Dr. Ratnappa Bharammappa Kumbhar also called Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar was a freedom fighter from Ichalkarnji who actively participated in the Indian Independence Movement. He was one of the members to sign the final draft of the Constitution of India along with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He received Padmashri Award in 1985 (Social Work). He was Member of the Parliament, Member of Legislative Council, Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and also Home Minister of Maharashtra Government. He was the speaker of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly in (1995). Dr.Ratanppa Kumbhar was born in a poor Khumbhar Family at Nimshirgaon village in Shirol tehsil. He was influenced by his father Bharammappa Kumbhar’s intelligence, selfless attitude, sympathy towards needy and devotion towards task undertaken. His father encouraged him to acquire higher education. He completed his B.A. (English) from Rajaram College, Kolhapur and later acquired a law degree. For his social and political contribution he was honored with D.Lit by Pune University.
During his youth he was very interested in Political and social work. He established Prajaparishad in 15th Feb, 1938 against the local princely state rulers. He actively participated in the freedom movement and went underground for about 6 years. For his long devotion to the independence Movement he was called Deshbhakt (Patriot) Ratanppa Kumbhar
For the welfare of farmers and prosperity of the people in his constituency he undertook various schemes and established various organization and managed them successfully—
Shahaji Law college (1933)
Panchangaga Co operative Sugar Factory (1955)
D.R.K. College of Commerce (1957)
Dadasaheb Magdum High School (1960)
Navamaharashtra Cooperative Printing and Publication Society Ltd. (1961)
Kolhapur Janata Central Cooperative Consumer Stores (1963)
Ratrndeep High school Ichalkaranji (1963)
Kolhapur Zilla Shetkari Veenkari Sahakari Soot Girani Ltd., Ichalkarnji (1968)
Night college of Arts and Commerce Kolhapur (1971)
Kolhapur Alumina Industry (1975)
