Anasuya Kale, Nagpur’s 1st MP, backed Uniform Civil Code: Lok Sabha ex-speaker Sumitra Mahajan

NAGPUR: Nagpur’s first member of Parliament Anasuya Kale had supported Uniform Civil Code (UCC), one law which would be applicable to all religions and beliefs in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc, revealed former Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Thursday.
Mahajan, longest serving woman MP who represented Indore for a record eight times, was speaking at the release of English translation of a book on Anasuya Kale, written by her husband and businessman Purushottam Kale.

“In 1929, when the then Imperial Legislative Council of India was discussing Child Marriage Restraint Act (better known as Sharda Act), Kale, as a woman member, had asked the government to raise the age limit of marriage of Muslim girls too, even though she knew this would be opposed by ulemas. Her views were clear, always ideal for every woman in politics,” said Mahajan, who is fondly known as taai.
Mahajan said she was eager to remain present for the release function of this book ‘Anasuya My Wife – A firebrand freedom fighter’. “Not because I am a politician or a woman MP, but because such translations must be released for our younger generations,” she said, lamenting that the younger generation finds it difficult to read and understand their mother tongue, but they take more interest in reading English books.
“Though, this book was originally written in Marathi, the English translation will provide the much-needed access to the young people who may learn many things about how a woman in early 1900s built an impactful career in politics and social work, without neglecting her family responsibilities,” Mahajan said.
The book release was organized by great-grandchildren of Anasuya Kale and family. Deepali Kale has translated the original Marathi book. Vilas, Kumar, Jaydev and Praveen Kale were prominently present on the stage.
Earlier, Anusuya Kale-Chhabrani delivered an introductory speech, while Ruhi and Rupali Kale introduced the guests. Pranoti Gadre conducted the proceedings while Vilas Kale recalled the fond memories of his grandmother.
Publisher Naresh Sabjiwale, as a representative of Rajhans Publication, spoke about the book. President of All India Women’s Conference Sheila Kakade presided over the function.