A lawyer, solicitor and social worker by choice and politician by necessity, Kher was often described as "Sajjan", good and gentle.

Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher was born on 24 August 1888 at Ratnagiri in a middle class Marathi-speaking Karhade Brahmin[4] family.

degree with high distinction from Wilson College (Mumbai) in 1908, where he was also awarded the Bhau Daji Lad prize for standing first in Sanskrit.

[7] Kher allotted plots of land in Bandra East to people belonging to the Hindu-Khatik (Scheduled caste) community in 1950–51.

Kher established schools and a hospital, and provided electricity and water supply for people staying in Kherwadi.

The Hindu-Khatik community celebrates his birthday at his statue at the Nanda Deep Garden, Kala Nagar, Bandra East.