Sir Vithaldas Damodar Thackersey (30 November 1873 – 12 August 1922) was an Indian businessman from
Bombay state and was a member of
Imperial Council of India during the 1900s.
He chaired the Industrial Conference, a subsidiary conference of Indian National Congress, in Kolkata in 1903
The vision of
Maharashi Karve and the foresight of Sir Vithaldas Thackersey led to the establishment of the first women’s university in India. Recognizing the pioneering work of Karve, Thackersey made a generous contribution of Rs. 15 lakh to commemorate the memory of his mother, Nathibai. In 1920 the university was named
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University SNDT Women's University
SNDT Women's University, also called by its full name Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University, is a women's university in the city of Mumbai, India. The university headquarters are at Churchgate in South Mumbai, while the ma ...
. He was knighted by the
British Government in 1908.
After her husband died, Premkunver, Lady Thakersey (
Premlila Thakersey) continued his work in the fields of education and philanthropy. She was dedicated to women's education specifically and ultimately became the first vice-chancellor of SNDT Women’s University in Mumbai. Lady Premlila Thakersey also continued her husband's work by generously donating to establish the degree college in Home Science. This donation is what started Sir Vithaldas Thakersey College of Home Science in 1959.
References
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1873 births
1922 deaths
Members of the Imperial Legislative Council of India
Indian Knights Bachelor
Members of the Bombay Legislative Council
Businesspeople from British India