Laxmibai AbhyankarLAXMIBAI ABHYANKAR (1884-1969) was a prolific writer, poet and public speaker. She was perhaps the first woman writer whose short stories and poems were re-published as a compilation by the Aryabhushan Press, under the title Sadhya Sthithi - Sansaratlkahi Chitre. These stories and poems had appeared in popular magazines such as Manoranjan, Karmanuk and Vividhyanvistar in 1900-1914.Laxmibai - the 'Nav-matvadi' ('new thinker') social activist - led campaigns against regressive customs and traditions, such as the tonsuring of widows. Her hard-hitting articles against the de-humanizing practice drew sharp reactions, including threats of legal action from traditionalists. Laxmibai was nominated the first woman member of the Sangli Municipality and as Official Visitor to the Sangli Central Jail. In 1927, the Sangli State nominated her as its sole representative to the All India Women's Conference, established in Poona by Margaret Cousins for improving the educational status of women and children, and for advocating women's rights.Laxmibai continued writing after Sadhya Sthithi. However, none of her other published works is available. Read More Read Less