Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (1887–1959) was a pioneering Indian social activist, educator, and reformer whose life was dedicated to uplifting the marginalized sections of society through education. Born into a modest Jain farming family in colonial India, Patil rose to become one of Maharashtra's most influential figures in the fight against social inequality, caste discrimination, and educational exclusion.

He is best remembered as the founder of the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha (Rayat Education Society), an institution that revolutionized access to education for backward castes, low-income groups, and rural populations. His philosophy of "earn and learn" empowered countless individuals by combining education with self-sustaining work, making learning accessible to those who could not afford it otherwise.

Patil's work was deeply rooted in the ideals of social reformers like Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, emphasizing equality, self-reliance, and community upliftment. His efforts earned him the title "Karmaveer" (King of Actions) from the people of Maharashtra, and he was posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1959.

Beyond his individual achievements, Patil shared a notable association with Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Babasaheb Ambedkar), the architect of India's Constitution and a champion of Dalit rights. Their friendship and collaborations reflected a shared commitment to eradicating untouchability and promoting education as a tool for social justice. While not extensively documented in mainstream histories, evidence from Ambedkar's writings, joint public appearances, and mutual support for each other's initiatives highlights a bond forged in the crucible of India's freedom struggle and social reform movements.

Among the first Jains in his community to pass the 8th grade

Bhaurao Patil was born on September 22, 1887, in Kumbhoj, a village in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra (then part of the Bombay Presidency under British rule). His full name was Bhaurao Paygonda Patil, and he hailed from a Marathi Jain farmer family. His father worked as a clerk in the revenue department of the East India Company, providing a modest but stable upbringing. Patil's native place is often listed as Aitawade Budruk in the Sangli district, reflecting his family's roots in rural Maharashtra.

As a child, Patil faced the challenges of a stratified society marked by caste hierarchies. However, he was fortunate to receive early education, becoming one of the first Jains in his community to pass the 8th standard. His formative years were profoundly influenced by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, a progressive ruler who advocated for social equality and provided Patil with opportunities to study at the royal palace. This exposure instilled in him a deep sense of justice and the importance of education in breaking caste barriers.

Patil was also inspired by the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seeking Society), founded by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1873. Phule's emphasis on educating the oppressed masses resonated with Patil, who joined the movement and adopted its anti-caste principles. Additionally, the influence of Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde, another social reformer, shaped his worldview. These early influences set the stage for Patil's lifelong mission to democratize education.

Transforming education in rural India

Patil's most enduring legacy is his role in transforming education in rural India. In 1919, he founded the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha in Kale village near Karad, Satara district. The society's name, "Rayat" (meaning "subjects" or "masses"), symbolized its focus on educating the Bahujan Samaj—the common people excluded from elite institutions. The banyan tree, a symbol of growth and shelter, became the emblem of Rayat, reflecting Patil's vision of education as a protective force for the underprivileged.

Under Patil's leadership, the society expanded rapidly. By the time of his death, it operated 38 boarding schools, 578 voluntary schools, 6 training colleges, 108 secondary schools, and 3 colleges. These institutions were cosmopolitan, welcoming students from all castes and backgrounds. Patil introduced the innovative "earn and learn" model, where students worked in hostels or on farms to cover their expenses, making education self-sustaining and dignity-enhancing.

Patil's reforms extended beyond education. He actively campaigned against untouchability, alcoholism, and exploitative practices like the Devadasi system. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, whom he met in Mumbai in 1921, Patil adopted Khadi clothing and established 101 schools in Gandhi's name. However, he diverged from Gandhi on accepting government grants for education, arguing that such funds were essential for scaling impact without compromising independence.

His work earned widespread recognition. In 1959, the University of Pune awarded him an honorary D.Litt. for his contributions to education. The Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Samaj Seva Puraskar continues to honor individuals in his name. Patil's efforts played a crucial role in educating backward castes, aligning with broader movements for social equity in pre- and post-independence India

Bhaurao Patil and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar shared a friendship rooted in their mutual dedication to social reform, education, and the upliftment of depressed classes (now known as Scheduled Castes). Both were influenced by Phule's Satyashodhak ideology, which emphasized rationalism, anti-caste activism, and education as emancipation tools. While their direct interactions were not as extensively chronicled as Ambedkar's with other leaders like Gandhi, verified evidence from Ambedkar's writings, photographs, and historical accounts confirms a respectful and supportive relationship.

Ambedkar explicitly referred to Patil as "my friend" in his writings. On July 29, 1928, Ambedkar visited a hostel run by Patil's Rayat Shikshan Sanstha in Satara. In the hostel's visitor book, he wrote: "I am extremely happy to have been able to pay this visit to the Hostel. It is a unique institution and deserves support of every man who cares for the best interests of this nation. Every credit is due to my friend Bhaurao Patil. I am paying Rs. 20/- to this institution."

Ambedkar's support is further evidenced in his collected writings and speeches, where he praised Patil's institutions. Patil's association with Ambedkar extended to reform committees. Ambedkar was involved in the Depressed Classes and Aboriginal Tribes Committee (Starte Committee), established by the Bombay Government in 1928 as part of the Simon Commission's auxiliary efforts to address untouchability and social issues.

Historical contexts suggest Patil's active role in advocating for depressed classes' education, aligning with Ambedkar's positions. Ambedkar himself testified before the Simon Commission on May 29, 1928, emphasizing education for untouchables, a cause Patil championed through Rayat.

Patil's broader advocacy for special schools for untouchables up to the fourth grade, eradication of the Devadasi system, prohibition near untouchable settlements, and cooperative societies for depressed classes mirrors Ambedkar's concerns in committee discussions. A book on Ambedkar and Patil, released in 2017, explores their shared vision, with contributors noting Patil's growth under Ambedkar's influence indirectly through mutual networks.