Who was Dadasaheb Khaparde, and why was his behavior in front of Sai Baba considered unusual for such a prominent figure?

Dadasaheb Khaparde was a highly distinguished and learned individual, described as an expert in English education and a famous, powerful orator in the Legislative Assembly. Despite his ability to move everyone with his speech, his behavior before Sai Baba was marked by a profound silence. As detailed in Chapter 27, he was one of the very few devotees, along with Noolkar and Butti, who maintained a vow of silence in Baba's presence. While other devotees spoke freely, Khaparde would simply bow his head with indescribable humility. This silent reverence from such a prominent public figure was notable, showing that he recognized the brilliance of the Supreme Brahman in Sai, which he felt put mere scholarly knowledge to shame.