Rao Bahadur Sajjan Rao (1868–1942) was a businessman^[1] and philanthropist from Bengaluru who was well known for his charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and hostels for the underprivileged.^[2]

Early life

Sajjan Rao was born in Taggalla, Maddur in 1868 to a poor family. He traveled from Maddur to Bengaluru to work with his maternal uncle Bojagade Venkataraya and became one of the richest man in Bengaluru by 1926.^[3][4]

Notable works

• He built Subramanya Swamy temple, choultry at Sajjan Rao Circle.^[3]
• The maternity block at Vanivilas Women and Children Hospital in Bengaluru is named after him as a token of gratitude for his 50,000 rupees donation in 1930^[2] which was demanded by Diwan Sir Mirza Ismail.^[3]
• He built roundabout at Sajjan Rao circle on the demand by the corporation to facilitate hassle free traffic movement.^[3]
• He has also constructed a dispensary at Sajjan Rao circle which he donated to the corporation in 1909.^[3]
• In 1909, he built a free hostel dedicated to his maternal uncle Venkat Rao Bhojagade which is called as Maratha hostel at present.^[3]
• He has also constructed educational institution for the poor students as well as the school for differently abled.^[3]

Recognition

• He was awarded with the title Dharma Prakasha by King of Mysore in recognition of his social work .^[4]
• The circle near Lalbagh is named after him as Sajjan Rao Circle.^[3]
• Also, the road in V V Puram is named after him as Sajjan Rao road.^[5]

Death

Sajjan Rao died in 1942. He is buried near the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Gavipuram.^[3]