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Retired University Leader Ensures Hundreds Celebrate Diwali with Dignity
19 Oct
Summary
- Gulab Rajput, former MSU general secretary, provides new clothes and sparklers to 500 girls
- Rajput opens his home to orphaned boys during Diwali, teaching them family life
- Daughter Nishita has championed support for 51,600 girls, mobilizing Rs 5.9 crore
In 2025, Gulab Rajput, a former Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) general secretary, is ensuring hundreds can celebrate Diwali with dignity. Back in 1989, Rajput's life was hardscrabble, with his father selling garments on footpaths to support the family. Even as an MSU office-bearer, Rajput continued this humble tradition.
During his time at MSU, Rajput started standing near the Polo Ground firecrackers market in Vadodara, collecting donated sparklers to distribute to children whose families could not afford crackers. He also opened his home during Diwali to orphaned boys, teaching them household routines and a sense of family life.
Rajput's daughter, Nishita, has joined him in this mission, championing support for 51,600 girls and mobilizing about Rs 5.9 crore over the past 22 years. This Diwali, the duo is providing new clothes to 500 girls and will spend the eve with 130 visually impaired people, handing each a small cash gift of about Rs 500 and sparklers.
