Shrikant Jichkar (Marathi : श्रीकांत जिचकार) (14 September 1954 – 2 June 2004) was known as the most qualified person in India. He obtained 20 degrees after appearing for 42 University examinations. He was also a central civil servant and later became a politician, known to be elected as the youngest MLA in the country (India) at age 26.

Life

He was born in Maratha (Maurya) family. He began as a medical doctor (MBBS and MD from Nagpur), he did his law (LL.B.) with post-graduation in international law (LL.M.) and his Master of Business Administration (DBM & MBA) and in Bachelor of Journalism (B.Journ). He got his D.Litt. (Doctor of Literature) in Sanskrit, the highest of any degree in a university. Most of his degrees are with First Merit, and he has obtained several gold medals for his degrees. Between 1973 and 1990 he wrote 42 university examinations, every summer and every winter. He did Masters of Arts in ten subjects:: Public administration, Sociology, Economics, Sanskrit, History, English literature, Philosophy, Political Science; Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology; Psychology

In 1978 he appeared in the Indian Civil Service examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission got selected as a central civil servant under Indian Police Service (IPS) cadre, resigned, again appeared in the Indian civil service exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission successfully joined as a central civil servant under Indian Administrative Services (IAS) cadre in 1980, but resigned after four months to contest his first general election. In 1980 he was elected to Maharashtra Legislative *embly, becoming the youngest MLA in the country (India) at 26 and subsequently became a very powerful government Minister holding 14 portfolios at a time.

He was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative *embly (1980–85), Maharashtra Legislative Council (1986–92) and served as Minister of State, Government of Maharashtra. He was a member of Rajya Sabha, India (1992–98). He founded Sàndipani school at Nagpur in 1992. He unsuccessfully contested 1998 loksabha election from Bhandara-Gondiya (Lok Sabha cons*uency) and 2004 loksabha election from Ramtek (Lok Sabha cons*uency) by small margin of votes.

The former Rajya Sabha MP died as his car collided with a bus/truck on 2 June 2004 near Kondhali which is approximately 60 kilometers from Nagpur. He was accompanied by his relative, Shriram Dhawad. Both of them sustained multiple injuries. His mother tongue was Marathi.

Philanthropy

He established Sāndipani School, Nagpur in 1993 under the Shrikant Jichkar Foundation. He also contributed to the education and health of unprivileged children through his trust. After his death, his children continue his philanthropic ventures under the banner of Zero Gravity Foundation.

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