“We Must Protect Mother Earth; Only Then Will the Next Generation Survive”: Padma Shri Rahibai Popere

Jadhavar Group of Institutes Celebrates 13th Anniversary with Awards Ceremony

Pune: “I learned from the school of nature and soil. My father taught me never to feel ashamed in times of poverty and never to become arrogant when prosperity comes. I have always remembered his teachings. What looks attractive is often harmful to our health. Today, we are consuming things that are detrimental to our well-being. Therefore, eat even a limited variety of vegetables, but ensure that your health remains good. Every person’s plate should have chemical-free vegetables. Mother Earth provides us with food, and we must protect her. Only then will the next generation survive,” said Padma Shri Rahibai Popere.

The award ceremony was organised at the institute’s auditorium to mark the 13th anniversary of Jadhavar Group of Institutes at N-Here Manajinagar, Pune. Senior editor Vijay Baviskar, the institute’s president, Prof. Dr. Sudhakarrao Jadhavar, vice-president Adv. Shardul Jadhavar, treasurer Surekha Jadhavar and several distinguished personalities from various fields were present.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former Member of Parliament and social worker Prof. Jogendra Kawade. Padma Shri Rahibai Popere was honoured for her contribution to agriculture; Audumber Ukirde, chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Pune, received the award in the field of education; film actor Milind Shinde was recognised for his contribution to the arts; Nilesh Dhamdhere, chairman of Pune Urban Co-operative Bank, received the award in the co-operative sector; and Jayant Hire of Samaj Prabodhan Charitable Trust was honoured for his contribution to social service. The awards comprised a traditional Puneri turban, a citation, a memento and a shawl.

Speaking on the occasion, Jogendra Kawade said that those who are prepared to confront challenges and overcome them without losing courage cannot be stopped by anyone. He emphasised the importance of discipline, dedication and determination. “Becoming a teacher is no ordinary task. Everyone wants their child to become a doctor or an engineer, but few aspire for their children to become teachers who create and shape the future. A teacher is a sculptor, and the process of nurturing individuals is not easy,” he said.

Audumber Ukirde said that Prof. Dr. Sudhakarrao Jadhavar was a living example of what a person from a rural background could achieve through determination. He added that the educational institution continued to function with the aim of ensuring that children from economically weaker sections received education and progressed in life.

Nilesh Dhamdhere said that states where the co-operative sector had developed were now progressing significantly. He stressed that co-operative banks should provide people with opportunities to work, grow and advance. He also highlighted the important role of co-operative banks in meeting the financial needs of society.

Jayant Hire said that social service was not merely about providing assistance but also about creating a ray of hope in people’s lives. “More important than how successful we have become is how many lives we have filled with happiness,” he said.

Adv. Shardul Jadhavar said that the ceremony honoured individuals who constantly thought about what they could contribute to society. The institute’s 13-year journey has been guided by the philosophy of education through physical strength, intellect and noble thoughts. He explained that Prof. Dr. Sudhakarrao Jadhavar had established a school in an area where educational facilities beyond the fourth grade were previously unavailable. Today, that school has grown into a flourishing institution. He added that the institute remained committed to the all-round development of its students.

During the ceremony, scholarship letters were presented to eligible students. Children of fire brigade personnel, police officers, journalists, armed forces personnel and ambulance drivers were offered a 25 per cent concession in educational fees from kindergarten to postgraduate courses. Additionally, students scoring more than 85 per cent marks were eligible for a 15 per cent concession in educational fees upon securing admission to the institute.