Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, the once humble village of Delwadi has risen from being a labor hub to earning the prestigious title of "Village of Engineers."
Once a place where manual labor was the norm, today, Delwadi proudly boasts 189 engineers. Every family in the village has at least one engineer—a remarkable achievement that sets Delwadi apart from other rural communities.
It all began in 1969 when Suryakant Naik became the first engineer from Delwadi. His journey from the village’s dusty lanes to the world of engineering was nothing short of revolutionary. Inspired by his success, a new generation of youngsters followed in his footsteps, and thus began Delwadi's transformation.
The numbers speak for themselves. Over the past two decades, Delwadi has seen a steady stream of engineers emerge from its small, community-run schools.
With at least two students from every 10th-grade batch choosing engineering as their career, this village has turned into a veritable powerhouse of technical talent.
What sets Delwadi apart is not just the number of engineers it produces, but the quality and diversity of their achievements. Engineers from this village can be found in countries across the globe—from the United States to Japan, Switzerland to Saudi Arabia.
Eight of these bright minds, including Pravin Shelar, Omkar Shelar, and Kalyani Bhoite, are currently leading successful careers abroad, furthering Delwadi’s reputation beyond Indian borders.
The village’s engineers are not just about personal success. Their sense of community runs deep. In a remarkable show of social responsibility, the engineers of Delwadi, with the support of the entire village, have undertaken several eco-friendly initiatives.
One of their standout projects is the planting of 1,200 native trees, funded by a collective donation of 7.5 lakh rupees. Additionally, Delwadi has a competitive exam center for students aspiring to follow the engineering path, a village website, and ongoing efforts to promote organic farming.
The seeds of this transformation were first sown in the British-era school that still stands strong today. Over the years, Delwadi's engineers have not only built successful careers but also given back to their community in more ways than one.
From Suryakant Naik’s early work on the village's water supply systems to the establishment of local workshops that provide employment to villagers, Delwadi’s engineers continue to uplift their community.
Perhaps what makes Delwadi’s story so compelling is the blend of tradition and modernity. The village, blessed by the presence of the revered Khandoba deity, proudly carries its rich heritage while forging a path of progress.
With 189 engineers and counting, Delwadi’s future is as bright as the global horizons its young professionals are reaching.
