Padmabhushan Dr. Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (Anna) was born on 22 September, 1887 at Kumbhoj, in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. He had been influence by Rajarshi Chh. Shahu Maharaj, king of Kolhapur who advocated the social equality and promoted education for the backward communities of Maharashtra.
He was also inspired by the work of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. While working he was also involved in the activities of Satya-Shodhak Samaj. He devoted his time for spreading awareness of social ills among society. He realized education of the masses can be the remedy for social ills. In his view, education is the means to empower the masses to enjoy the fruits of freedom and to emancipate them from social, economic and cultural slavery. Thus, he founded the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha by opening a Boarding House at Kale (Tal-Karad, Dist-Satara) in 1919.