The scheme for building a stadium in Baroda was a significant endeavour initiated by His late Highness Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on February 1st, 1938, pending the finalisation of the site. In the pursuit of a suitable location, three potential sites were meticulously evaluated: one along the Jagannath Sadashiv Road beyond Pani-gate, another situated north of Arya Kanya Maha-Vidyalaya, and finally, a site to the north of Shevanti Bag bungalow on Camp Road, adjacent to the Pratapganj Housing Society. Following thorough deliberation and consultation with H.E. the Dewan Saheb, His Highness Pratapsinh Maharaja Saheb endorsed site No. 3 on Camp Road, setting the stage for the commencement of this grand project.
The momentous occasion for laying the foundation stone of the stadium was scheduled for Sunday, April 30th. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as a special Shamiyana was erected on the grounds adjoining the College area near Camp Road. Distinguished guests, including Col. Gillan, the Resident, several officers from the Cantonment, prominent officers, citizens of Baroda, and a number of ladies, graced the event with their presence.
The ceremony commenced with an uplifting welcome song in Marathi, performed by girls from primary schools, setting a vibrant tone for the proceedings. Mr. Adalja, the Chief Engineer, and Mr. Talvalkar, the State Architect, took the stage to address the esteemed gathering. They shed light on the estimated cost of the stadium, pegged at Rs. 97,000, excluding the Nimb Nivas building, which would be transformed into a pavilion. Their speeches echoed the profound vision of His late Highness Sir Sayajirao, emphasizing his tireless efforts to popularize sports in Baroda. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Pratapsinh Maharaja Saheb for his invaluable support and for gracing the occasion with his esteemed presence.
Amidst the auspicious ambiance, His Highness, accompanied by the Resident and the Minister, proceeded to the designated spot for laying the foundation stone. The customary religious rites of puja were observed with reverence before His Highness officially laid the foundation stone of the stadium, marking a historic moment in the annals of Baroda.
In his address to the gathering, His Highness invoked the timeless wisdom of Rudyard Kipling, whose words adorn the Stadium at Wimbledon: “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two imposters just the same.” He fondly reminisced about the unwavering commitment of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III towards fostering the ideals of physical education and public health in Baroda. Reflecting on the progressive strides made under his reign, His Highness affirmed his dedication to continuing this noble legacy, ensuring that physical education becomes an integral part of the curriculum in schools and colleges.
Looking towards the future, His Highness envisioned the completed stadium as a modern marvel, equipped to accommodate a myriad of sporting activities. He envisioned the addition of exterior sports grounds and a swimming pool in the years to come, further cementing the stadium’s status as a premier hub for sporting and recreational pursuits in Baroda.
In a poignant gesture, His Highness dedicated the stadium to the youth of Baroda, drawing inspiration from the noble ideals of the Olympic Games. He emphasized that beyond mere victory, it is the spirit of resilience and sportsmanship that truly matters. His Highness expressed his fervent hope that the stadium would serve as a perennial source of inspiration, nurturing not only physical health and strength but also fostering good social conduct and wholesome living among the citizens of Baroda.
Concluding the ceremony, Mr. Talvalkar, the State Architect, extended heartfelt gratitude to His Highness for gracing the occasion with his benevolent presence. As the guests were treated to Pan Supari by the PWD staff, the air resonated with the strains of the Baroda State Anthem, symbolising the dawn of a new era in sports and recreation for the people of Baroda.
The following have been excerpted from the ‘Report of Rajyarohan 1941’.
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