Sant Tukdoji Maharaj
Sant Tukdoji Maharaj
Tukdoji Maharaj (30 April 1909 – 11 October 1968) was a revered spiritual saint and social reformer from Maharashtra, India. A devoted disciple of Aadkoji Maharaj, he played a key role in uplifting rural communities through various development initiatives, including road construction and village welfare programs. His most notable contribution is the Gramgeeta, a visionary text focused on holistic village development and self-reliance. Even after his passing, many of his reform programs continued to thrive, reflecting his lasting impact on rural empowerment and spiritual awakening.
Name – Sant Tukdoji Maharaj
Born – Manikdev Banduji Ingale (Bhaat) 30 April 1909 Yawali, Central Provinces and Berar, British India
Died – 11 October 1968 (aged 59) Gurukunj Ashram, Amravati District, Maharashtra, India
Other names – Rashtrasant
Notable work – Gramgeeta, Geeta Prasad
Title – Rashtrasant
Saint Tukdoji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, was born in Yawali village of Amravati district, Maharashtra. He was spiritually initiated by Samarth Adkoji Maharaj of Warkhed and began intense penance and spiritual practices at a young age. A gifted orator and devotional musician, he composed over 3,000 bhajans in Hindi and Marathi, and performed for spiritual master Meher Baba in 1937 and 1944. Saint Tukdoji Maharaj was also a prolific writer, penning insightful articles on Dharma, society, education, and national unity. He deeply studied various religious sects and philosophies, offering spiritual and practical guidance to devotees while addressing contemporary social and religious issues.
Tukdoji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader and freedom fighter, actively participated in India’s independence movement, notably joining the 1942 Quit India Movement through individual satyagraha acts. Arrested and imprisoned in Nagpur and Raipur jails, he later dedicated his life to rural development by founding the All India Shri Gurudev Seva Mandal. Recognized as Rashtrasant by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Tukdoji Maharaj played a key role in the Bhoodan Movement led by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and contributed to humanitarian efforts during the Bengal famine (1945), Sino-Indian War (1962), and the Koyna earthquake (1967). A global spiritual ambassador, he also represented India at the World Conference of Religion and World Peace in Japan in 1955. He passed away on October 11, 1968, leaving behind a legacy of service, spirituality, and social reform.
In 2005, Nagpur University was officially renamed Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University to honor the revered spiritual leader and social reformer. Earlier, in 1993, the Indian Postal Department issued a commemorative stamp recognizing Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj’s significant contributions to society and Indian spirituality.
- Gramgeeta (in Marathi; later translated by others in English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujrati, and Sanskrit.)
- Sartha Anandamrut
- Sartha Atmaprabhav
- Geeta Prasad
- Bodhamrut
- Laharki Barkha Part 1, 2 & 3
- Anubhav Prakash Part 1, 2 and 3
- Meri Japan Yatra.
- A short documentary depicting Maharaj was written and produced by Manoj Bhishnurkar.
- Jeevanyogi, his biography, was written and published by his follower Sudam Sawarkar in the year 1990.