Poornima Arvind Pakvasa, Indian social worker, Died at 102

  Centenarian

Poornima Arvind Pakvasa was born on October 5, 1913, and died on April 25, 2016.

She was also known as the Didi of Dangs.

She was an Indian social worker from Gujarat.

Poornima was the daughter-in-law of Mangaldas Pakvasa and the mother of dancer Sonal Mansingh.

When she was 18 yrs old, she participated in her first freedom protest, the Dandi March in Saurashtra, during which she was arrested.

Poornima inmate in jail was Kasturba Gandhi.

He taught her how to read and write English.

Mahatma Gandhi was understanding of this act and gave her his blessings to continue on the path of education.

Poornima started “Shaktidal”, in 1956, an institution for the cultural, physical and spiritual education of women.

Then in 1969, it was changed into Ritambhara Vishva Vidyapeeth and extended its activities into a full-fledged residential school and college at Saputara.

Poornima was awarded the Padma Bhushan award for her services to the society, in 2004.

Poornima turned 100 in October 2013.

Poornima Arvind Pakvasa passed away at 102 yrs old.