in his mission and selfless devotion to social causes. He could see his entrepreneurial ventures bear fruits in his life time of 105 years. Bharat Ratna Karve's life and work show how direct action of an entrepreneur can result into institution building and bring about difficult but desired social change.