Comrade Shanta ranade

Comrade Shanta Ranade was a member of National council of Communist Party of India and the president of state unit of National Federation of Indian Women. She was someone who had witnessed the social, political changes that took place in pre independence as well as post independence India. This documentary showcases her unreserved views and insights on various social, political issues. It also talks about her background,childhood influences and the circumstances that lead her into active politics. It highlights Comrade Shanta Ranade’s journey as a politician, social worker, activist, writer and most importantly a woman who was involved in active politics.

Born on 26th of June 1925, Shanta Ranade witnessed all the social and political changes that took place in pre independence as well as post independence India. She was born in a middle class Marathi family.

At that point of time academic education was still not available for all, let alone women, in some states like Maharashtra, due to the conscious efforts taken by some social reformers and educationists, a gradual transformation was already in the process.

Shanta Ranade was one of these privileged girls who had the opportunity to attend school. But she did not stop there; she made the most of her education and exposure to help not just other women but even men who were deprived of basic human rights, facilities and opportunities.

The cultural, social and educational ‘environment’ inside the educational institution, women’s university where her schooling and her graduation was done had contributed greatly in shaping her approach towards women’s education and human rights. But it was also the circumstances, the teachers, the professors, the fellow students and their activities that defined the future of Shanta’s journey as an individual and more importantly a woman who was actively involved in politics as well as social work.

In retrospect, Comrade Shanta Ranade’s journey unfolds various layers of the social, political, cultural changes in Indian society. It underlines the distinction between the pre independence and post independence cultural ethos of a multifaceted country like India.

Besides all these aspects, the political ideology that she was inclined to makes her story even more interesting and complex. Right from the inception, the Communist Party of India had faced strong resistance from the society as a whole. Even at the time Comrade Shanta Ranade joined the party, things were not easy, but she remained truthful, remained loyal to her political values.

As an activist, a social worker and a party worker, she always insisted on having equal rights for everyone regardless of their gender, faith, ethnicity and economic class. While serving the underprivileged, she also carried out her family responsibilities with ease.

It is essential to recognize a character like Comrade Shanta Ranade who was born in a family that owned a successful business, had the option to have a safe and cozy life and yet she chose a path that she believed in, even though it was full of uncertainty.

I believe that her story will inspire many women and men who have chosen an off beaten path to make a significant change in today’s society.

- Amrita Mahadik.

Comrade Shanta Ranade can be watched here :