Young Students Breathe Life into Pune's Forgotten Memorial of Courage

In Pune, where the hustle and bustle often blurs the lines of history, a faded, crumbling fountain near Faraskhana police station stood unnoticed. That changed when a group of enthusiastic young students from Delhi Public School (DPS) Hinjewadi took it upon themselves to restore this fading memorial to its former glory. A statue, known by few, stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of a young girl named Kashibai, a beacon of Pune’s rich and transformative history.

A Father’s Unwavering Courage

It was around 137 years ago when Kashibai’s father, Dr. Vishram Ramji Ghole, bravely defied societal norms by sending her to school. In an era when education for girls faced fierce opposition, Dr. Ghole’s determination marked a pivotal moment for women’s education in India. Inspired by reformists like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule of the Satyashodhak Samaj, he demonstrated steadfast dedication against all odds, even after the tragic death of his daughter.

A Heartbreaking End and Hopeful Beginning

Kashibai’s life was short-lived; she succumbed to a vile act of malice simply for pursuing education. As she journeyed to school, a drink of poisoned water became her tragic fate. Despite such a heartbreaking loss, Dr. Ghole’s resolve strengthened. In 1880, he erected the memorial fountain adorned with a doll, reflecting the endearing nickname many knew her by — Bahuli, meaning ‘doll.’

The Long-Forgotten Memorial

Progress often demands sacrifices, and in 1952, city planners displaced the once-functioning fountain to make way for a widening road. Yet, this new location saw it plunge into neglect—an unjust fate for a monument of historical consequence. As stated in Times of India, a deeper understanding of the memorial’s significance was lost with its disrepair, and it lay forgotten, gathering dust and stories.

Uniting Youth and Heritage

It was during a heritage walk led by Jayesh Paranjape from The Western Routes that Siddharth Rajgarhia, director of DPS Hinjewadi, stumbled upon this historical gem. When photographs of the site reached the attentive eyes of his students, their curiosity transformed into a mission. With brooms in hand and determination in their hearts, these young preservationists began their journey to restore and revive.

An Eye-Opener for Many

The students’ sincere efforts lit a beacon of awareness among the local police and wider community, revealing the deep historical significance they had overlooked. Police personnel, astonished by the structure’s origins, joined hands with the students, painting and cleaning what had become a skeletal vestige of history. Though the fountain no longer flows, the restoration of the site breathes new life into Kashibai’s story.

A Revival Celebrated

This rekindling effort has not gone unnoticed. The community’s rediscovery of Bahulicha Haud — a landmark open to all, originally celebrated during Ganesh Festival — reaffirms the unwavering spirit that education knows no boundaries of caste or creed. The statue of a woman now stands guardian over the site, serving as a silent reminder of the progress forged from past struggles.

Dr. Ghole’s marble epitaph remains, etched in the form of an open book, echoing tales of his daughter’s cherished dreams and actions. The site stands once more as a symbol of unity, history, and education’s everlasting promise.