Prarthana Samaj was a socio-religious movement of reformation. It was founded in Girgaum, Bombay (Mumbai), 31st March 1867. Prarthana Samaj was started by Atmaram Pandurang, an Indian physician and social reformer. Dadoba Bandurang, Pandurang’s brother, supported him. The Samaj preaches more humanitarianism and reforms Hinduism into a more rational and socially ameliorative form.

Inspired by the Brahmo Samaj of Bengal, Prarthana Samaj adopted most of the principles of the Brahmo Samaj. The Samaj took some of its principles, modified to a large extent to the indigenous culture, but the basic idea of social reform remained the same.

About Prarthana Samaj

Prarthana Samaj aimed to bring people together and eliminate social differences based on caste and gender. The Samaj preached monotheism, condemned idol worship and priestly hegemony, and advocated education for all, including women. It also worked towards reforms in marriage and emphasized that religion should be for the benefit of humanity and should promote equality. In addition, the Samaj had a significant impact on social reform in India by working to eliminate social evils.

Prarthana Samaj Founder

Atmaram Pandurang, a Maharashtrian, founded the Prarthana Samaj in Maharashtra in 1867. Atmaram was introduced to the philosophical works of Keshub Chandra Sen of the Brahmo Samaj at a young age, which later prompted him to establish the Prarthana Samaj. Atmaram Pandurang was later joined by Mahadev Govind Ranade, Bhandarkar, N.G. Chandavarkar and K.T. Telang, who became the leaders of the Samaj. Mahadev Govind Ranade became a proponent of education, female equality, and social reform and emerged as one of the most respected intellectuals in western India.

Prarthana Samaj Objectives

The objectives of Prarthana Samaj were focused on social, religious, and educational reforms. Its goals were:

• Promotion of Monotheism: The Samaj preached belief in one God and opposed idol worship.
• Social Equality: It emphasized universal brotherhood and opposed caste discrimination.
• Women’s Education: Schools were founded for girls, encouraging literacy and empowerment.
• Widow Remarriage: The Samaj advocated for the upliftment of widows through remarriage.
• Raising Marriageable Age: Campaigns were conducted to increase the legal marriage age for both men and women.

The objectives reflected a balance of religious reform and social progress, aiming to create a society that was both rational and humane.

Prarthana Samaj Four Point Social Agenda

The Prarthana Samaj Four Point Social Agenda to carry out its mission was drawn up as follows:

1. The abolition of untouchability: The Samaj was against untouchability and casteism and facilitated the participation of all sections of society in social and religious life.
2. Women’s education and widow’s betterment: Schools were opened for girls and widow remarriage was encouraged. An effort was also made to improve the status of women and their rights.
3. Ban on child marriage: The Prarthana Samaj movement took up the cause of preventing child marriage and made a significant impact by highlighting the legal and social need to set the marriageable age.
4. Basic education: Prarthana Samaj made efforts to promote literacy and learning among all sections of society and opened educational institutions for children belonging to the lower castes.

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Prarthana Samaj Contributions

The contributions of Prarthana Samaj were significant in religious and social reforms:

• Influence on Hindu Reform Movements: The Samaj impacted 19th-century Hindu reform movements, including Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, and it opposed orthodox practices, such as idol worship, caste divisions, and gender discrimination.
• Promotion of Social Justice: Through its emphasis on education, women’s rights, and social equality, the Samaj contributed to the cause of social justice and human rights awareness.
• Advocacy for Widow Remarriage: Leaders such as Dhondo Keshav Karve and Vishnu Shastri, in collaboration with Mahadev Govind Ranade, worked for the upliftment of widows and widow remarriage. Institutions like the Widows’ Home Association provided support and shelter to widows, promoting education and social acceptance.
• Legacy of Education and Empowerment: The Samaj laid the foundation for universal education and empowerment, especially for women and lower-caste individuals. Its schools and initiatives helped foster an enlightened and progressive society, valuing learning and equality.
• Rational Religious Thought: The Samaj promoted rationality and moral reasoning in religion, reducing superstitions and excessive ritualism while upholding ethical conduct and humanitarian values.

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