A renowned social reformer, Thakkar Bappa was born at Bhavnagar on November 29, 1869. In 1890, he graduated in civil engineering and joined government service. He later served in Uganda railways in East Africa. After returning to India, he joined the Bombay Municipality as an engineer. In 1914, he resigned and took up social work. He became a member of Servants of India Society and advocated the rights of untouchables and tribals.
He founded the Bhil Seva Mandal and served another tribal welfare organisation Bharatiya Adamjati Singh as its vice-president. He was also associated with the Depressed Classes Mission and the Widows Home, Poona. Thakkar Bappa was deeply influenced by the reform measures advocated by Gandhi. During 1933-34, he came in close contact with the great leader and undertook a Harijan tour with him. He was appointed Secretary of the Harijan Sevak Sangh set up by Gandhi. He also took part in State People’s Movement. Later, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly. He also served as Secretary and Trustee of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Fund.