The Joseph Kaka Baptista (1864–1930) was an Indian politician, lawyer, and Koli freedom fighter from Bombay (now Mumbai). He led the Home Rule Movement as its first president, allied with Bal Gangadhar Tilak, defended Veer Savarkar in court, and famously coined the slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it." As Bombay's first mayor, he championed self-rule and East Indian community rights during the independence struggle.
Joseph Baptista was born in a Koli Christian family on March 17, 1864, in Bombay to an East Indian Catholic Koli family. He attended St. Mary's School in Mumbai and the College of Engineering in Pune. Encouraged by Dadabhai Naoroji, he studied Political Science and Law at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, becoming a barrister. Dadabhai Naoroji mentored Joseph Baptista, spotting his oratory and leadership talents early. He urged Baptista to study politics and law in England, shaping his career as a barrister and independence activist.
Joseph Baptista Gardens, also known as Mazagaon Gardens, is a 1.5-acre park in Mazagaon, South Mumbai, India, atop Bhandarwada Hill over a water reservoir. Named after freedom fighter Joseph Baptista, it features vibrant plants and city views.
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| Statue of Koli freedom fighter Joseph Kaka Baptista |
Joseph Baptista was affectionately called Kaka (meaning "Uncle" in Marathi) by the laborers he championed, including postal workers, mill hands, and coal miners, due to his genuine advocacy for their rights and welfare during his political career.
Early life
Political & Freedom activities and career
Promoted self-rule, labor activism, unified representation; influenced independence slogans and movements.
- 1901 - 1918: Joined Bombay Municipal Corporation; served 17 years in local governance.
- Pre-1916: Allied with Bal Gangadhar Tilak; aided Sarvajanik Ganpati celebrations for nationalism.
- 1916: Co-founded Indian Home Rule League with Tilak and Besant; first president; opened Belgaum unit; coined "Swaraj is my birthright"; interviewed British PM Lloyd George on self-rule.
- 1920: Founded All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC); advocated for workers' rights.
- 1920s: Defended Vinayak Savarkar in court, demanding open trial; opposed separate electorates.
- 1925 - 1926: Elected first Indian Mayor of Bombay.
Death
Joseph Baptista died on September 18, 1930, in Bombay (Mumbai) at age 66 from heart problems. He is buried in Sewri Cemetery.
Books on Josheph Baptista
- Kaka Joseph Baptista: Father of Home Rule Movement in India by K.R. Shirsat (1974)
- Joseph Baptista: The Father of Home Rule in India by K.R. Shirsat (1999)
- Joseph Baptista: The Father of Home Rule in India by K.R. Shirsat (1999)
- Joseph Baptista authored no known books. He contributed forewords (e.g., to All About Lok. Tilak, 1922) and political pamphlets, but no full-length works.
Government Tributes to Joseph Baptista
In October 2023, the Maharashtra state cabinet approved renaming the Khar Industrial Training Institute as Joseph Kaka Baptista Government Industrial Training Institute to honor his contributions to India's freedom struggle, including founding the Home Rule League and serving as Bombay's mayor. The renaming ceremony occurred on October 12, 2024, as announced by BJP MLA Ashish Shelar. This initiative recognizes his legacy in promoting self-rule and social reforms.
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