Gopalrao Bajirao Khedkar
| Dr. Abasaheb Khedkar | |
|---|---|
| Rural Development Minister Govt. Maharashtra. First Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
14 January 1900 Khed Tq. Morshi, Amravati district, Maharashtra, India |
| Died |
25 May 1969 (aged 68) Amravati, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political party | Indian national Congress |
| Profession | Politician |
Dr. Gopalrao Bajirao (Abasaheb) Khedkar (14 January 1901 – 25 May 1969) was the first President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee famously known as Abasaheb Khedkar was a social activist and a farmer's leader in India. He was the Minister of Rural Development in the first cabinet ministry of Maharashtra.[1] 1917-1918 : After his matriculation Abasaheb studied Homeopathy from Kolkata. 1920 : Abasaheb was studying at Amravati Victoria Technical School when he came across Mahatma Gandhi non co-operation movement.
Biography
He was born at Khed in Amravati district of Vidarbha, Maharashtra on 14 January 1901.
Established Shivaji Boarding in 1923 which later became Shivaji Education Society.[2] Was a Founder Member Of Dr. Panjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth Akola.
First President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee
Political Career He was the first president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. Official site. He refused to take the position of Chief Minister of Maharashtra and preferred to take up Gramin Vikas Mantri (Ministry of Rural Development) to serve his country men. Mrs Indira Gandhi considered Dr. Khedkar as the Leader of Maharashtra and used to consult him on the issues of Maharashtra State. The Public Administration Institute New Delhi Refers After studying the Panchayati Raj System and progress made in Maharashtra during the Ministership of Dr. Gopalrao Khedkar, Maharashtra would be the first socialist state in the country. Abasaheb Khedkar was a protagonist of Samyukta Maharashtra and opposed to formation of Separate Vidarbha. He wanted bigger Maharashtra, in the larger interest of Marathi speaking people. Dr Khedkar along with Yashwantrao Chavan are the only two signatories on Nagpur Agreement.
Death and legacy
- Dr. Abasaheb Khedkar died in 1969 at Amravati.
- Son Vasantrao Gopalrao Khedkar retired as CEO from Akola.
- Daughter late Mrs. Nalinitai Deshmukh married to Vasant.Janrao Deshmukh Retd. Dy. Director Intelligence Bureau.
- Shri Shivaji Arts and Commerce Mahavidyalaya at Telhara district Akola was renamed in his memory to Dr Gopalrao Khedkar Mahavidyalaya Gadegaon (Telhara).[3]
A Special cover of the Indian Postal Stamp is issued by the hands of our Ex President Of India Hon. Mrs Pratibhatai Patil on 14 January 2013 at Amravati.
References
- ↑ http://www.maharashtrapcc.org/PCC%20Presidents%20of%20Maharashtra.aspx
- ↑ "A great Philanthropist of Vidarbha Region". Shivaji Education Society. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
- ↑ "About us". Shri Shivaji Education Society's Dr. Gopalrao Khedkar Mahavidyalaya Gadegaon (Telhara). Retrieved 18 July 2012.