He played a key role in the development of Baroda’s textile industry, and his educational and social reforms among others included ban on child marriage, legislation of divorce, removal of untouchability, spread of education, development of Sanskrit, ideological studies and religious education as well as encouragement of fine arts, the minister said.
His economic development initiatives included the establishment of a railroad and founding of Bank of Baroda.
Fully aware of the fact that he was a Maratha ruler of Gujarat, he identified himself with the people and shaped their cosmopolitan attitude, progressive as well as reformist zeal, Athawale said.
Hence, it will be appropriate to name the Vadodara airport after this reformist ruler, he said.
Also, it has been a long pending demand of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, the Federation of Gujarat Industries, M S University of Baroda and other elected members of the Parliament from the city.
Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy: www.news18.com
