Leadership & Initiatives

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As Managing Trustee of MCSU, Radhikaraje Gaekwad has revitalised the century‑old organisation to create opportunities for women through skill development, financial literacy, and sustainable livelihoods.

• Supports craft clusters across Gujarat, preserving traditional techniques while enabling artisans to achieve economic independence.
• Champions social inclusion, offering training to marginalized groups to integrate them into mainstream opportunities.
• Gazra Café – an MCSU initiative – became Gujarat’s first transgender‑run café, offering dignified employment and shifting perceptions around LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

As Chairperson & Vision Keeper of the LVP Heritage Garba, she has transformed Baroda’s most iconic Navratri festival into a platform of culture, sustainability, and inclusivity.

• Curates an authentic Garba experience at Lukshmi Vilas Palace, preserving traditional music, rituals, and décor.
• Implements eco‑friendly  décor and conscious celebrations, setting a benchmark for green cultural events.
• Broke barriers by welcoming  transgender communities to perform temple duties and participate fully in the festivities.

As Managing Trustee of the Maharaja Fatesingh Museum, she safeguards one of India’s most significant royal art collections.

• Focuses on digitization and archiving, ensuring global access for students, researchers, and art enthusiasts.
• Promotes educational outreach programs that connect schools, universities, and scholars to      the museum’s resources, inspiring learning and creativity.

As Director of CDS Art Foundation, she works to bridge the gap between traditional artisans and modern markets.

• Organizes exhibitions, workshops, and mentorship programs for young artists, helping them refine skills and gain recognition.
• Builds platforms for rural craftspeople to showcase their work internationally, ensuring  fair prices and sustainable demand.

Working closely with Rajmata Shubhangini Raje, she has revived the Baroda Shalu sari and other intricate weaving traditions.

• Advocates for sustainable production methods and fair wages to support artisans and prevent exploitation.
• Her appearances in heirloom saris—like the rare 1964 gold‑tissue Baroda Shalu and Paithani weaves—have brought global recognition to Indian craftsmanship.

“A sari is not just a garment; it is history, art, and culture woven together.”

Radhikaraje’s initiatives emphasise how culture can drive social equity, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth.

• Inclusive Traditions: She publicly affirmed her daughters as rightful heirs, challenging patriarchal norms and opening dialogue on equality.
• Sustainable Celebrations: Her leadership at Heritage Garba promotes eco‑friendly décor.
• Pandemic Relief: Personally visited villages to support over 700 artisan families, providing resources, fundraising, and digital outreach to sustain      livelihoods during crisis.

Serves on the Advisory Board of India’s most prestigious film festival, which celebrates cinematic excellence and cross-cultural storytelling.

• Contributes to shaping the festival’s vision and creative direction, ensuring artistic integrity and cultural relevance.
• Supports the festival’s mission to nurture emerging talent and uphold the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema.
• Collaborates with a diverse board comprising renowned filmmakers, diplomats, and cultural ambassadors, strengthening India’s global cultural presence.