Heritage with Heart

Her Highness Dr. Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of Baroda, is an accomplished journalist, textile revivalist, heritage conservationist, and social entrepreneur who has seamlessly combined tradition with progressive values.

As custodian of the iconic Lukshmi Vilas Palace—the world’s largest private residence and a symbol of Baroda’s rich cultural heritage—she has undertaken the responsibility of preserving not just the palace’s grandeur but also its living traditions, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible in contemporary times.

Her journey reflects a commitment to using heritage as a tool for empowerment and positive change. She has revived forgotten weaving techniques, restored traditional crafts, and provided platforms for artisans to achieve sustainable livelihoods. Under her leadership as Managing Trustee of the Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya & Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, initiatives like skill development workshops, exhibitions, and global collaborations have brought recognition and income to hundreds of craftspeople.

Radhikaraje’s vision extends beyond crafts to inclusivity and social equity. Her pioneering initiative, Gazra Café, Gujarat’s first transgender-run café, stands as a symbol of dignity and opportunity for marginalized communities. Similarly, the LVP Heritage Garba, which she chairs, has been reimagined as an eco-conscious and inclusive celebration where culture becomes a uniting force.

Through her multifaceted work, she exemplifies how royal legacy can evolve into leadership rooted in humility, sustainability, and social responsibility—creating a world where tradition and progress thrive together.