Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad played a significant role in the creation of modern India.
He supported the reformists as also the nationalist movements and was a patron of innumerable social, cultural, academic and literary undertakings.
The Maharaja was a far-sighted, sagacious and discerning administrator.
He presided over the Second World Parliament of Religions.
In his presidential address at the event held in Chicago, he had said, “Religion is a part of human life. It ought to be flawless and honest.” His observations on the definition of the Divine as also the role that religion should play in a changing world are valid even today and are, in fact, the need of the day. He recognized that there was a thin line between religion and politics and started the department of religion in Baroda to bring about a confluence of religious as also civic values.
The Maharaja believed that there was nothing more sacred and powerful than knowledge. For a ruler, true liberation lay in working for his people. Religion had to be the protector and defender of the weak. That was the role it needed to play in the changing times. The Maharaja’s thoughts are pertinent even today. Maharaja Sayajirao generously supported Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India, Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Phule, Dr. Ambedkar, Veer Savarkar, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil, Pandit Malaviya and many such iconic figures. His introspections and writings, urging equality, harmony and brotherhood, are an invaluable treasure of this land and can be inspirational in today’s times.
