Social Reformer
In 1853, while a student, Bhandarkar became a member of the Paramhansa Sabha, an association for furthering liberal ideas which was then secret to avoid the wrath of the powerful and orthodox elements of contemporary society. Visits from Keshub Chunder Sen during 1864 had inspired the members of the Sabha. In 1866, some of the members held a meeting at the home of Atmaram Pandurang and publicly pledged to certain reforms, including (1) denunciation of the caste system, (2) encouragement of widow remarriage, (3) encouragement of female education, and (4) abolition of child marriage.
The members concluded that religious reforms were required as a basis for social reforms. They held their first prayer meeting on 31 March 1867, which eventually led to the formation of the Prarthana Samaj. Another visit by Keshub Chunder Sen and visits of Protap Chunder Mozoomdar and Navina Chandra Rai, founder of Punjab Brahmo Samaj, boosted their efforts.
The world-renowned Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in Pune is named after Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar.
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