Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha, (MKSSS), Pune
Empowering Women Through Education Since 1896
Historical Legacy
- Founded in 1896 by Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, a visionary social reformer.
- Originally established as Hingne Stree Shikshan Sanstha in Hingne village near Pune.
- Began as a Home for Widows and a school to educate and uplift destitute women.
Educational Reach
- Operates 62 institutions across Maharashtra.
- Locations include Pune, Satara, Wai, Ratnagiri, Nagpur, Kamshet, and more.
- Serves over 32,000 girl students from kindergarten to postgraduate levels.
Institutions and Courses
MKSSS offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs:
- Schools and Colleges: Pre-primary to higher secondary education.
- Professional Institutes: Engineering, Architecture, Management, Nursing & Fashion Technology.
- Vocational Training: Tailored for skill development and employment.
- Health and Wellness: Includes a health center and old age home.
Flagship Institution:
- Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune – India’s first all-women engineering college, established in 1991.
Awards and Recognition
- Honored with Swachcha Puraskar by Pune Municipal Corporation.
- Recognized for contributions to education, women’s welfare, and social reform.
Vision and Mission
- To make women self-reliant, educated, and empowered.
- Focuses on holistic development, including academics, health, and values.
Our Founder
Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, popularly known as ‘Anna’ was born in Konkan, (Maharashtra) on 18th April 1858. He spent his childhood at Murud (Ratnagiri) in poverty and hardships. He observed the dire consequences of the custom of child marriage. After the death of his first wife, he remarried a child widow and set an example of widow re-marriage. He incurred the wrath of the society due to this progressive decision, but he remained unmoved.
As he knew the significance of education for women, he set his goal of life by devoting himself for this purpose. It was a challenging task to stand against the views of the society and age-old beliefs. Gradually the significance of girls’ education was accepted. The flourishing institute that stands proudly today is a fruit of his endless efforts and far-sighted vision.