User:Vilasr
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Vilas Rupawate | |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 March 1967[citation needed] Mumbai |
| Political party | Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (since 2023) |
| Other political affiliations | Indian National Congress (2011–2017) |
| Spouse | Sangita Rupawate |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation | Social worker |
| Website | vilasrupawate |
Early Life
[edit]Vilas Haribhau Rupawate was born on March 16, 1967, at Wadia Hospital in Parel, Mumbai. He was raised in Naigaon, Dadar, Mumbai. His family roots trace back to the village of Duber in Sinnar Taluka, Nashik District. He grew up in a family of modest means and developed a keen interest in social service from an early age.
Personal Life
[edit]Vilas Rupawate is married to Sangita Vilas Rupawate. The couple has two sons, Pratish and Atish, both of whom are married. His hobbies include various sports and social service. He is a non-smoker and has a blood group of O-positive.
Social Service
[edit]Since 1995, Vilas Rupawate has been actively working for marginalized sections of society, including widows, abandoned women, devadasis, and others. In 2014, he received the Lata Tai Sakat Award from the Government of Maharashtra, which included a cash prize of INR 100,000. His contributions have been recognized by various organizations, inspired by social reformers such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Notable Activities
[edit]- Organized charity drives, including distributing food daily to hundreds of needy individuals at his office in Ghatkopar.
- Led a major initiative in 2008, where he distributed Diwali essentials to over 3,000 households of widows, abandoned women, and other marginalized individuals.
- Actively participated in the 1982 “Long March” for renaming Marathwada University after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, where he was briefly detained alongside notable activists.
- Worked with Indian Dalit Panthers between ages 18-24, collaborating with prominent activists like Jogendra Kawade.
Political and Social Positions
[edit]Vilas Rupawate holds several significant positions:
- President of Maharashtra Niradhar Devadasi Women’s Association
- President of All India Blue Tiger
- Former General Secretary of the Mumbai Congress Committee
- Former Secretary of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee
Advocacy and Protests
[edit]- In 2010, he led a historic protest involving women removing their clothing to draw attention to the plight of marginalized communities in Maharashtra, which garnered international media coverage.
- Has organized numerous large-scale events, including a gathering of thousands of women at Shivaji Park, Dadar, and rallies at Azad Maidan and Somaiya Grounds with political leaders.
- Advocated for the rights of sex workers, the elderly, and other marginalized communities, including organizing rail and road blockades to attract government attention to their plight.
Achievements and Contributions
[edit]- Helped secure monthly pensions and ration cards for thousands of women from underprivileged backgrounds.
- Played a pivotal role in establishing aid for devadasi children’s weddings and securing monthly allowances for widowed and abandoned women.
- Campaigned to include a Google Doodle of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary.
- Advocated against inaccuracies in textbooks related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birthdate, leading to official corrections.
Political Involvement
[edit]Although Vilas Rupawate received offers for prominent political positions from various leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he declined these offers to remain committed to social work. He joined Shiv Sena under Uddhav Thackeray's leadership to strengthen the party's base among underprivileged communities and remains an active member, focusing on social issues.
Legacy and Continuing Efforts
[edit]Rupawate continues his advocacy to this day, campaigning for rights and opportunities for disadvantaged groups in Maharashtra. He remains dedicated to his mission, aiming to secure more resources and governmental support for marginalized communities.
References
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