Palwankar Baloo

Palwankar Baloo an Indian cricketer, social reformer, political activist.

India's first Dalit cricketing superstar.

He was the player in the Hindu Gymkhana, and his sheer skill made it impossible for the upper-caste establishment to exclude him.

Among the earliest great Indian cricketers to dominate European teams.

He was India's first world-class slow left-arm bowler.

One of the first Dalit cricketers to achieve national and International fame in colonial India.

Among the first Indians to gain respect in elite cricket despite caste barriers.

 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar himself publicly honored Baloo as a symbol of inspiration and dignity for the Dalit community.

He contested the Bombay Legislative Assembly election as a Congress candidate against B. R. Ambedkar and lost by about 2,000 votes.