Mama Parmanand | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Narayan Mahadev Parmanand 3 July 1838 Maungao, Sawantwadi, Konkan, India |
| Died | 13 September 1893 (aged 55) Mumbai, India |
| Education | Elphinstone Institute, University of Mumbai |
| Occupation | Social reformer, journalist, teacher, administrator |
| Known for | Founding member of Prarthana Samaj, First editor of Native Opinion, Mentor to Kashinath Trimbak Telang |
Notable work | Pitrubodh (1877) |
| Spouse(s) | Jankibai |
Mama Parmanand (3 July 1838 – 13 September 1893), born as Narayan Mahadev Parmanand, was an Indian social reformer, journalist, and a founding member of the Prarthana Samaj.[1] Regarded by Mahadev Govind Ranade as a "Political Rishi" (Rajkiya Rishi), he served as a prominent advisor to several key figures of the Indian independence and reform movements.[2]
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Parmanand was born on 3 July 1838 in the village of Maungao, located near Sawantwadi in the Konkan region.[2] His father, Mahadev, died when Parmanand was only a year old. Raised by his mother, Gangabai, he received his primary education in his maternal uncle's village, where his mother supported the family by running a small shop. He later moved to Mumbai for further studies.[1] He attended the Elphinstone Institute in Mumbai, where he was a distinguished student, earning the "West Scholarship" and the "Claire Scholarship".[2] Parmanand gained a reputation as a scholar and cleared the matriculation examination following the establishment of the University of Mumbai. Although he initially enrolled for a B.A. degree, financial difficulties forced him to discontinue his studies and take up a teaching position at Elphinstone High School, where he worked from 1864 to 1868.[1][2] During this time, he mentored students such as the researcher Kashinath Trimbak Telang.[1]
Career[edit | edit source]
Parmanand's professional life included roles in education, journalism, and government administration. After a brief period working in Sindh, he returned to Mumbai due to health concerns and transitioned from teaching to a career in writing and public service.[1]
Journalism and writing[edit | edit source]
Parmanand was a prolific journalist and served as the first editor of the newspaper Native Opinion, which launched on 4 January 1864.[2] He was also heavily involved with other influential publications, including Induprakash, Indian Spectator, and Subodh Patrika.[1] He was a dedicated contributor to Subodh Patrika, the official mouthpiece of the Prarthana Samaj, and continued to write for the journal until his death, even while bedridden.[2]
Administrative roles[edit | edit source]
Parmanand held several significant administrative positions:
- Naib Diwan: He served as the Naib Diwan (Deputy Collector) of the Kutch State, contributing to various administrative reforms before resigning due to political interference.[1][2]
- Registrar: Following his return to Mumbai, he was appointed as a Registrar at the Bombay High Court by Sir William Wedderburn.[1]
- Government Official: He also served as the Secretary of the Labor Department and as a Superintendent in the Revenue and General Departments. He later held the position of Secretary to the Municipality.[1][2]
Social reform and religious work[edit | edit source]
A core member and promoter of the Prarthana Samaj, which he joined in 1867, Parmanand believed that religious reform was a prerequisite for national progress.[1][2] He founded the "Hindu Social Reform Association" and was a staunch advocate for widow remarriage. His home often served as a refuge for remarried couples and a gathering place for students and social activists. His reformist outlook was notably influenced by the biography of Benjamin Franklin.[2]
Influence and legacy[edit | edit source]
Parmanand was highly respected as a political thinker. In addition to Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Sir William Wedderburn, and Mahadev Govind Ranade, his counsel was sought by leaders such as Badruddin Tyabji and Pherozeshah Mehta.[1][2]
His book Pitrubodh, published in 1877 and dedicated to his father, was translated into English, Marathi, and Gujarati.[1][2] He was supported in his social endeavors by his wife, Jankibai.[2] Parmanand died in Mumbai on 13 September 1893.[1]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Halarnkar, Tanaji, ed. (1999). [Konkani Encyclopaedia] (in गोंयची कोंकणी / Gõychi Konknni). Vol. 3. Goa: Goa University. pp. 694–695 – via Wikisource.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 "परमानंद, नारायण महादेव". Marathi Vishwakosh (in मराठी). Government of Maharashtra.