Tarabai Modak

Tarabai Modak (19 April 1892–1973) was born in Bombay. She graduated from the University of Mumbai in 1914. She was married to a lawyer from Amravati, Mr. Modak. Later she got a divorce in 1921.

She worked as a principal of a Women's College in Rajkot. Being a social worker from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Balwadis were first developed by her. The first balwadi was started in Bordi a coastal village in Thane district of Maharashtra by Nutan Bal Shikshan Sangh. She was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1962 for her work in preschool education. Anutai Wagh was her disciple. She was a member of the Indian National Congress.

Legacy
A play based on her life, Ghar Tighancha Hava, was produced by Ratnakar Matkari.