LOKAHITAWADI'S REFORM ACTIVITIES

Gopal Hari Deshmukh or Lokahitawadi (1823-92), was a profound scholar and social reformer who encouraged people to acquire western education and a rational outlook. He advocated female education for the upliftment of women. In his many articles, essays and books, he denounced the dominance of the old social outlook, the extreme stress on religion in daily life, the selfish attitude of the rich and pleaded for a humanitarian attitude and social service.

RADHASWAMI MOVEMENT

The movement was founded by Tulsi Ram or Shiv Dayal Saheb (also, Swamiji Maharaj), in 1861. The sect preached belief in one supreme being, the Guru's supreme position and a simple social life for the believers (the Satsang). It does not recognise temples and shrines. The belief is that spiritual fulfilment can be gained without giving up the worldly life.

DEVA SAMAJ

The Samaj, founded by Shiv Narain Agnihotri in 1887, preached high moral and social conduct like, for instance, keeping oneself away from gambling and intoxicants. The Deva Shastra, a book of teachings, talks of the existence of the Supreme Being, the soul's eternal value and the supreme position of the Guru. The Samaj was popular only till 1813.

BHARAT DHARMA MAHAMANDALA

In 1902, various small organisations founded with the aim of defending orthodox Hinduism from the attacks of re­formers, such as the Arya Samaj, were united to form the Bharat Dharma Mahamandali. Based at Varanasi, the organisation also worked to usher in some reforms, and set up as well as managed Hindu educational and religious institutions.

INDIAN (NATIONAL) SOCIAL CONFERENCE

The Conference, founded by M.G. Ranade and Raghunath Rao for social reform, had its first session in December 1987. Its main focus was on abolition of polygamy and kulinism and it encouraged intercaste marriages. It began the 'Pledge Movement' to fight against child marriage. The Conference is sometimes referred as the social reform cell of the Indian National Congress.


SERVANTS OF INDIA SOCIETY

The society for social reform, formed by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1915, did notable work in providing famine relief and in improving the condition of the tribals.

SOCIAL SERVICE LEAGUE

Founded by Narayan Malhar Joshi, a Servants of India Society member, Narayan Malhar Joshi in 1911, the League aimed at discussions of social problems to inform public about social matters and better working and living condi­tions for the common people. The League set up schools, dispensaries, and libraries to achieve its objectives.

SEVA SAMITI

Hridayanath Kunzru, a member of the Servants of India Society, organised the Samiti at Allahabad in 1914, to improve the status of the suffering classes, reform criminals and to rescue those suffering in society. Social service undertaken by the Samiti contributed towards the spread of education and relief activities during floods and epidem­ics.

OTHERS

The Paramhans Mandali was founded in 1849. Its believers emphasised the unity of godhead and agitated to break caste rules.

The Students Literary and Scientific Society was formed in 1848. Its Gujarati and Marathi branch (Dnyan Prasarak Mandalis) debated popuiar science and social questions.

The Madras Hindu Social Reform Association was founded in 1878, by Virasalingam, to promote widow re-marriage. The Social Purity Movement of R. Venkat Ratnam Naidu worked to abolish the devadasi tradition and advocated temperance.
A reform movement was founded by Annie Besant in 1904, to promote Hindu social and religious advancement.