Pune: Rajya Sabha MP and NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar emphasized the importance of educational leadership and the efforts made by previous generations to bring education to rural areas during the closing ceremony of the silver jubilee celebrations of Dhareshwar Vidya and Krida Pratishthan in Dhayari.
Pawar shared a personal anecdote, recalling how his mother, Sharda Pawar, instilled in him the value of education from a very young age. He noted that at just six days old, he attended a meeting on educational activities, which was a testament to the commitment his mother and her contemporaries had towards advancing education in rural communities.
The event, held at the Pratishthan premises, saw the attendance of numerous notable figures, including Sopan alias Kakasaheb Chavan, the founder of the Pratishthan; Director Aniket Chavan; senior leader Ulhas Pawar; industrialist Vitthal Maniar; former MP Ashok Mohol; MLC Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil; and several other dignitaries.
During his address, Pawar reflected on Dhayari's transformation from a rural region to an urban area and credited Kakasaheb Chavan for establishing an educational institution that provided quality education to underprivileged children.
He highlighted Pune’s rich educational heritage and the expansion of educational opportunities to the outskirts, ensuring that the next generation of farmers receives a robust education.
Pawar also expressed his pride in leading several educational institutions, including Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, and shared his joy in witnessing thousands of students graduate from these institutions.
In his introductory speech, Kakasaheb Chavan praised Sharad Pawar for his significant contributions to Maharashtra's social, cultural, educational, and sports sectors over the last six decades.
Chavan announced the launch of a "Granth Tula," where books collected in Pawar's honor would be distributed to students in rural areas.
The event concluded with speeches from other prominent figures, including Ashok Mohol, Ulhas Pawar, and Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, who lauded the efforts of Dhareshwar Vidya and Krida Pratishthan. The ceremony was anchored by Milind Kulkarni, and Principal Dr. Sudhakar Jadhawar offered a vote of thanks.