Dr ANANDI and her TIMES - IV
NewsBharati 27-May-2023 12:16:25 PM
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The next in the book is again written by Yamuna to Gopalrao, dated 29/1/1884. The letters by Gopalrao were probably not available. Anandibai was in Philadelphia.
She could not spare time to write as the examination was approaching.
Gopalrao used to write to many to raise funds. Her batchmates respected him and his thoughts.
There is a very significant reference in this letter, Anandibai received the news of Pandita Ramabai's conversion. She wrote that she wanted to read the book that had a great influence on Ramabai's mind which probably helped her to convert to Christianity. Anandibai wanted to find out how far the book would influence her ( to change her faith ).
Again she begged him to take care of his health, she reiterated that she is fine. Probably Gopalrao moved around with a changed identity, she felt there was no need to be secretive.
Gopalrao's next letter which is made available in the book is written on 18/3/1884 and pointed out that he was at Shreerampur then. Again a card was used,as he probably did not have much to write. Mr James who was helping Anandibai received a communication from her and was satisfied. He was very supportive of this endeavor.
Maybe Anandibai described Gopalrao to be a little impatient, so he stated that he would try to be a little laid back. ( This surprised me as thinking or speaking anything like this, was not the practice then ).
There is a reference to how Indian staff was treated, small instances would disturb the officers and immediately it would result in an administrative decision. One of his friends, Shri Govindarao was to get increment of 10 RS ( his salary was RS 40 then ), but he could not recognize Mr. James, an officer, and the new postmaster general when they visited his office. Though he explained things well, Govindarao invited his wrath, he was denied the increase immediately. ( The relation between the ruler and ruled was like this.)
Instances that help readers to understand the socio-political situation are also a part of their communication.
The next letter that followed this, is also by Gopalrao dated 28/4/1884. ( Though there is a reference to Anandibai's letter, probably it is not available. )
As Anandibai had decided to live as a Hindoo woman, she wore the traditional dress. The communication has a reference to sarees, blouse pieces, and bangles being sent.
By this time Anandibai had finished her examination and the list of second-year books was sent. Maybe she did not write about her success in the examination clearly.
Gopalrao had written about the health issue of a woman,( she was his friend's wife ) he asked her to suggest medicines for her ailments. There is a reference to Anandibai's health issues. She was suffering from a similar problem probably. ( Thus he insisted on suggesting medicine. )
This may be described as a remote diagnosis and treatment by means of written communication. ( the very old version of telemedicine )
Anandibai's statement about the need for native doctors seemed to be vindicated, women felt comfortable with the female doctors who can easily understand their problems.
The next in line is a small letter written by Yamuna, probably dated 3/5/1884.
The Sanskrit books reached her by that time. She was very tired but not unwell.
She delivered a speech at a missionary meeting. It was attended by two thousand women, the hall was so packed that many could not get a place. She was offered ten dollars, she decided to organize her thoughts on the topic of ' Hindoo woman ', as a result of the response.
She found that book sent to her on the topic, was not of much use,so she wanted to present her perception backed by her experience.
Maybe Gopalrao mentioned that he was thinking of building a dharamshala ( which may be described as an inn in English ), which is an establishment where travelers can procure lodging and food. Anandibai thought a school for orphan children was essential, as there were very few.
Such references gradually unfold her mental makeup and leave the readers awestruck. Exposure in life has the ability to change one's perception and thoughts to a great extent.
She could not spare time to write as the examination was approaching.
Some interesting comments were made by her in the letter, probably Gopalrao pointed out at the parting of her hair was not at the center. Her response is a bit strong, she wrote, it was not out of fashion, but she felt that it was necessary then, so changed it. Obviously, she loved her long hair.
Gopalrao used to write to many to raise funds. Her batchmates respected him and his thoughts.
There is a very significant reference in this letter, Anandibai received the news of Pandita Ramabai's conversion. She wrote that she wanted to read the book that had a great influence on Ramabai's mind which probably helped her to convert to Christianity. Anandibai wanted to find out how far the book would influence her ( to change her faith ).
Again she begged him to take care of his health, she reiterated that she is fine. Probably Gopalrao moved around with a changed identity, she felt there was no need to be secretive.
Gopalrao's next letter which is made available in the book is written on 18/3/1884 and pointed out that he was at Shreerampur then. Again a card was used,as he probably did not have much to write. Mr James who was helping Anandibai received a communication from her and was satisfied. He was very supportive of this endeavor.
Maybe Anandibai described Gopalrao to be a little impatient, so he stated that he would try to be a little laid back. ( This surprised me as thinking or speaking anything like this, was not the practice then ).
There is a reference to how Indian staff was treated, small instances would disturb the officers and immediately it would result in an administrative decision. One of his friends, Shri Govindarao was to get increment of 10 RS ( his salary was RS 40 then ), but he could not recognize Mr. James, an officer, and the new postmaster general when they visited his office. Though he explained things well, Govindarao invited his wrath, he was denied the increase immediately. ( The relation between the ruler and ruled was like this.)
Instances that help readers to understand the socio-political situation are also a part of their communication.
The next letter that followed this, is also by Gopalrao dated 28/4/1884. ( Though there is a reference to Anandibai's letter, probably it is not available. )
As Anandibai had decided to live as a Hindoo woman, she wore the traditional dress. The communication has a reference to sarees, blouse pieces, and bangles being sent.
By this time Anandibai had finished her examination and the list of second-year books was sent. Maybe she did not write about her success in the examination clearly.
Gopalrao had written about the health issue of a woman,( she was his friend's wife ) he asked her to suggest medicines for her ailments. There is a reference to Anandibai's health issues. She was suffering from a similar problem probably. ( Thus he insisted on suggesting medicine. )
This may be described as a remote diagnosis and treatment by means of written communication. ( the very old version of telemedicine )
Anandibai's statement about the need for native doctors seemed to be vindicated, women felt comfortable with the female doctors who can easily understand their problems.
The next in line is a small letter written by Yamuna, probably dated 3/5/1884.
The Sanskrit books reached her by that time. She was very tired but not unwell.
She delivered a speech at a missionary meeting. It was attended by two thousand women, the hall was so packed that many could not get a place. She was offered ten dollars, she decided to organize her thoughts on the topic of ' Hindoo woman ', as a result of the response.
She found that book sent to her on the topic, was not of much use,so she wanted to present her perception backed by her experience.
Maybe Gopalrao mentioned that he was thinking of building a dharamshala ( which may be described as an inn in English ), which is an establishment where travelers can procure lodging and food. Anandibai thought a school for orphan children was essential, as there were very few.
Such references gradually unfold her mental makeup and leave the readers awestruck. Exposure in life has the ability to change one's perception and thoughts to a great extent.
Prof. Vidya Deshpande
Professor Vidya Deshpande has had a journey of more than four decades in the field of education. Her main expertise is in the subject of Philosophy, and she has worked as a teacher of philosophy and logic with Nowrosjee Wadia college for 36 years. She has been associated with the Janakalyan Blood bank for last for 38 years and has also carried out the responsibility as a management committee member of Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha for 10 years. Her special fields of interest are Philosophy of social sciences, school education, development of skills for self reliance, and top up skills to make students profession ready,