hp-loses-tireless-activist-subhash-mendapurkar

Subhash Mendhapurkar, a prominent social activist and Founder of the Society for Social Uplift through Rural Action (SUTRA), passed away this morning at his residence in Jagjitnagar near Kasauli, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. He was 75 years old and had been unwell for some time.

 

Originally from Solapur, Maharashtra, Mendhapurkar graduated from the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai. Over four and a half decades ago, he chose to work in Himachal Pradesh, focusing on social justice, women's self-reliance, rural self-governance, and healthcare. In 1985, he founded SUTRA with its headquarters in Jagjit Nagar, Solan district.

 

Mendhapurkar was a true leader in the social sector, known for his impactful work in Himachal Pradesh. His vision, advocacy, and efforts significantly benefited rural communities. He also played a role in policy-making at the national level.

 

He mentored many social activists through SUTRA, both nationally and internationally. Mendhapurkar was instrumental in forming the Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan (ENSS) in 2005, which now has over 18,000 members, including widows, divorced, deserted, and unmarried women. ENSS advocates for women's rights and influences government policies to be more inclusive of single women.

 

Under Mendhapurkar's leadership, SUTRA's efforts to curb female foeticide led to an improved sex ratio, particularly in Solan district. His model of community outreach and collaboration with the government has been studied by many researchers, demonstrating its success despite political and administrative challenges.

 

Nirmal Chandel, the state convener of ENSS, praised Mendhapurkar's dedication to empowering the rural population of Himachal Pradesh. Chandel shared her personal experience of how Mendhapurkar supported her after she became widowed, ultimately mobilising her to lead ENSS.

 

“He did exemplary work and brought significant changes in the lives of many rural men and women who were unaware and had no access to the system. His demise is an irreparable loss for society,” Chandel said.

 

Social activists across various sectors have mourned Mendhapurkar's death, recognising him as a role model for youth aspiring to work with marginalised communities.