Ramabai Ranade (1862 – 1924) is considered as pioneer of the modern women`s movement in India and outside. She was born on 25 January 1862 in Kurlekar family. Her marriage in 1873 , at the age of 11 to Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade changed her life completely. Mahadev Ranade was himself a social reformer & encouraged Ramabai to educate herself after their marriage. He taught Ramabai to learn Marathi & other languages.

Ramabai started ‘Hindu Ladies Social Club’ in Mumbai. After the tragic death of her husband in 1901 , Ramabi came to Pune & later on 02.10.1909 established Sevasadan for rehabilitation of distressed women. Ramabai was supported by Late Gopal Krushna Deodhar , who was the first Honorary Secretary of sevasadan. This pioneering effort allowed thousands of women to become literate , self reliant & economically independent.

Ramabai knew that educating women will improve their social status & she encouraged them to take professions like nursing . Ramabai had to fight against orthodox social environment to encourage young girls & widows to take up nursing as a profession.

Ramabai’s continuous efforts led to the rapid growth of Sevasadan though the social environment was not very supportive. In her autobiography , आमच्या आयुष्यातील काही आठवणी , Ramabai described the efforts required in a society which opposed women’s right to equal status & education.

In the initial days Sevasadan was meant for widows & divorcees. With changing times Sevasadan has also evolved in a institution with a difference & has started High School , Junior College , Adult primary & High School , Pre primary & Primary Marathi medium school . D Ed college , Girls Hostel , sheltered workshop for mentally challenged children , English Medium Co Ed pre Primary , Primary & High School.