Meherjee, Bhavsar, Sardar Raste, Meher Baba, Adi Sr. Location: Raste Wada Pune.
Sardar Madhavrao Raste was a prominent resident of Pune and a follower of Meher Baba. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Avatar Meher Baba Pune Center by offering his land for its construction in 1962. Funds were gathered, and the construction began that year. Meher Baba sent Joseph Harb, a disciple from the USA, to lay the foundation stone of the center. The center was inaugurated by Meher Baba himself on May 1, 1964.
In addition to his contributions to the Pune Center, Sardar Raste had personal interactions with Meher Baba. He visited Baba at Meherazad on February 22, 1963.
During a children’s function at Guruprasad on May 7, 1961, Sardar Raste brought an orphaned boy to the event. Meher Baba playfully referred to him as the “biggest baby of all” and gave him the first piece of prasad, encouraging him to whistle it and “be a child among children.” Sardar Raste obliged, blowing the toffee whistle loudly, much to the delight of those present.
Meher Baba visiting Raste Wada Pune.
The Raste family is historically significant in Pune, known for Raste Peth and their contributions to the city’s development and heritage. The Raste Wada, a notable mansion in Pune, is associated with the Raste family, indicating their prominence in the region.
Refr: LM Online Page 4743, 4925. MN Publications. Sardars of the Peshwas