Sajjan Rao
Rao Bahadur Sajjan Rao (1868–1942) was a businessman[1] and philanthropist from Bengaluru who was well known for his charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and hostels for the underprivileged.[2]
Early life[edit]
Sajjan Rao was born in Taggalla, Maddur in 1868 to a poor family. He traveled from Maddur to Bengaluru to work with his maternal uncle Bojagade Venkataraya and became one of the richest man in Bengaluru by 1926.[3][4]
Notable works[edit]
- He built Subramanya Swamy temple, choultry at Sajjan Rao Circle.[3]
- The maternity block at Vanivilas Women and Children Hospital in Bengaluru is named after him as a token of gratitude for his 50,000 rupees donation in 1930[2] which was demanded by Diwan Sir Mirza Ismail.[3]
- He built roundabout at Sajjan Rao circle on the demand by the corporation to facilitate hassle free traffic movement.[3]
- He has also constructed a dispensary at Sajjan Rao circle which he donated to the corporation in 1909.[3]
- In 1909, he built a free hostel dedicated to his maternal uncle Venkat Rao Bhojagade which is called as Maratha hostel at present.[3]
- He has also constructed educational institution for the poor students as well as the school for differently abled.[3]
Recognition[edit]
- He was awarded with the title Dharma Prakasha by King of Mysore in recognition of his social work .[4]
- The circle near Lalbagh is named after him as Sajjan Rao Circle.[3]
- Also, the road in V V Puram is named after him as Sajjan Rao road.[5]
Death[edit]
Sajjan Rao died in 1942. He is buried near the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Gavipuram.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Jayapal, Maya (1997). Bangalore: the story of a city. Eastwest Books (Madras). ISBN 9788186852095.
- ^ a b "A block of history faces wipeout". Bangalore Mirror.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Here lies Sajjan Rao. Forgotten, forsaken". Bangalore Mirror.
- ^ a b "Sajjan Rao tomb: ಸಮಾಜ ಸೇವಕ ಸಜ್ಜನ್ ರಾವ್ ಅವರನ್ನು ಮರೆತ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು - here lies sajjan rao. forgotten, forsaken". Vijaya Karnataka (in Kannada). Retrieved 10 October 2019.
- ^ "Contaminated tap water vexes VV Puram residents - Times of India". The Times of India.