Empowering Many Differently-Abled Citizens in Kothrud

“Social work should be inclusive and limitless” — Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil

Pune – “Social work should not be symbolic; it must be inclusive and boundless,” expressed State Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Dada Patil. He also mentioned that many generous individuals in society willingly come forward to help in such social initiatives.

Through the initiative of Higher and Technical Education Minister and Kothrud MLA Chandrakant Dada Patil — and with the joint collaboration of Bharat Vikas Parishad, Michelin, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce, Fupro (a startup featured on the TV show Shark Tank and funded for its innovative work), Samutkarsh Social Foundation and TARK Foundation — a “Differently-Abled Support and Assistance Campaign” has been launched in Kothrud. The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil and Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.

Present on the occasion were Dattaji Chitale, Rajendra Jog, Sunil Lodha, Nimish Mishra, Lakshana Saxena from Bharat Vikas Parishad, former corporator Deepak Pote, corporators Madhuri Sahasrabuddhe, Vrushali Chaudhary, District Planning Committee Member Dr. Sandeep Butala, BJP Kothrud South Mandal President Kuldeep Sawalekar, Pune City Secretary Prof. Anuradha Edke, Gayatri Lande, Adv. Prachi Bagate, Aparna Lonare, and other dignitaries.

Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil said, “Several initiatives for empowering differently-abled citizens in Kothrud are already being implemented through my public outreach office. But when the proposal for this new initiative came before me — to further empower them and help them stand on their own feet — I immediately approved it. Social work should not merely be symbolic; it must be inclusive, based on real societal needs, and limitless in scope. This initiative must expand further in the future.” He also noted that many generous individuals in society are always ready to contribute wholeheartedly to such social causes.

He further said, “In Khandesh, a young man named Yajuvendra Mahajan has devoted his entire life to working for the differently-abled. He removes their sense of inferiority, trains them, and motivates them to participate in competitive exams. Because of his efforts, many differently-abled young men and women have achieved remarkable success in MPSC–UPSC exams and are now serving the nation through administrative services. His work has now begun in Pune as well, and it is receiving a very good response.”

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram said, “Differently-abled individuals do not need sympathy. Many scientists overcame their disabilities and contributed significant research to the world — Stephen Hawking is a well-known example. They need encouragement, not sympathy. To promote differently-abled sportspersons, various competitions have been organized by the Pune Municipal Corporation for December 3rd. Everyone should participate,” he appealed.

Dattabhau Chitale, Nimish Mishra, and Lakshana Saxena from Bharat Vikas Parishad also shared their thoughts during the event.