Sayajirao Gaekwad The Architect of Modern India by Baba Bhand

Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda is one of the foremost architects of modern India.He acknowledged that running a State was a science and the one who ruled it had to be knowledgeable. He embraced education and studied the best ways of governance from different countries in the world.His passion for the welfare of his people found expression through great governance and the measures undertaken for the upliftment of his State and society. He acknowledged that education and science were the paths to progress and transformation. He put in place, for the first time, compulsory and free primary education, improved law and order, aid and encouragement to agriculture and industry, social and religious reforms, and established equality among people in terms of caste and community. He chose the path of equality, brotherhood, secularism, and humanity. The Maharaja was a patron of cultural, social, educational and literary expressions and pursuits. He generously helped several eminent men of the country, like Dadabhai Naoroji, Jamsetji Tata, Namdar Gokhale, Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Justice Ranade, Mahatma Phule, Rajarshi Shahu, Dr. Ambedkar, Pandit Malaviya, Karmaveer Bhaurao, Swatantryveer Savarkar, Maharshi Shinde, and others. The enormous amount that he gifted as an aid to several institutions is a testimony to the generosity of his spirit.A new facet of his personality as not only a strong supporter of the revolutionaries but also a gifted man of letters is being brought forth. His books, speeches, letters, orders, and diaries are a magnificent historical treasure-trove of this land. The Maharaja, who sought his spiritual emancipation in the welfare of his people, dreamt big for this country. It is up to each one of us, as an Indian, to fulfill his dreams.