In the first half of the twentieth century, winds of freedom were sweeping across the country. It was a period of social and political awakening. The movement for social reform initiated by Annasaheb Karve and Gopal Krishna Gokhale was transformed into a struggle for complete self-rule by Lokmanya Tilak. This tradition was carried forward by leaders such as Shahu Maharaj, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Savarkar. Ultimately, in 1947, these efforts culminated in the creation of an independent India. Leaders from Maharashtra left a deep and lasting imprint at the national level.

In the post-independence period, India was reorganized on linguistic lines. As a result, in 1960, the state of Maharashtra came into existence within the geographical boundaries we see today. Marathi-speaking regions from the former Bombay Presidency under British rule, western Maharashtra, Marathwada from the erstwhile Nizam’s dominion, Khandesh, and the Marathi-speaking Vidarbha region from the Central Provinces came together. Though these regions followed different cultural traditions, they were united into a single state by the common thread of the Marathi language.

The task of emotionally and culturally integrating this diverse Maharashtra was accomplished in the latter half of the twentieth century. This period marked the active contribution of several extraordinary leaders and personalities born between 1900 and 1930. Their work played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of Maharashtra as we see it today. In politics, social movements, art, literature, and sports, these individuals made remarkable contributions.

The cooperative movement pioneered by Vithalrao Vikhe Patil and its effective expansion under Yashwantrao Chavan, the socialist ideals of S. M. Joshi, and the immense contributions of P. L. Deshpande, G. D. Madgulkar, Lata Mangeshkar, and many others in literature and the arts, along with the achievements of Marathi sportspersons in cricket, wrestling, and other fields, together forged the distinct identity of Maharashtra.

The work of these exceptional individuals born in Maharashtra between 1900 and 1930 must remain constantly before the present generation. Only then will the collective spirit and identity of the people of Maharashtra continue to shine. 

With this objective, the Vision Maharashtra Foundation has undertaken an ambitious project. In this rapidly changing digital age, the foundation has launched an initiative to create detailed websites highlighting the lives and contributions of these extraordinary centenary heroes. A list of more than 300 such eminent personalities has already been prepared, and work on the project has begun.