Shripad Damodar Satwalekar

The founder of swadhyay mandal... Padmabhushan Pandit Shripad Damodar Satwalekar was a versatile genius, Scholar, Author, Patriot, Freedom-Fighter, Proponent of Surya Namaskar, Lover of Vedic values and ideas and a real inspiration for Human upliftment. He was a true "Karmayogi".

Born in 1867, at Kolgaon, Dist Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India, brought up under Vedic values and traditional and Sanskrit learning, he started his career as an Artist and Photographer, and he established a Studio in Lahor. He painted portraits of Maharajas, Dignities and many more ...

He was prosecuted several times by the British Government. He rendered valuable help and support to Gadar and Home Rule movements and activities of Quit India movement. Entering public life and activity he becomes a follower of Lokamanya Tilak and attended the Surat congress session. He met Lokamanya Tilak (probably in 1905) and they become true friends and associates. He was the moving sprit of Pant Pratinidi, Maharaj of Aundh state, blessed by Mahatma Gandhi. He was interested in both individual and social health, Ayurved, Yoga and Surya Namaskar and wrote several books on these subjects.

Source : www.swadhyaymandal.org