[1] Balkavi was born on 13 August 1889 in a Marathi Deshastha Brahmin family[2] to Bapurao Devaram Thombre and Godatai in patonda near Dharangaon village in Khandesh district of Bombay Presidency in British India.

[3] Due to his father's job he spent his childhood in Jamner, Yawal, Betawad, Erandol towns of Jalgaon district.

Balkavi's first ever poem was published at Erandol's Dasha kal weekly magazine, title as Mulans upadesh.

When he was 17 he presented his poem in front of large audience at first ever poetic assembly of Maharashtra at Jalgaon.

[1][4] Notable works include: Balkavi's poems was incorporated in Balbharati school text books.