Jaymala Dhankikar: From a Freedom Fighter’s Daughter to a Tireless Voice for Citizens’ Rights

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi

Pune, 7th June 2026: For social activist Jaymala Dhankikar, public service is more than a commitment—it is a legacy woven into her life’s journey. Inspired by the ideals and sacrifices of her father, a respected freedom fighter and social reformer, Dhankikar has devoted decades to addressing civic issues, environmental concerns, and public welfare across Maharashtra.

Her work spans a wide spectrum of causes, from river conservation and environmental protection to civic infrastructure, women’s safety, and citizens’ rights. Yet at the heart of her activism lies a simple belief: meaningful change happens when ordinary citizens actively participate in solving community problems.

A Legacy Rooted in the Freedom Movement

Jaymala Dhankikar’s commitment to public service can be traced back to her family history.

Her father was a senior freedom fighter who participated in two major movements that shaped modern India. He worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi during the struggle for Independence and later joined the Marathwada Liberation Movement under the leadership of Swami Ramanand Teerth. His dedication to the cause led to his imprisonment for two years and three months.

Even after Independence, his mission of social service continued. Through the Gadge Maharaj Mission in Mumbai, he spearheaded anti-addiction campaigns across Maharashtra, educating communities about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and gutkha. His efforts earned widespread respect and recognition throughout his life.

He remained active in social causes until his passing on August 9, 2017, at the age of 93.

Growing up in such an environment left a lasting impression on Dhankikar, shaping the values that would later define her own public life.

From Teacher to Full-Time Social Activist

Dhankikar formally entered social work in 1995 while simultaneously building a career as a Zilla Parishad teacher. For nearly two decades, she served in the education sector, helping shape young minds while maintaining a deep involvement in community issues.

However, as the years passed, she found herself increasingly drawn toward resolving public grievances and assisting citizens struggling with civic and administrative challenges.

Recognising the growing need for dedicated social intervention, she made the difficult decision to leave her teaching career and devote herself entirely to public service.

The transition marked a turning point in her life, allowing her to focus on issues ranging from civic infrastructure and environmental protection to women’s safety and public accountability.

Championing Environmental Causes

Among the many causes she has pursued, environmental conservation occupies a central place in Dhankikar’s activism.

She has consistently raised concerns regarding pollution in the Godavari River at Nanded, highlighting the impact of deteriorating water quality on nearby communities and public health. Her environmental advocacy has also extended to matters involving the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and forest conservation efforts in Ahilyanagar district.

For Dhankikar, environmental protection is not merely an ecological concern but a necessity for sustainable development.

“Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand,” she believes. “Future generations deserve clean rivers, healthy forests, and a sustainable environment.”

Addressing Pune’s Civic Challenges

In Pune, Dhankikar has emerged as a persistent advocate for residents of rapidly developing areas such as Mohammadwadi, Pisoli, Undri, NIBM Road, Salunke Vihar, and surrounding localities.

Over the years, she has actively pursued solutions related to water supply, drainage systems, road development, street lighting, traffic management, public gardens, and urban infrastructure.

One of her key areas of focus has been improving street lighting in residential and commercial neighbourhoods. She argues that adequate lighting is not only essential for civic convenience but also plays a critical role in enhancing women’s safety and security.

Through continuous engagement with civic authorities, she has sought to address deficiencies in public infrastructure and improve the quality of life for local residents.

The Long Battle for the Dorabjee Water Tank

Among Dhankikar’s most significant civic interventions was her role in addressing the long-pending Dorabjee water tank issue in the NIBM-Mohammadwadi region.

For nearly a decade, the water tank remained non-functional, causing severe hardships for thousands of residents in Mohammadwadi, Undri, NIBM Road, and neighbouring areas. Families were forced to depend on private water tankers and alternative water sources to meet their daily needs.

The prolonged crisis became a major public concern, with residents repeatedly demanding a permanent solution.

Dhankikar remained actively involved in pursuing the issue through continuous follow-ups with the Pune Municipal Corporation, elected representatives, and senior government officials. After years of sustained advocacy by residents and civic activists, the water tank was eventually restored and made operational.

For her, the episode stands as a powerful example of how collective action and persistent public engagement can help resolve long-standing civic challenges.

Standing Up for Public Safety

Dhankikar has also consistently raised concerns regarding establishments allegedly operating without necessary permissions or beyond permitted hours.

She believes that strict enforcement of regulations is essential for maintaining public safety and protecting local communities, particularly women.

Her advocacy has focused on ensuring accountability and encouraging authorities to take timely action wherever violations are reported.

Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Implementation

Throughout her years of activism, Dhankikar has observed a recurring challenge in governance: the gap between decision-making and execution.

While she acknowledges that senior government officials often respond positively to citizens’ concerns, she believes that implementation delays at the field level continue to hamper effective governance.

According to her, stronger accountability mechanisms are needed to ensure that policies and administrative decisions translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

She frequently communicates with government departments, the Chief Minister’s Office, and senior bureaucrats through formal representations and letters, seeking action on issues affecting citizens.

Public Welfare Above Politics

Associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Dhankikar maintains that her primary commitment remains to public welfare rather than political considerations.

She believes that public interest must always take precedence over partisan affiliations.

“If something is wrong, it is wrong, regardless of who is responsible,” she says.

This approach has earned her recognition among residents who view her as a grassroots activist willing to challenge authorities when necessary.

A Vision of Citizen-Led Development

Dhankikar strongly supports the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and believes that meaningful development can only be achieved when citizens become active participants in governance and community-building.

For her, activism is not merely about highlighting problems—it is about finding practical solutions and ensuring accountability.

“Talking about problems alone is not enough,” she says. “We must work together to solve them and ensure that every citizen receives the services and dignity they deserve.”

Continuing a Family Tradition of Service

Today, Jaymala Dhankikar continues to uphold the values that have guided her family for generations—service, accountability, compassion, and civic responsibility.

Whether advocating for environmental conservation, safer public spaces, improved civic infrastructure, or citizens’ rights, her work reflects an enduring commitment to public welfare.

From the lessons learned at the feet of a freedom fighter father to her own decades-long journey in social activism, Dhankikar’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and an unwavering belief that ordinary citizens can bring about extraordinary change.

In a time when civic participation is increasingly important, she remains a reminder that lasting transformation often begins with individuals willing to dedicate themselves to the service of others.