Dr Shrikant Jichkar – The Legend Who Earned 20 Postgraduate Degrees | IAS, IPS & India’s Youngest MLA
Dr Shrikant Jichkar, often hailed as India’s most educated person, left an indelible mark on education, politics, and public service. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of knowledge inspires millions. In this comprehensive biography, we delve into the life of Dr Shrikant Jichkar, exploring Shrikant Jichkar education, Shrikant Jichkar degrees list, and his remarkable achievements. Whether you’re searching for Dr Shrikant Jichkar degrees list or Shrikant Jichkar biography, this wiki-style page covers it all with motivational storytelling to engage and uplift.
Quick Facts Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Shrikant Jichkar (श्रीकांत जिचकर) |
| Date of Birth | 14 September 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Katol, Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Date of Death | 2 June 2004 (Age 49) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Famous As | India’s Most Educated Person, IAS Officer, Politician |
| Total Degrees | 20 University Degrees from 42 University Examinations |
| Recognition | Limca Book of Records – Most Qualified Person in India |
| Political Career | MLA, MLC, Rajya Sabha MP, State Minister |
| Civil Services | IPS (1978), IAS (1980) |
Personal Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shrikant Jichkar |
| Marathi Name | श्रीकांत जिचकर |
| Date of Birth | 14 September 1954 |
| Age at Death | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Katol, Nagpur District, Maharashtra |
| Death Date | 2 June 2004 |
| Death Place | Near Kondhali, 61 km from Nagpur (Road Accident) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Mother Tongue | Marathi |
| Community | Marathi |
Family & Personal Life
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Information not publicly available |
| Mother | Information not publicly available |
| Wife | Rajashree Jichkar |
| Children | Two children (son and daughter) |
| Marital Status | Married (at time of death) |
| Hometown | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Current Family | Wife Rajashree and children continue his legacy through Zero Gravity Foundation |
Note on Shrikant Jichkar Family: Dr Shrikant Jichkar’s wife Rajashree Jichkar was only 37 years old when he died, left with two young children. She bravely continued his philanthropic work and educational initiatives. Shrikant Jichkar son and Shrikant Jichkar daughter carry forward their father’s vision through the Zero Gravity Foundation, continuing his commitment to education and social service.
Dr Shrikant Jichkar Degrees List – Complete Educational Background
Dr Shrikant Jichkar degrees represent an unprecedented achievement in Indian educational history. The complete Shrikant Jichkar degree list includes 20 postgraduate degrees earned from 42 university examinations, most with first-class merit and gold medals.
Complete Dr Shrikant Jichkar Degrees List:
| S.No | Degree | Field/Specialization | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MBBS | Medicine | Nagpur University |
| 2 | MD | Medicine (Postgraduate) | Nagpur University |
| 3 | LL.B. | Law | Nagpur University |
| 4 | LL.M. | International Law | Nagpur University |
| 5 | MBA | Business Administration | Nagpur University |
| 6 | DBM | Doctor of Business Management | Nagpur University |
| 7 | B. Journ. | Journalism | Nagpur University |
| 8 | D.Litt. | Sanskrit Literature | Nagpur University |
| 9 | M.A. | Public Administration | Nagpur University |
| 10 | M.A. | Sociology | Nagpur University |
| 11 | M.A. | History | Nagpur University |
| 12 | M.A. | Economics | Nagpur University |
| 13 | M.A. | Sanskrit | Nagpur University |
| 14 | M.A. | Politics | Nagpur University |
| 15 | M.A. | Ancient History | Nagpur University |
| 16 | M.A. | Philosophy | Nagpur University |
| 17 | M.A. | English Literature | Nagpur University |
| 18 | M.A. | Psychology | Nagpur University |
| 19 | M.Phil. | Various Subjects | Various Universities |
| 20 | Other Advanced Degrees | Multiple Disciplines | Multiple Universities |
Educational Achievements of Shrikant Jichkar:
- Total Degrees: 20 postgraduate degrees
- Total University Examinations: 42
- Academic Performance: Most degrees with First Class and Gold Medals
- Age Record: Entered Limca Book of Records at age 25 as India’s most qualified person
- Medical Degree: Started with MBBS and MD from Nagpur
- Legal Education: LL.B. with specialization in International Law (LL.M.)
- Management Education: MBA and Doctor of Business Management
- Literature: Doctor of Literature in Sanskrit
- Multiple Master’s Degrees: 10 M.A. degrees in diverse subjects
Shrikant Jichkar education philosophy was based on the belief that knowledge has no boundaries. His pursuit of Shrikant Jichkar degrees demonstrates an insatiable thirst for learning across medicine, law, business, journalism, literature, and social sciences.
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately 5’8″ (172 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 70 kg |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Average |
Career Timeline: UPSC, IPS, IAS & Political Journey
Comprehensive Career Timeline of Dr Shrikant Jichkar
| Year | Position/Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | IPS Officer | Cleared UPSC and joined Indian Police Service |
| 1980 | IAS Officer | Cleared UPSC again and joined Indian Administrative Service |
| 1980 | Youngest MLA | Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Assembly at age 26 (youngest in country) |
| 1982-1985 | MLA | Member of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly |
| 1985-1986 | State Minister | Minister in Maharashtra State Government |
| 1986-1992 | MLC | Member of Maharashtra Legislative Council |
| 1992-1998 | Rajya Sabha MP | Member of Parliament (Upper House) |
| 1993 | Philanthropist | Established Sāndipani School, Nagpur through Shrikant Jichkar Foundation |
| 1994-1998 | Cabinet Minister | Various ministerial portfolios in Maharashtra Government |
| 2004 | Death | Tragic road accident on 2 June 2004 |
Shrikant Jichkar Previous Offices:
Dr Shrikant Jichkar previous offices included multiple high-profile positions:
- Indian Police Service Officer (IPS) – 1978
- Indian Administrative Service Officer (IAS) – 1980
- Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Member (MLA) – 1980-1985
- Maharashtra State Minister – 1985-1986
- Maharashtra Legislative Council Member (MLC) – 1986-1992
- Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament – 1992-1998
- Cabinet Minister, Maharashtra Government – Various portfolios
Major Achievements & Recognition
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award/Recognition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Limca Book of Records | Recognized as India’s Most Qualified Person at age 25 |
| 1980 | Youngest MLA Record | Elected youngest MLA in India at age 26 |
| 1978-2004 | Academic Gold Medals | Multiple gold medals across 20 degrees |
| Posthumous | Educational Icon | Continues to inspire millions of students |
Special Distinctions:
- Most Educated Person in India – Limca Book of Records
- 20 Degrees – Unprecedented educational achievement
- 42 University Examinations – Passed with distinction
- Youngest MLA – At age 26 in 1980
- Dual UPSC Success – Cleared both IPS and IAS
- Personal Library – Over 52,000 books (one of largest private collections in India)
- Philanthropist – Established schools and foundations for underprivileged children
Financial Information
| Category | Estimated Details |
|---|---|
| Government Salary | As per MP/MLA standards (1980s-1990s) |
| Net Worth at Death | Moderate (focused on education and philanthropy) |
| Assets | Personal library of 52,000+ books |
| Foundation | Shrikant Jichkar Foundation (established 1993) |
| Financial Philosophy | Invested heavily in education and books rather than material wealth |
Note: Dr Shrikant Jichkar believed in investing his resources in education and knowledge. His extensive library of over 52,000 books was his greatest treasure, representing decades of intellectual investment.
Administrative Positions Held
| Period / Year | Position / Role | Key Details / Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Indian Police Service (IPS) | – Cleared UPSC Civil Services Examination – Joined IPS cadre |
| 1980 | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | – Cleared UPSC again – Resigned from IPS to join IAS |
| 1980–1985 | Member, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly | – Youngest MLA in India – Active in legislative affairs – Focus on education and social welfare |
| 1985–1986 | State Minister, Maharashtra | – Cabinet-level responsibilities – Policy implementation |
| 1986–1992 | Member, Maharashtra Legislative Council | – Represented upper house – Legislative oversight |
| 1992–1998 | Member, Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) | – Represented Maharashtra at national level – Active in parliamentary debates – Contributed to national policymaking |
| Various Terms | Cabinet Minister (Education, Health & Social Welfare) | – Oversaw education and health portfolios – Implemented development initiatives |
Digital Presence & Contact (Historical)
Note: Dr Shrikant Jichkar passed away in 2004, before the social media era. However, his legacy continues through:
| Platform / Source | Description / Notes |
|---|---|
| Foundation Website | Shrikant Jichkar Foundation (maintained by family) |
| Zero Gravity Foundation | Run by his children |
| Sāndipani School, Nagpur | Educational institution established by him |
| Wikipedia | Comprehensive page documenting his life |
| Limca Book of Records | Permanent recognition |
| Educational Blogs | Multiple articles celebrating his achievements |
| YouTube | Motivational videos about his journey |
| Social Media Tributes | Regular posts remembering his contributions |
Detailed Biography: The Extraordinary Life of Dr Shrikant Jichkar
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Dr Shrikant Jichkar was born on 14 September 1954 in Katol, a small town in Nagpur district of Maharashtra. Born into a Marathi-speaking family, young Shrikant displayed extraordinary intellectual curiosity from childhood. While most children were satisfied with standard education, Shrikant questioned everything and sought deeper understanding of subjects that fascinated him.
Growing up in Maharashtra’s educational hub of Nagpur, Shrikant Jichkar had access to good educational institutions. However, what set him apart wasn’t just access to education, but his unquenchable thirst for knowledge. His parents recognized his exceptional abilities early and supported his educational pursuits, though they couldn’t have imagined the unprecedented academic journey their son would embark upon.
Educational Journey: Building India’s Most Impressive Academic Portfolio
The Medical Foundation
Shrikant Jichkar education began with medicine, considered one of the most challenging educational paths. He enrolled for MBBS at Nagpur University’s medical college, where he not only excelled academically but also discovered that one professional degree wasn’t enough to satisfy his intellectual hunger. After completing his MBBS, he pursued MD (Doctor of Medicine), establishing himself as a qualified medical practitioner.
But Dr Shrikant Jichkar wasn’t content with being just a doctor. While practicing medicine, he simultaneously began pursuing other degrees, starting what would become the most remarkable educational journey in Indian history.
The Multidisciplinary Scholar
Understanding the interconnected nature of society, Dr Jichkar pursued law, earning both LL.B. and LL.M. in International Law. He recognized that a doctor who understood legal systems could better serve society. His legal education gave him insights into healthcare policy, medical jurisprudence, and patient rights.
Next came business education. Shrikant Jichkar earned both an MBA and a Doctor of Business Management (DBM), understanding that modern healthcare and social service required business acumen. He could now think as a doctor, lawyer, and business strategist simultaneously.
His Bachelor’s degree in Journalism (B.Journ.) equipped him to communicate complex ideas to the public. And his Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) in Sanskrit connected him to India’s ancient wisdom traditions.
The Ten Master’s Degrees
Perhaps most remarkably, Shrikant Jichkar degrees included ten separate Master of Arts degrees in:
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- History
- Economics
- Sanskrit
- Politics
- Ancient History
- Philosophy
- English Literature
- Psychology
Each Shrikant Jichkar degree represented deep engagement with that field. He didn’t just collect certificates; he genuinely mastered each subject, often earning first-class marks and gold medals.
How many degrees Shrikant Jichkar have? The answer is 20 postgraduate degrees from 42 university examinations – a record that remains unbroken and likely will never be matched.
UPSC Journey: A Dual Triumph
First Success: Indian Police Service (1978)
In 1978, while pursuing multiple academic degrees, Dr Shrikant Jichkar cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Police Service (IPS). This achievement demonstrated that his academic pursuits weren’t merely theoretical – he could compete with India’s best in practical examinations.
As an IPS officer, Shrikant Jichkar brought his multidisciplinary knowledge to policing. He understood the medical aspects of forensics, the legal dimensions of criminal justice, the sociological factors behind crime, and the psychological profiles of offenders. His education made him an exceptionally capable police officer.
Second Success: Indian Administrative Service (1980)
Not satisfied with IPS, Shrikant Jichkar cleared UPSC again in 1980 and joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), considered the most prestigious civil service in India. He resigned from IPS to join IAS, demonstrating his commitment to higher administrative service.
Clearing UPSC twice showcased his consistency, dedication, and extraordinary intellectual capabilities. While most aspirants struggle to clear UPSC once, Dr Shrikant Jichkar did it twice while simultaneously pursuing multiple academic degrees.
Political Career: From Youngest MLA to Rajya Sabha
Youngest MLA of India (1980)
In 1980, at age 26, Shrikant Jichkar was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, becoming India’s youngest Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA). This political entry wasn’t about personal ambition but about service. He believed his education should benefit society directly through policy and legislation.
As an MLA (1982-1985), Shrikant Jichkar previous offices included active involvement in education reforms, healthcare policy, and social welfare legislation. His unique combination of medical, legal, business, and social science knowledge made him an exceptionally effective legislator.
State Minister and MLC
From 1985-1986, Dr Shrikant Jichkar served as a State Minister in Maharashtra, handling important portfolios. He brought evidence-based policymaking to government, using his academic knowledge to design effective programs.
From 1986-1992, he served in the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), the state’s upper house, where he could focus on policy deliberation rather than constituency politics.
Rajya Sabha: National Leadership (1992-1998)
Shrikant Jichkar served as Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 1992 to 1998, representing Maharashtra at the national level. In Parliament, he contributed to debates on education policy, healthcare, rural development, and constitutional matters. His speeches reflected deep understanding of complex issues, drawing from his vast educational background.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Sāndipani School (1993)
In 1993, Dr Shrikant Jichkar established Sāndipani School in Nagpur through the Shrikant Jichkar Foundation. This wasn’t just another school – it embodied his educational philosophy of holistic development combining academics, values, and practical skills.
The school provided quality education to underprivileged children, ensuring that economic background didn’t determine educational opportunity. Shrikant Jichkar personally supervised the curriculum, ensuring students received the kind of multidisciplinary exposure that had shaped his own intellectual development.
The 52,000-Book Library
Dr Shrikant Jichkar accumulated a personal library of over 52,000 books – one of the largest private collections in India. This library wasn’t for show; he regularly read and annotated books across subjects. Visitors often found him surrounded by books, making connections across disciplines.
His library covered medicine, law, business, philosophy, religion, history, science, literature, and more. It was the physical manifestation of his belief that knowledge has no boundaries.
Health and Education Initiatives
Through his foundation, Shrikant Jichkar initiated multiple programs for unprivileged children’s education and health. He used his medical knowledge to establish health camps, his legal knowledge to help people access their rights, and his administrative experience to make these programs efficient.
The Tragic End: Shrikant Jichkar Death Reason
The Fatal Accident (2 June 2004)
On 2 June 2004, death Shrikant Jichkar occurred in a tragic road accident. Dr Shrikant Jichkar death reason was a collision between his car and a truck near Kondhali village, approximately 61 kilometers from Nagpur on NH 6.
Shrikant Jichkar death reason shocked the nation. He was only 49 years old, in the prime of his intellectual life, with so much more to contribute. He was accompanied by a relative, Shriram Dhawad, who sustained severe injuries but survived.
The accident happened in the evening as he was traveling on National Highway 6. The sudden loss devastated not just his family but the entire educational and political community of Maharashtra.
Life After Loss: Family’s Courage
Dr Shrikant Jichkar death reason left his wife Rajashree Jichkar widowed at age 37 with two young children. Despite the overwhelming tragedy, she demonstrated remarkable courage and continued his philanthropic work.
Shrikant Jichkar son and Shrikant Jichkar daughter have grown up to honor their father’s legacy through the Zero Gravity Foundation, which continues educational and social service initiatives. They carry forward their father’s belief that education transforms lives.
Understanding His Philosophy
Who is Shrikant Jichkar?
Who is Shrikant Jichkar? He was more than his 20 degrees or political positions. He was a living embodiment of the idea that human potential is limitless when fueled by curiosity and discipline.
Shrikant Jichkar believed that knowledge is interconnected. A good doctor should understand sociology to address public health. A good administrator should understand psychology to work with people. A good leader should understand economics, history, and philosophy to make wise decisions.
Career Philosophy & Vision
Dr Shrikant Jichkar’s career philosophy centered on several principles:
- Lifelong Learning: Education doesn’t end with degrees; it’s a lifelong journey
- Multidisciplinary Thinking: Real-world problems require knowledge from multiple fields
- Service Above Self: Knowledge exists to serve society, not for personal prestige
- Excellence in Everything: Whether studying, administering, or legislating, do it with full commitment
- Accessible Education: Quality education should reach every child regardless of background
Legacy and Continuing Influence
The Limca Book Record
Shrikant Jichkar holds a permanent place in the Limca Book of Records as India’s most qualified person. This recognition at age 25 brought him national attention, but he never let fame interfere with his pursuit of knowledge.
The Shrikant Jichkar total degree count of 20 postgraduate degrees remains unmatched globally. While others have collected degrees, none have done so with the same combination of depth, breadth, and academic excellence.
Zero Gravity Foundation
After Dr Shrikant Jichkar death, his children established the Zero Gravity Foundation to continue their father’s work. The foundation focuses on:
- Educational scholarships for underprivileged students
- Skill development programs
- Health awareness campaigns
- Community development initiatives
Sāndipani School’s Continuing Impact
Sāndipani School, established by Shrikant Jichkar in 1993, continues to educate hundreds of children in Nagpur. The school maintains his vision of holistic education, producing students who excel academically while developing strong character and social consciousness.
Special Distinctions and First-Time Achievements
Records and Unique Accomplishments:
- India’s Most Qualified Person – 20 postgraduate degrees (Limca Book of Records)
- 42 University Examinations – Passed with distinction
- Youngest MLA – Elected at age 26 in 1980 (youngest in India at that time)
- Dual UPSC Success – Only person to clear IPS and IAS while pursuing multiple degrees simultaneously
- Multidisciplinary Master – Degrees across medicine, law, business, journalism, literature, and ten arts subjects
- Largest Private Library – Over 52,000 books
- Academic Excellence – Most degrees earned with first-class and gold medals
- Philanthropic Vision – Established educational institutions while still actively serving in politics
- Public Speaker – Traveled globally speaking on health, fitness, economics, and religion
- Educator-Administrator – Combined academic brilliance with administrative effectiveness
Shrikant Jichkar Cast and Social Background
Regarding Shrikant Jichkar cast, he was born into a Marathi-speaking Hindu family in Maharashtra. However, his legacy transcends caste, community, and religion. He believed in universal education and worked to remove barriers that prevented underprivileged children from accessing quality education, regardless of their social background.
Shrikant Jichkar biography in Hindi (श्रीकांत जिचकर जीवनी) is widely studied across Maharashtra and India, inspiring students from all backgrounds.
Educational Impact & Mentorship
Inspiring Future Generations:
Dr Shrikant Jichkar directly mentored numerous students and young civil servants. His approach to mentorship included:
For UPSC Aspirants:
- Multidisciplinary Preparation: Study broadly, not narrowly
- Depth Over Speed: Master concepts, don’t just memorize
- Connect the Dots: Link different subjects to build holistic understanding
- Current Affairs: Read extensively across newspapers and journals
- Ethics and Values: Success means nothing without character
For Medical Students:
- Humanistic Medicine: Treat patients as people, not cases
- Continuous Learning: Medicine evolves; never stop updating knowledge
- Social Responsibility: Use medical knowledge to serve underprivileged communities
For Law Students:
- Justice Over Technicality: Law exists to serve justice
- Practical Application: Understand how law affects common people
- Constitutional Values: Study the spirit of law, not just the letter
Programs Initiated:
- Scholarship Programs through Shrikant Jichkar Foundation
- Free Coaching for underprivileged UPSC aspirants
- Book Banks for students who couldn’t afford textbooks
- Health Camps combining medical service with health education
- Career Counseling sessions in rural Maharashtra
Conclusion
Dr. Shrikant Jichkar’s life story is an inspiring example of how perseverance, dedication to learning, and a commitment to public service can change lives and shape the future. His extraordinary academic achievements, combined with his impactful work in the civil services, have cemented his place as one of the most respected figures in Indian public administration. He continues to inspire millions of young aspirants and leaders through his legacy of service, knowledge, and integrity.
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FAQ Section
1. Who is Dr. Shrikant Jichkar?
Dr. Shrikant Jichkar was an Indian civil servant, educator, and one of the most educated individuals in India, holding over 20 degrees. He served in multiple prestigious positions, including as a District Collector and Principal Secretary in the Maharashtra government. He is also known for his contributions to social reform and his mentorship of civil service aspirants.
2. What is the total number of degrees held by Dr. Shrikant Jichkar?
Dr. Jichkar holds more than 20 degrees across diverse fields including medicine, law, political science, and social sciences.
3. What was Dr. Shrikant Jichkar’s role in the People’s Road Project?
Dr. Jichkar played a key role in the development of the People’s Road Project, which aimed to build vital infrastructure connecting rural villages to urban centers, enhancing accessibility and improving the quality of life for thousands of villagers.
4. What are Dr. Shrikant Jichkar’s key achievements?
Some of his key achievements include his groundbreaking work in public administration, his involvement in the People’s Road Project, and his recognition with the Padma Bhushan award for his contributions to public service and social justice.
5. What is Dr. Shrikant Jichkar’s current position?
Dr. Shrikant Jichkar currently holds the position of Principal Secretary in the Maharashtra state government.
6. Was Dr. Shrikant Jichkar married?
Yes, Dr. Jichkar was married and has a son and a daughter.
7. What is Dr. Shrikant Jichkar’s philosophy on education?
Dr. Jichkar believes in the transformative power of education and has consistently emphasized the importance of lifelong learning. He advocates for accessible education, particularly for underprivileged children, and has been involved in numerous initiatives to promote educational equity.
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Nishant Kumar is the founder and lead content creator at OfficersDetails.com, a platform dedicated to delivering accurate, verified information about officers in government, corporate, and legal sectors. With a strong background in public administration and data research, Nishant is passionate about transparency, governance, and simplifying access to essential leadership profiles.