Writer Kavyashree Maganaonkar addressed students during a special lecture organized on Friday as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Dr. Ambedkar College at Kalaburagi. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule played a transformative role in empowering women at a time when society was largely patriarchal and repressive, writer Kavyashree Maganaonkar said.
At a special lecture organized as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day at the Academy of Arts, Business and Science and the Postgraduate Center, Dr. Ambedkar, run by the Karnataka People’s Education Society (KPES), highlighted the historic journey of women’s emancipation at Kalaburagi on Friday.
“At a time when women were subjected to punishment and discrimination, Jyotiba Phule made it possible for women to become educators. It was through his efforts that Savitribai Phule became India’s first female teacher,” she said.
She also highlighted the contribution of Gautama Buddha, Basavanna and BR Ambedkar in promoting women’s rights.
“From Buddha to Basavanna and in modern times to Dr. Ambedkar, many reformers have worked for women’s freedom. Women today have achieved education, employment and self-confidence because of their efforts,” she added.
Women’s cell coordinator Nirmala Shiragapur had earlier said in her opening remarks that constitutional rights have enabled women in modern India to lead equal lives. “Women across the country remain indebted to Dr. Ambedkar for these rights,” she added.
KPES general secretary Shantappa Sooran spoke about practicing gender equality at the family level, while college principal Siddappa S. Kanta, who presided over the programme, elaborated on the pro-women Vachanas.
On this occasion, Mr. Kanta was felicitated for assuming the post of the new Principal of the college.
Published – 27 March 2026 18:58 IST
