Ananda Shripati Gaikwad was born into a humble Marathi family on 15 July 1933, in the village of Vadgaon, located in the Khatav Tehsil of Satara District, Maharashtra. Growing up in Vadgaon, where Parshuram Gharge served as the Congress district President, he actively participated in activities aimed at spreading political and social awareness among the villagers. Inspired by the initiatives of his community leaders, Ananda engaged in activities such as morning rounds, bulletin distribution, advocating for alcohol prohibition, and promoting the use of khadi.
The year 1942 marked a significant awakening across the nation under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In Satara District, activists conducted clandestine meetings, culminating in a decisive march towards the Kacheri at Vaduj on 9 September 1942. Parshuram Gharge organized several secret gatherings in Vadgaon and nearby villages, in which Ananda actively participated.
On the fateful morning of 9 September 1942, a procession of 1500 individuals, including the brave nine-year-old Ananda, commenced its march from Vadgaon towards Vaduj at 6 am.
As the procession approached the Kacheri, tensions escalated. Despite the peaceful intentions of the marchers, the British authorities, represented by Officer Ankali and Faujdar Bindigiri, ordered the march to halt just 150 feet from the office.
Tragically, the peaceful protest turned into a violent encounter when the British police opened fire indiscriminately on the unarmed protesters. In the chaos that ensued, Ananda, displaying remarkable bravery, rushed towards his leader, only to be fatally shot down by the merciless police. Alongside him, five individuals perished on the spot, while four others succumbed to their injuries later. The sacrifice of Ananda Shripati Gaikwad, along with Parashuram Gharge and other martyrs, is commemorated at the Vaduj village martyrs' memorial.
Name engraved at Hutatma Smarak, Vaduj.
Source: Vijay BalasahebPawbake, Contributor for CCRT.