Constructed in 1928, the memorial dedicated to the late Gangadhar Kelkar, father of Dinkar Kelkar who established the renowned Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Pune, exemplifies memorial architecture. However, the area surrounding this monument is reportedly being misused by local residents for tethering cattle, effectively transforming it into a makeshift cowshed.
Dr. Shrikant Kelkar, an esteemed ophthalmologist and grandson of Gangadhar Kelkar, has been vocally opposing this situation alongside his family. On Monday, he visited the site to advocate for intervention from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Dr. Kelkar expressed his concerns about ongoing attempts to repurpose the area near the monument into a cattle shelter. “I have submitted multiple requests to the PMC to address this issue, but I have yet to see any action taken,” he stated.
The samadhi is positioned on the riverbed adjacent to the wall behind the Omkareshwar Temple. “This memorial is not merely an architectural landmark; it also embodies the artistic vision of both Dinkar Kelkar, the museum’s founder, and his brother Bhaskar Kelkar. Given that the name ‘Gangadhar’ is linked to Lord Shiva, a Shiva lingam was artistically integrated into the structure during its construction,” Dr. Kelkar explained.
The memorial features a square base with a two-tiered octagonal platform, crowned with a Shiva lingam. Marble plaques inscribed with details are affixed to its sides, and it is surrounded by four smaller pillars, each embellished with carvings depicting various deities.
The inscriptions on the monument detail Gangadhar Kelkar’s birth, death, and residence, while the upper sections showcase religious verses and additional relevant information. Surviving the Panshet flood, this samadhi continues to draw interest, and the family possesses historical photographs documenting its original appearance. In their recent application, they have called upon both the public and the PMC to safeguard the heritage of such significant memorials.
He also mentioned that in February 2023, there was an attempt to convert the site into a Shiva temple, and in July of the same year, issues regarding cattle tethering and the area being used as a cowshed were again reported. “Our family has urged both the community and municipal authorities to maintain the original integrity of this site,” the octogenarian emphasized. The Kelkar family has also placed a sign identifying the site as the “Late Gangadhar Kelkar Samadhi” to reaffirm its significance.
Dr. Shrikant Kelkar highlighted his grandfather’s dedication to social welfare, sharing that he worked for the postal department and settled in Pune after retirement. He acquired the land now occupied by the Kelkar Museum, which was initially their home before Dinkar Kelkar established the museum there.
“He made considerable efforts to support the education of underprivileged students, intending for part of his wealth to be allocated for this cause. Many students lived with them, and he provided them with extensive assistance. Despite his extensive knowledge, he lived a humble life. Consequently, the encroachments on his samadhi are viewed as disrespectful and regrettable,” Dr. Kelkar concluded.
