Pune, June 26

Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj played a pioneering role in social justice and laid the foundation for an inclusive society by introducing progressive reforms, Prof. Snehal Gaikwad said while delivering a lecture at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI) on the occasion of Shahu Maharaj Jayanti.

Prof. Gaikwad described Shahu Maharaj as a visionary ruler committed to public welfare, highlighting his contributions to the abolition of untouchability, implementation of welfare measures, and introduction of reservations for backward communities. She said Shahu Maharaj later entrusted the mission of social transformation to Dr B.R. Ambedkar by supporting his education and recognising his leadership potential.

She noted that Shahu Maharaj introduced 50 per cent reservation for backward classes in his princely state, made education compulsory for marginalised communities, enacted measures against untouchability, and promoted agriculture, industry, sports, and the arts. Recalling the historic conference at Mangaon in Kolhapur attended by Dr Ambedkar, she said Shahu Maharaj had predicted that Ambedkar would emerge as a leader of the nation.

The programme was attended by BARTI Registrar Dr Suchita Shinde, department heads, officers and staff. Prof. Gaikwad was felicitated with a book on Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, while tributes were paid to the social reformer's portrait during the commemorative event.

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