Ashatai Landge has been on a mission to change lives of women for the better for over three decades now. Given her legal prowess, women feel comfortable discussing their problems with her, writes Nidhi Gupta
[alert type=”e.g. warning, danger, success, info” title=””]Savitri Bai Phule Jayanti, started by Ashatai, is celebrated all over India now.[/alert]
Asha Landge or Asha-tai as she is fondly called by those whose lives she has touched and changed foreveris a remarkably strong woman who has dedicated her entire life for the welfare and empowerment of weaker sections of society!
At a time when most young people dream of higher studies, good jobs and a settled life, Asha Landge decided to work towards making the society a better and more livable place. Influenced by senior women activists like Mrinal Gore and Ahilya Rangnekar who were at the helm of movements such as Stree-Mukti Andolanin the early 80s, Ashatai began working with dalit women along with a few of her friends while still studying in standard XII itself. After completing her 12th standard studies, she took admission in Evening College. Along with her graduation, she took up a day job in Glaxo at Worli. But such a busy schedule too could not deter her from doing social work. She continued working with dalit women.
While Stree-Mukti Andolan was at its peak in Mumbai in those days, there were hardly any women-centric groups. So, in 1980 itself, Ashatai started an organization called Mahila Sansad which celebrated the first ever Savitri Bai Phule Jayanti. The event was covered by leading papers of that time. “When we celebrated the event, people didn’t know much about Savitri Bai Phule or the social reforms she had worked for. But today the event is celebrated across India and women take inspiration from her life and give importance to education. There is a rise in women-centric groups now”, says Asha Tai.
As time passed, Ashatai’sworkload increasedheavily but that did not stop her from studying. She not only completed her graduation, but also went on to complete LLB and LLM from Evening College. After a long break, Ashatai is now pursuing her PhD in Law. All her legal knowledge helps her in working for the weaker sections of the society.
Later, AshataijoinedDalit Buddhist politician and the present Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, RamdasAthawale’s Republican Party of India. Owing to her dedicated social work, Ashataihas been made a member of the Maharashtra wing of National Commission for Women (MSCW). Ashatai Says, “Over the years I have worked for many and given free legal advice to many. My office is in Byculla, Mumbai and post 7pm, many
women come to discuss their problems. I have also solved many cases through MSCW as well as the Republican Party. Because of my association with the Party and now MSCW, I am connected with entire Maharashtra.”
Over the years, Ashatai has become synonymous with social work in Maharashtra and has been the torchbearer for the weaker sections who continue to fight for their rights relentlessly.
