Mama Parmanand
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3 July 1838
Mama Parmanand | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Narayan Mahadev Parmanand 3 July 1838 Maungao, Sawantwadi, Konkan, India |
| Died | 13 September 1893 (aged 55) Mumbai, India |
| Education | Elphinstone Institute, University of Mumbai |
| Occupations | Social reformer, journalist, teacher, administrator |
| Known for | Founding member of Prarthana Samaj, First editor of Native Opinion, Mentor to Kashinath Trimbak Telang |
| Notable work | Pitrubodh (1877) |
| Spouse | Jankibai |
Mama Parmanand (3 July 1838 – 13 September 1893), born as Narayan Mahadev Parmanand, was an Indian social reformer, journalist, and a founding member of the Prarthana Samaj.[1] Regarded by Mahadev Govind Ranade as a "Political Rishi" (Rajkiya Rishi), he served as a prominent advisor to several key figures of the Indian independence and reform movements.[2]
Parmanand was born on 3 July 1838 in the village of Maungao, located near Sawantwadi in the Konkan region.[2] His father, Mahadev, died when Parmanand was only a year old. Raised by his mother, Gangabai, he received his primary education in his maternal uncle's village, where his mother supported the family by running a small shop. He later moved to Mumbai for further studies.[1] He attended the Elphinstone Institute in Mumbai, where he was a distinguished student, earning the "West Scholarship" and the "Claire Scholarship".[2] Parmanand gained a reputation as a scholar and cleared the matriculation examination following the establishment of the University of Mumbai. Although he initially enrolled for a B.A. degree, financial difficulties forced him to discontinue his studies and take up a teaching position at Elphinstone High School, where he worked from 1864 to 1868.[1][2] During this time, he mentored students such as the researcher Kashinath Trimbak Telang.[1]
Career
Parmanand's professional life included roles in education, journalism, and government administration. After a brief period working in Sindh, he returned to Mumbai due to health concerns and transitioned from teaching to a career in writing and public service.[1]
Journalism and writing
Parmanand was a prolific journalist and served as the first editor of the newspaper Native Opinion, which launched on 4 January 1864.[2] He was also heavily involved with other influential publications, including Induprakash, Indian Spectator, and Subodh Patrika.[1] He was a dedicated contributor to Subodh Patrika, the official mouthpiece of the Prarthana Samaj, and continued to write for the journal until his death, even while bedridden.[2]
Administrative roles
Parmanand held several significant administrative positions:
- Naib Diwan: He served as the Naib Diwan (Deputy Collector) of the Kutch State, contributing to various administrative reforms before resigning due to political interference.[1][2]
- Registrar: Following his return to Mumbai, he was appointed as a Registrar at the Bombay High Court by Sir William Wedderburn.[1]
- Government Official: He also served as the Secretary of the Labor Department and as a Superintendent in the Revenue and General Departments. He later held the position of Secretary to the Municipality.[1][2]