Researcher, writer and one of the intellectual voices of the Bahujan motion Gail Omvedt passed away on Wednesday. She was 81. Dr Omvedt was an American-born Indian student who authored books on Dalit politics, women’s battle and anti-caste motion. She also participated in numerous people’s moves, consisting of only for the rights of people displaced because of the Koyna Dam.
She co-founded Shramik Mukti Dal alongside her husband and activist Bharat Patankar. The couple’s daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter are settled withinside the U.S.
“Dr Gail Omvedt not only contributed as a researcher in social movements, saints’ literature, traditions however also actively participated in movements for rights of women, deprived sections. She will continue to be as a scholar who became a crucial part of society,” stated Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
As a university scholar withinside the U.S., Ms Omvedt was a part of the anti-conflict movement there. She visited India throughout her doctoral studies work to observe social movements right here and studied the work of Mahatma Phule. Her thesis was on “Non-Brahmin Movement in Western India”.
After determining to stay in India, her affiliation with veteran social worker Indutai Patankar led to her analyzing and taking part in women’s struggles.
Omvedt authored over 25 books, consisting of In Colonial Society – Non-Brahmin Movement in Western India, Seeking Begampura, Buddhism in India, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule, Dalit and the Democratic Revolution, Understanding Caste, We Will Smash the Prison and New Social Movement in India.
She was the pinnacle of Phule-Ambedkar chair in Pune university, branch of sociology; professor on the Institute of Asian Studies, Copenhagen; Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in New Delhi amongst others.
The final rites will be carried out on Thursday at Kasegaon in the Sangli district.