Legacy & Journey
Legacy like no other
Born in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher spent his formative years in Kundgol (former Jamkhandi State). A passionate freedom fighter, he founded the Kherwadi Social Welfare Association (KSWA) in 1928. Once during a visit to a large marsh in Bandra (East), Shri Balasaheb Kher found a few hundred migrants living in unhealthy conditions and lacking basic infrastructure. Balasaheb Kher, along with his Gandhian associates established a committee to work for these few families. The committee was called “Chamdewala Committee” to empower the khatiks from Rajasthan who were engaged in preparing soft leather. This was the beginning of what is today known as Kherwadi Bandra East.
Even after joining the freedom movement, Balasaheb Kher ensured that the work at Kherwadi continued with the support of his dedicated associates Dr.Jhaveri, Smt.Maniben Nanavati, Mr.Kora, Prof.V.G.Rao, Prof.V.B Kamath, Master Sandram Singh; others from the Kherwadi community. He was an integral part of the various social and political movements in India and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose and other icons.
Even after joining the freedom movement, Balasaheb Kher ensured that the work at Kherwadi continued with the support of his dedicated associates Dr.Jhaveri, Smt.Maniben Nanavati, Mr.Kora, Prof.V.G.Rao, Prof.V.B Kamath, Master Sandram Singh; others from the Kherwadi community. He was an integral part of the various social and political movements in India and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose and other icons.
He held various key positions post-independence including Chief Minister of erstwhile Bombay state, member of Rajya Sabha, and India’s High Commissioner in the UK. He was also a member of the Constituent Assembly, with Dr. Babasheb Ambedkar, and played a considerable part in the drafting of the Constitution. He was the Chancellor of the Tilak University, Pune in 1940, and as Chief Minister and Education Minister of Bombay; he gave the grant of land to the Pune University. He also set up a Directorate of Technical Education for the promotion of technical education in Bombay.
He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his sterling qualities and distinguished services to the nation in 1954. In addition to his work at the Kherwadi Social Welfare Association, he also devoted his time to rural development for Adivasi welfare with Adivasi Seva Mandal Balkan-ji-Bari, children’s films etc. He was also the Chairman of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, a position he held until his death on March 8, 1957.
Chief Minister BG Kher of Bombay State listening to P M Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, with Governor of Bombay Raja Maharaja Singh and Morarji Desai at Santa Cruz Airport in Bombay on March 3, 1951. Aug. 08, 1953 – the Anniversary of India’s Independence Day. Photo shows Mr. B.G. Kher as Indian High commissioner, standing in front of a painting of Gandhi while making a speech during the celebrations at India House, London today. Members of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution- With the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad, BG kher, NV Gadgil, VL Mehta
Independence Day celebration, B. G. Kher at meeting at Gowalia Tank, Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Asia, 15th August 1947 Presentation of colors to Home Guard, part of celebrations of Indian Independence Day at Brabourne Stadium, Bombay. B. G. Kher (1st CM of Bombay State) salutes flag.
15th August 1947 – At the Brabourne Stadium, the presentation of colors to the Home Guard was a part of celebrations of Indian Independence Day. B. G. Kher (1st CM of Bombay State) was seen saluting the flag.
At the Independence Day celebration, B.G. Kher was at the meeting at Gowalia Tank, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and Asia.
A picture showed Mr. B.G. Kher, Indian High commissioner, standing in front of a painting of Gandhi while giving a speech during the celebrations at India House, London. Members of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution- with the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad, BG Kher, NV Gadgil, and VL Mehta.
August 08, 1953 – the Anniversary of India’s Independence Day.
Pedigree like no other
The enterprising couple works with school dropouts in villages and urban slums across the country. Nurturing social entrepreneurships along the way, they empower the underprivileged to make their own mark and steer themselves out of poverty and to work for a better tomorrow .
In the early 90s, desperate to do something meaningful, Kishor left his high-paying corporate job to pursue his passion—empowering the youth, thanks to the motivation of wife Mrinalini, a sociologist.
The legacy of Kher Family continued and The Kher’s established a trusted NGO with a singular focus on youth and called ‘Yuva Parivartan (YP)’. It has been an inspiring journey that has led to successful pathways for thousands of India’s unemployed youth and by giving youth a second chance , Most Trusted Youth Development NGO was officially launched in February 2003 by the then President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Journey like no other
1928-1955
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1928-1955
1998
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