Gadge Maharaj Biography 
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 development 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 Award for Sanitation and water was announced by Government of India after him. The University of Amravati has also been named 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 in Shedgaon village of Amravati District of Maharashtra. He grew up at his maternal grandmother’s home at Dapuri in Murtizapur taluk. During childhood he was interested in farming and cattle. He got married in 1892 and had three children. During his daughter’s naming ceremony, he served a pure vegetarian meal with a sweet instead of traditional liquor. He worked as a volunteer in his village before he left his family to pursue his life as a saint on 1st February 1905.
He used to carry his trademark broom and wear his food pan as cap. Whenever he reaches a village he cleans the gutters and roads of the village and if given money by villagers, would use it for something good for society. Gadge Maharaj has started many educational institutions, dharmasalas, hospitals and animal shelters with the money he got. He also conducted classes in the form of Keerthans, mostly Kabir’s couplets giving moral lessons to the society. He requested people to lead simple lives, to stop animal slaughtering for religious purposes and campaigned against alcohol abuse. He preached hard work, simple living and selfless service to the poor. He also established religious schools at religious places and homes for the orphans and the handicapped. Maharaj died on December 20, 1956 on his way to Amravati.
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Updated: December 05, 2015
