Dayanand Bandodkar (March 12, 1911–August 12, 1973), was the first Chief Minister of Goa after the territory was returned to India by Portugal. He formed his own Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party. He swept the polls in 1963, 1967 and in 1972 and remained in power until his death in 1973.
Once in power, Bandodkar unleashed a rapid program of land reforms and universalization of Education. He laid the foundation of a resurgent Goa in all fields of development. Industry, Tourism, agriculture, irrigation, roads, bridges and every other sphere of developmental activity benefitted from his magic touch. Tenants of agricultural lands and the Mundkars (people who had their dwellings in the properties of others) who cultivated the lands and lived in the houses of landowners without any right to protection of their livelihood or shelter got legal protection from eviction. He promoted performing arts, dance, music and cultural activities. Literary movements thrived under his patronage. Writers, poets, singers, dancers, sculptors and painters found in him a kind patron and protector.
He was not only accessible to whoever came to his doorstep, but would himself approach his people in the remotest parts of the Territory and mingle with them with abandon. He struck a chord with them like none before him. He became their affectionate elder brother or Bhau and the sobriquet stuck like glue.
Bandodkar died in office on 1973-08-12 at age 62 and was succeeded by his daughter Shashikala Kakodkar.
