Akhil Brahmin Central Organization Honors Ideal Teachers and Distributes Student Scholarships

Instilling Social Awareness Alongside Knowledge Is Equally Important – Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University

Pune: India is a country of youth, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive quality education. A student may become a civil engineer and build a bridge that lasts a hundred years, yet the local issues of people in that area remain unresolved for decades. Therefore, while educating students, it is equally important to inculcate social awareness and practical knowledge, stated Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The event was organized by the Akhil Brahmin Central Organization (Nashik-Pune Unit) at Varadshree Hall, where Ideal Teacher Awards and Student Scholarships were presented. Outstanding students pursuing Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in Marathi and Sanskrit were felicitated during the program.

Dignitaries present included the organization’s Vice President Kundankumar Sathe, Secretary Vishwanath Bhalerao, Academic Head Rajendra Deodhar, Unit Head Makrand Mankikar, and others like Shirish Athalye, Ulhas Pathak, Mukund Joshi, Madhav Tatke, Paresh Mehendale, Anil Shidore, Sharangdhar Abhyankar, Shrinivas Sane, Purushottam Kashikar, Bhalchandra Kharait, Neeta Parkhi, Anagha Joshi, Suvarna Risbood, Amit Gokhale, and Prasanna Devbhankar.

Ideal Teacher Awards were presented to Sania Potdar, Madhavi Nibandhe, Sanjay Karandikar, and Umesh Galinde, including a memento, shawl, coconut, and gift. The cash awards were sponsored by Mrs. Sumedha Sardesai, who has been recognizing students excelling in Marathi and Sanskrit at the Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. levels for the past five years. This initiative has helped foster a love for language among students, and the organization is proud of her contributions, with a plan to continue the initiative consistently.

Dr. Parag Kalkar remarked that Indians spend around eight hours a day on mobile phones. It is essential to reflect on how we use our remaining time. Students should dedicate at least 1% of their time to reading and 1% to health. Though the time may seem small, minor habits can lead to significant changes.

Responding to the award, Sania Potdar shared that she always aspired to become a teacher since childhood. The school years are crucial in shaping lives. While teaching school children, it is important to shape their personalities and instill strong values. At that stage, the teacher’s role is of utmost importance, she added.

Makrand Mankikar stated that many events occur in a person’s life, but education is one of the most important. While pursuing education, students must adopt two practices – correct spelling and continuous reading. These practices enhance linguistic skills and intellectual depth.

The event was hosted by Madhura Kulkarni. Rajendra Deodhar gave the welcome address, Vishwanath Bhalerao introduced the organization, and Sujata Maval delivered the vote of thanks.