Ramdas Athawale Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Full Name: Ramdas Bandu Athawale

Profession(s): • Politician • Trade unionist • Social worker • Journalist • Writer • Publisher

Date of Birth: 25 December 1959 (Friday)

Age (as of 2024): 65 Years

Birthplace: Village Agalgaon, District Sangli, Maharashtra India

Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Sangli, Maharashtra

Religion: Buddhism

Caste: Scheduled Caste

Food Habit: Non-vegetarian

Marriage Date: 16 May 1992

Age: 65 Years

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EDUCATION

College/University: Siddharth College of Law, Mumbai

Educational Qualification: LLB

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″ (170 cm)

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status: Married

Wife/Spouse: Seema Athawale

Children: Son – Jeet Athawale

Parents: Father – Bandu Bapu Athawale Mother – Honsabai Bandu Athawale

Wife: Seema Athawale

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Marathi Film: Anyayacha Pratikar (1993)

MONEY FACTOR

Salary (approx.): Rs. 6,33,000 p.a. (2012-2013)

Assets/Properties[1]My Neta: Movable Assets • Cash: Rs. 42,345 • Deposits in Banks: Rs. 9,41,746 • NSS, Postal Savings: Rs. 12,62,997 • Jewellery: Rs. 2,10,000 Immovable Assets • Agricultural Land: Rs. 10,30,000 • Residential Buildings: Rs. 40,00,000

Net Worth (approx.): Rs. 53.4 lakhs (as of 2013) [2] My Neta

OTHER INFORMATION

Political Party: • Republican Party of India (until 1990) • Republican Party of India (A) (1990–present) • National Democratic Alliance (2014–present)

Political Journey: • 1990–1996: Served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council • 1998–1999: Served as a Member 12th Lok Sabha • 1999–2004: Served as a Member 13th Lok Sabha (second term) • 2004–2009: Served as a Member of 14th Lok Sabha (third term) • 2014: Elected to Rajya Sabha • 2020: Re-elected to Rajya Sabha

Address: 91, Lumbini, Sector-7, Charkop, Kandiwali, Mumbai- 400 067

Social Media: • Instagram • Facebook • YouTube • Twitter

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Ramdas Athawale’s journey into public life began with his role as the editor of a weekly magazine named Bhumika, where he used the platform to voice issues pertinent to the Dalit community. This early involvement in media not only honed his skills as a communicator but also shaped his political ideology. In the 1970s, Athawale emerged as a prominent figure in the Dalit Panther movement, which was greatly inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States. As an ardent activist, he courageously engaged in street battles against the Shiv Sena party, advocating for the rights and dignity of Dalits during a time of significant social unrest.

In 1974, following a schism in the Dalit Panther movement, Ramdas Athawale took a decisive step by joining forces with fellow activists Arun Kamble and Gangadhar Gade to establish the Republican Party of India in Maharashtra. This transition marked a pivotal moment in his political career, as the party soon aligned itself with the Indian National Congress (INC), further amplifying Athawale’s influence within the political sphere. His commitment to Dalit causes and social justice laid the groundwork for future endeavors as he became a founding member of Parivartan Sahitya Mahamandal, fostering cultural and literary initiatives within the community.

The mid-1980s saw a significant milestone in Athawale’s political trajectory when then-Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar, recognized his exceptional organizational abilities and his capacity to galvanize Dalit groups. This recognition led to his appointment as the minister for social welfare, a position he held within Pawar’s cabinet. His tenure from 1990 to 1995 as a Cabinet Minister encompassed critical portfolios including Social Welfare, Transport, Employment Guarantee Scheme, and Prohibition Propaganda, showcasing his multifaceted leadership and dedication to public service. Throughout this period, he also served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, representing the Pandharpur constituency from 1990 to 1996, where he actively listened to and addressed the concerns of local residents.

As Ramdas Athawale continued to solidify his political presence, he became the president of several influential organizations, including Parivartan Kala Mahasangha, the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Foundation, and the Bauddha Kalawant Academy, which promotes Buddhist arts. His commitment to promoting Buddhism in Maharashtra is further exemplified by his role as the founder and president of the Bauddha Dhamma Parishad. In the political arena, he represented the Mumbai North Central constituency in the 12th Lok Sabha from 1998 to 1999 and was re-elected for the 13th Lok Sabha, serving from 1999 to 2004. As the president of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), he has remained a staunch proponent for the rights of Dalits, advocating tirelessly to address injustices while fostering a more inclusive society. His dedication and leadership continue to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on both the political landscape of Maharashtra and the broader pursuit of equality for marginalized communities.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.