Ravi Gaikwad (Hindi: रवि गायकवाड) is a name that resonates in various spheres, from government administration to road safety activism and sports leadership. Founder of the Road Safety World Series, an annual cricket tournament raising awareness about road safety rules and responsible driving practices. Gaikwad has been posted as Chief of RTO, Mumbai.
Hailing from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, he has carved a unique path, leaving his mark with a blend of academic brilliance, administrative acumen, and a passion for social impact. An academic topper, earning double gold medals in engineering. Recognized for his leadership and contributions, receiving various awards and accolades.
Academic Topper and Bureaucratic Acumen
Gaikwad's story starts with academic excellence. He was not only an HSC topper in his state but also bagged double gold medals in engineering, solidifying his reputation as a scholar. This academic prowess paved the way for a prestigious career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), where he currently serves in the Maharashtra cadre.
Gaikwad's journey began with academic excellence. He was an HSC topper in his state, followed by double gold medals in engineering, solidifying his position as a scholar. This academic prowess paved the way for a career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), where he currently serves as RTO chief in the Maharashtra cadre.
Government Administration
His administrative roles have been diverse, encompassing responsibilities as the Chief of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Thane and the Konkan region. In this capacity, he has tackled critical issues like traffic management, vehicle registration, and driver licensing. His leadership has been lauded for its efficiency and focus on public service. In 2024, he has been posted as Chief of RTO, Mumbai.
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in the Maharashtra cadre
- Chief of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Thane and the Konkan region
Road Safety Champion
- Holds two Guinness Book of World Records for his road safety initiatives.
- Recognized by the Supreme Court of India for his contributions
- Actively promotes safe driving through public campaigns and educational programs
Beyond his administrative duties, Gaikwad is deeply invested in road safety awareness. Alarmed by the alarming number of road accidents in India, he established the Road Safety World Series, an annual cricket tournament featuring legendary players. This initiative aims to raise awareness about road safety rules and responsible driving practices.
His efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Gaikwad holds two Guinness Book of World Records for his road safety initiatives and has been recognized by the Supreme Court of India for his contributions. He actively promotes safe driving practices through public campaigns and educational programs, making him a leading voice in India's road safety movement.
Public Safety
Gaikwad held the position of Chief of Mumbai (West Zone) during his career.After that, he established himself as the Chief of the Mumbai Suburban region of the RTO at Borivali.Subsequently, he was designated as the Chief of Thane, which is located in the Konkan region of the state of Maharashtra.
The 'Horn Not Ok' campaign was organized by Gaikwad in 2018 with the purpose of raising awareness about the importance of road safety. Participants in the drive included Hardik Pandya and Shikhar Dhawan, both of whom are cricket players from India.
Gaikwad took action against the illicit transportation of migrants in May of 2020, when the coronavirus lockdown was in effect. They issued 250 memoranda to cars that were involved in this illegal transportation.
Road Safety World Series
Ravi Gaikwad is the main driving force behind the Road Safety World Series. Ravi Gaikwad's name is synonymous with the Road Safety World Series, a unique cricket tournament that combines cricketing nostalgia with a powerful message of road safety awareness. But his role goes far beyond simply founding the series. He is the driving force behind its success, a passionate leader who has leveraged his diverse skills and unwavering commitment to create a platform that resonates with millions.
The seed for the Road Safety World Series was sown in Gaikwad's mind when he witnessed the tragic consequences of road accidents in India. He envisioned a platform that could leverage the popularity of cricket to reach a wide audience and spread awareness about responsible driving practices. In 2020, his vision became reality with the inaugural edition of the tournament.
The Road Safety World Series is more than just a cricket match. It's a carefully orchestrated campaign that uses the power of sport to educate and engage people. Gaikwad, himself a cricket enthusiast, understood the emotional connect that cricket holds in India and used it to his advantage. By bringing together legendary cricketers from different countries, he created a spectacle that not only entertained but also delivered a crucial message.
Gaikwad's leadership has been instrumental in the success of the series. He has fostered strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and renowned brands. His ability to build consensus and mobilize resources has been crucial in ensuring the smooth running and wider reach of the tournament.
The Road Safety World Series has garnered immense popularity and achieved significant results. It has reached millions of viewers across the globe, sparking conversations and encouraging responsible driving practices. Gaikwad's efforts have been recognized by prestigious institutions like the Supreme Court of India and the Guinness World Records.
Sports Leadership and Beyond
- Chairman of the Handball Federation of India
- Member of the International Handball Federation
- Holds positions on the boards of the Indian Olympic Association and the All India Football Federation
- Committed to promoting sports development and fostering a culture of physical activity in India
Gaikwad's passion extends beyond road safety. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Handball Federation of India and is a member of the International Handball Federation. Additionally, he holds positions on the boards of the Indian Olympic Association and the All India Football Federation. These roles showcase his commitment to promoting sports development and fostering a culture of physical activity in India.
Ravi Gaikwad is a multi-faceted leader who has made significant contributions in various domains. His dedication to public service, combined with his passion for social causes and sports development, makes him an inspiring figure. As he continues his journey, one can expect him to break new ground and leave a lasting impact on the lives of many.
United States Hall of Fame
Within the United States Hall of Fame, Ravi Gaikwad has been inducted. Those included in the Hall of Fame are the others. Former cricket greats such as Sir Donald George Bradman, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Leonard Hutton, Sir Vivian Richards, Abid Sayed Ali, Alvin Kallicharran, Sunil Gavaskar, and Gundappa Viswanath have been members of the organization ever since it was founded.
The Parliamentarian
Additionally, he served on the Editorial Board of the publication known as "The Parliamentarian Newspaper." In addition to that, he is the author of an entirely new document that is connected to the Indian Constitution. Through his diverse approach to humanitarian work, he is consistently making a good impact and bringing about change in the larger society.In addition to being spiritual and empathic by nature, he is fluent and analytical in the writings and speeches that he delivers.
Awards and Honors
- 2016 Guinness book of world record for Road Safety
- 2018 SAKAL AWARD for good governance and as a cricketer in the field of sports
- 2019 Best Engineer's Award by Engineer's Association of India (EAI)
- 2020 Man of excellence Award by IndianAchiever's forum
- 2020 Road Safety Award by Government of Maharashtra for spreading awareness of Road Safety and reducing the number of deaths and road accidents in the state.
- 2020 CSR Times Award for promoting road safety, sports, and social welfare
- 2021 Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award for social welfare
- 2021 INDIA CORONA AWARD by Wockhardt Foundation
- 2021 COVID FIGHTERS AWARD by Government of Maharashtra
- 2021 Times Lifetime Achievement Award, by Times Group in Sports Category
- "Global Indians 2022", The Times Group's third edition has 25 additional well-known individuals in addition to Ravi Gaikwad's biography
- 2022 Mother Teresa International Award for Social Justice by Governor of Maharashtra.
- 2022 Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar for promotion of Road Safety.
- 2023 Zee Lifetime Achievement Award in Engineering, Science and Technology
- 2023 CNBC Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports
- In 2023 Ravi Gaikwad inducted into USA Cricket Hall of fame
