Pune: Sandeep Ananda Kokare, a shepherd's son from Deulgaon Gada (Tal. Daund), has achieved the prestigious position of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) by passing the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination.
Sandeep is the sixth youth from his village to succeed in competitive exams. Known for herding sheep during school vacations, Sandeep is being celebrated for his outstanding achievement.
Despite being illiterate, Sandeep’s parents, Ananda and Changuna Kokare, consistently encouraged him to pursue education, urging him to leave behind the challenging goat-rearing business.
Terms like 'Public Service Commission' and 'PSI' were unfamiliar to them. They were tending to their goats when the results were announced, but soon, the entire Dhangarwadi community gathered to celebrate Sandeep's success.
They realized that their son had accomplished a significant feat and had become a respected officer. The community's joy knew no bounds when they learned that Sandeep had become a Police Sub-Inspector.
When Sandeep returned home three days later, he hugged his father, who broke into tears, while his mother showered him with kisses.
Sandeep ranked ninth in the state in the NT category. He completed his schooling at Mallikarjun Vidyalaya in Nhavare (Tal. Shirur) and pursued higher education at Eknath Divekar College in Varvand.
Sandeep succeeded on his fourth attempt, after narrowly missing out on his third attempt by just a quarter mark. He resumed his studies with renewed determination and achieved success without any coaching classes.
From Deulgaon Gada, six individuals, including Mahesh Shitole (Tehsildar), Sunil Jadhav (PSI), Aarti Pawar (DYSP), Vikas Jadhav (Sales Tax Inspector), Rashmi Shitole (UPSC), and Sandeep Kokare (PSI), have excelled in competitive exams.
Sandeep attributes his success to his uncle, grandmother, and brother. He says, "My uncles Mhasku Tambe, Rambhau Tambe, and Sanjay Tambe laid the foundation for my education, and my brother Umesh completed it. He provided me with everything I needed.
When I faced failures in my first three attempts, many people spoke negatively to Umesh, but he always believed in me. This success is because of him. Without him, I am nothing."