Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, (MKSSS), Pune: - the 121-years-old parent body has been committed to "Empowerment of Women through Education". The Institution works relentlessly towards educating the women and thereby making them self-reliant. The Samstha was established in 1896 by the great visionary and social worker Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve to provide shelter to destitute women.
The Founder of the Institution : Bharat Ratna Prof. D. K. Karve
Prof. D. K. Karve founded an Institution in a village called "Hingne" near Pune City. Earlier, the Institution was known as "Hingne Stree Shikshan Samstha". Later, it was named as "Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha".
Prof. Karve founded this Institution with the objectives of upliftment, emancipation and education of women who formed a major section of the socially downtrodden. Maharshi Karve dedicated his whole life for this humanitarian cause with great determination and courage. For his sacrifice and dedicated social work and his contribution to the noble cause he was awarded "Bharat Ratna" the highest National Civilian Award.
Establishment of the Institution in Yr.1896 for Widows
On 14th June, 1896, in the village 'Hingne' near Pune city, Maharshi Karve started a "Home for Widows", along with a school for Widows, so that they become educated and self-reliant. The "Home for Widows" was then named as 'Hingne Stree Shikshan Samstha' and the school was named as 'Mahilashram High School'.
Development of the Institution : all over Maharashtra, 62 establishments with over 26,000 Girls & Women students
Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, Pune has branches all over Maharashtra in India and more than 26,000 girl students are learning in these institutions. Over the period of last 121 years, the Institution has grown like a banyan tree and at present it runs 62 educational and other units under its umbrella. These units are located at Pune, Satara, Wai, Ratnagiri, Nagpur, Kamshet and Vasai. All these units are meant exclusively for girls or women. We also have hostel and medical facilities for students and working women and old age home for senior citizens.
The Institution offers education from Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary, Higher Secondary schools to Higher Education Colleges. At present the Institution runs higher education units like, Engineering, Architecture, Management, Nursing, Fashion Technology, Vocational Training Institute, Laser Technology & Applications, Jewelry Design, etc. All these units strive hard to develop women into truly performing citizens in today’s globalization era.