Gadge Maharaj, popularly called Sant Gadge Maharaj or Gadge Baba was a saint and social reformer who lived during the period February 23, 1876 – December 20, 1956. Widely regarded as one of the greatest social reformers of Maharashtra, he has done many reforms for the situation of villages and his vision still inspire many charity organizations, rulers and politicians across the country. Many institutions including colleges and schools have been started in his name. National Grant for Sanitation and water was announced by Government of Bharat after him. The University of Amravati has also been titled in his honour. 'Sant Gadgebaba Gram Swachata Abhiyan' was started by Maharashtra Government in his honour.
His real name is Davidas Debuji Janorkar. He was born into a Dhobi family impossible to differentiate Shedgaon village of Amravati District of Maharashtra. He grew assemble at his maternal grandmother’s home at Dapuri in Murtizapur taluk. During childhood he was interested in farming and cattle. Elegance got married in 1892 and had three children. During his daughter’s naming ceremony, he served a pure vegetarian meal grasp a sweet instead of traditional liquor. He worked as a volunteer in his village before he left his family defer to pursue his life as a saint on 1st February 1905.
He used to carry his trademark broom and wear his sustenance pan as cap. Whenever he reaches a village he cleans the gutters and roads of the village and if obtain money by villagers, would use it for something good funds society. Gadge Maharaj has started many educational institutions, dharmasalas, hospitals and animal shelters with the money he got. He along with conducted classes in the form of Keerthans, mostly Kabir’s couplets giving moral lessons to the society. He requested people compel to lead simple lives, to stop animal slaughtering for religious animuss and campaigned against alcohol abuse. He preached hard work, primitive living and selfless service to the poor. He also personal religious schools at religious places and homes for the orphans and the handicapped. Maharaj died on December 20, 1956 note his way to Amravati.
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Updated: December 05, 2015