Suman Maruti Muthe (born c. 1947) is a social worker, women's activist and writer based in Nashik, Maharashtra in India who has been actively working in the areas of child welfare and women development, particularly in the tribal belts of Maharashtra, for more than 35 years. She has initiated and implemented several projects and guided women on various aspects such as child health care, women's rights and family counselling. In recognition of her work, she has been awarded by more than 50 organisations which include the State level award by Government of Maharashtra, India, "Ahilyadevi Holkar Puraskar" given for outstanding contribution to the society in the areas of women and child development. She has also authored many books on women, tribals, sociological topics and has published and presented them at Indian and International events. Suman Muthe is married to Maruti Muthe, retired Divisional Forest Officer and has a son, Pankaj Muthe and a daughter Late Capt. Rashmi Muthe.
Career
Muthe started her career as a lecturer teaching Sociology and Marathi. Thereafter, she completed her M.Phil. and has written many articles and a book on tribal women highlighting the patterns and issues of tribal working women, how they have evolved over the years and coming from backward areas, how they have coped up with various challenges in urban areas. Her writings are based on the actual work she has been carrying out and as a result she was able to better understand the issues of tribal women and measures to be adopted to resolve them. Her well-known books include Sociology-Introduction and Concept, Life of Indian Women in the changing sociological system, Life of Indian Tribal Women, Role of women during the cooperative movement of Maharashtra. All these books are written in the Marathi language. She has also written short poems, called "charolya" in Marathi which can be found on her blog: https://sumanmuthe.blogspot.com/
Literary contributions to universities
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Mumbai Vishvavidyalaya
Osmania University
Rajasthan University
Rani Durgavati University
Shivaji University
North Maharashtra University
Tilak Maharashtra University
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar University
Contributions in media and publications
Deshdoot
Gavkari
Lokmat
Maharashtra Times
Diwali Ank
Research papers
Journals
Institutional engagements
Joint Secretary: Satyaniketan Sanstha (established 1950) President: Stree Aadhar Kendra Life member: Nashik Journalists Association, Kusumagraj Pratishthan, Rashtriya Samajshastra Parishad
Social Work
She has been doing voluntary work with Satyaniketan Trust in a small town called Rajur in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Although this trust has been functioning since more than 50 years in tribal areas, there are so many issues that are still unresolved. Satyaniketan Trust was founded by Gandhians and a majority of their work has been in the field of education through ashram schools, regular schools and colleges. Suman Muthe's work in this trust has been focussed on women and child development. Some of the common issues that are faced in these areas include lack of basic education, health and malnutrition, marital issues, lack of education on women rights, sanitation and environment protection.
Muthe has undertaken various projects and camps with the help of volunteers in this trust and has successfully implemented projects concerning the above-mentioned issues. The issue of wrongful exploitation of women in these areas has reduced considerably due to the efforts taken by Suman Muthe. She visits these villages, holding meetings with members of the trust and contribute as much as possible.