Maharashtra -

Ambegaon’s Women Empowerment Journey Earns Recognition; Dilip Walse Patil Highlights Success Story

Ramesh Jadhav — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:01:27 +0530

Pune | Ramesh Jadhav

A women empowerment initiative spearheaded by senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Ambegaon MLA Diliprao Walse Patil has drawn attention for its sustained impact on rural women’s economic and social development. The programme, organised recently at Shivgiri Mangal Karyalaya in Manchar to mark the birth anniversary of the late Ajit Dada Pawar, honoured successful women entrepreneurs, progressive farmers, and members of self-help groups (SHGs) for their achievements.

The initiative reflected the vision of empowering women through financial independence and entrepreneurship, a goal closely associated with the late Ajit Dada Pawar. According to Walse Patil, creating opportunities for women to become self-reliant remains central to achieving inclusive development in Ambegaon.

Focus on Economic Independence

Walse Patil emphasised that true social progress is possible only when women participate equally in economic development. Inspired by the leadership of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, efforts were made to strengthen women's participation in governance and encourage greater representation through reservation in local bodies.

A major thrust was placed on expanding women's self-help groups across the constituency. Since 2008, the movement has gained significant momentum, aided by affordable credit initiatives announced by MP Supriya Sule. Walse Patil, who has served for many years as a director of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, played a key role in facilitating financial support for SHGs.

Today, more than 3,500 self-help groups operate across the Ambegaon Assembly constituency, providing thousands of women with opportunities for entrepreneurship and livelihood generation.

Skill Development Creates Entrepreneurs

The initiative has focused extensively on vocational training to help women establish sustainable businesses. Under the guidance of Walse Patil and with the active involvement of his wife Kiran Tai Walse Patil, women have received training in spoken English, bag manufacturing, food processing, catering, packaging, and other income-generating activities.

Many SHGs have evolved into successful business enterprises. Several groups undertake catering contracts, prepare nutritious meals for school nutrition programmes, and provide essential public services. Around 48 SHGs distribute electricity bills across 68 villages, while 73 groups manage fair-price ration shops in tribal and rural areas, reflecting the growing confidence and capability of women-led organisations.

Anusaya Mahila Unnati Kendra Drives Change

To institutionalise these efforts, the Anusaya Mahila Unnati Kendra was established in Manchar as a dedicated training and development centre for women. The centre has become a hub for skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and capacity building.

Alongside training programmes, government welfare schemes such as the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana and various women and child welfare initiatives have been implemented through special camps across the constituency. Walse Patil has also promoted industrial growth in Ambegaon by improving infrastructure and encouraging investment, creating employment opportunities for women trained through SHGs.

Cooperative Credit Strengthens Rural Women

Recognising that limited access to affordable credit often forced women to depend on moneylenders charging exorbitant interest, Walse Patil encouraged SHGs to establish their own cooperative credit society. Beyond offering advice, he actively supported the formation of the institution.

The cooperative now provides loans of up to ₹50,000 to women members at a concessional interest rate of 2 per cent, enabling many beneficiaries to invest in dairy farming, goat rearing, poultry, and other agriculture-allied businesses.

The initiative has significantly reduced dependence on informal lending while promoting financial inclusion and self-employment among rural women.

The Ambegaon model of women empowerment, driven by skill development, cooperative finance, entrepreneurship, and institutional support, is increasingly being viewed as a successful example of grassroots development and inclusive growth.

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Ambegaon's Development Didn't Happen Overnight; It's the Story of a 36-Year Struggle

DN News Network — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 15:18:23 +0530

Ramesh Jadhav | Ranjani, Pune

A political debate has intensified in Ambegaon taluka, with supporters of former Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil defending his developmental record while accusing political rivals of using the recent milk adulteration case to target him without evidence.

The article argues that while aspiring politicians have every democratic right to seek public office, they should first understand the region's developmental history before criticizing long-serving leaders.

Three Decades of Transformation

According to the report, Ambegaon has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 36 years. Before 1990, the taluka reportedly had only two major asphalt roads—Pune–Nashik Highway and the Manchar–Ghodegaon road. Electricity supply depended on a single substation at Nirgudsar, often leaving villages without power for several days during the monsoon.

Residents in eastern parts of the taluka were once forced to cross the Ghod and Meena rivers by boat due to the lack of bridges, while nearly 49 water tankers were required every summer to meet drinking water needs. Ambegaon was widely known as a drought-prone region.

The article credits former MLA Dattatraya Walse Patil, former MLA B.D. Kale, and former MP Kisanrao Bankhele for laying the foundation of the taluka's development through irrigation, dams, and infrastructure projects.

Credit to Dilip Walse Patil

The report attributes the taluka's modern road network, bridges, irrigation facilities, drinking water schemes, electricity infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other public works largely to the long-term planning and sustained efforts of former minister Dilip Walse Patil.

It argues that these achievements were the result of decades of continuous work rather than overnight political success.

Milk Adulteration Case Sparks Political Row

The article says the milk adulteration case, which has dominated local headlines in recent weeks, is being used by some political opponents to tarnish Walse Patil's reputation.

It states that Walse Patil consistently maintained that anyone involved in milk adulteration—regardless of political affiliation—should face strict legal action.

According to the report:

Police have arrested 13 accused.
Another 13 suspects remain absconding.
One of those arrested is reportedly the nephew of the Nationalist Congress Party's Ambegaon taluka president, Vishnu Hinge.

The article argues that these arrests demonstrate that the law has been applied without political bias.

No Interference Alleged

The report claims that Walse Patil did not interfere in the investigation despite having the political influence to do so if he had wished. It says his only public position has been that strict legal action should be taken against every person responsible for milk adulteration.

Parag Milk Foods Mentioned

The article also refers to allegations involving Parag Milk Foods, stating that inspections conducted by the Food and Drug Administration reportedly did not find any objectionable irregularities.

It further highlights the contribution of businessman Devendra Shah and his family to Ambegaon's agricultural, healthcare, and dairy sectors. According to the report, the establishment of Parag Milk Foods provided a stable market for thousands of dairy farmers and created significant rural employment.

The article also notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shah's family organized meals for patients and frontline healthcare workers at a COVID care facility.

Criticism of Opposition Leader

The article criticizes Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Ramesh Yevale for allegedly using objectionable language during a protest in Manchar and suggests that personal attacks on Walse Patil do not reflect political maturity.

It further claims that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde continues to respect Walse Patil because of their years of working together in the Maharashtra cabinet.

Internal Shiv Sena Discontent

The report also discusses alleged internal dissatisfaction within the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) in Ambegaon. It claims that several long-time party office-bearers stayed away from Yevale's recent press conference at Landewadi, leading to speculation about growing discontent among veteran Shiv Sena workers.

According to the article, some party workers are unhappy that recently inducted leaders are receiving greater prominence than long-serving grassroots members.

Calls for Fact-Based Politics

The article concludes by urging political leaders to base criticism on facts rather than allegations and argues that public representatives should focus on development and public welfare instead of personal attacks.

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BJYM State President Krishnaraj Mahadik and District President Vaibhav Solankar Attend Youth Morcha Meeting in Baramati

DN News Network — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:51:42 +0530

Baramati, Correspondent

A key organizational meeting of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) office-bearers and workers was held at Hotel Krishnasagar in Baramati in the presence of BJYM State President Krishnaraj Mahadik and District President Vaibhav Solankar. During the meeting, it was announced that the state-wide ‘Yuvajagar Yatra’ of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha will soon arrive in Baramati.

Detailed discussions were held on organizational expansion, increasing youth participation, booth strengthening, social initiatives, public outreach campaigns, and organizing Youth Morcha conventions at the taluka and city levels in the coming months.

Addressing the gathering, State President Krishnaraj Mahadik said that every party worker should effectively communicate the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party to the people and work consistently to connect more youth with the organization. He appealed to the workers to organize youth conventions, awareness campaigns, and organizational activities on a larger scale in the future.

He further stated that BJYM is not merely a political organization but a powerful platform for bringing positive change in society. He emphasized that active participation of young people is essential to take the BJP’s ideology to every section of society.

Speaking on the occasion, District President Vaibhav Solankar said that BJYM is committed to strengthening its organizational network by establishing active Youth Morcha units in every village. He added that expanding the organization and enrolling more dedicated young workers remain the primary objectives of the Youth Morcha in the coming days.

The meeting also included discussions on various organizational matters, planning of upcoming programmes, strategies to reach more young people, and preparations for the successful organization of the Yuvajagar Yatra. State President Krishnaraj Mahadik interacted with the workers, listened to their suggestions, and provided valuable guidance.

The visit infused new enthusiasm among BJYM workers in Baramati, who expressed their determination to further strengthen the organization and work more actively for public causes in the days ahead.

Among those present were BJYM State President Krishnaraj Mahadik, District President Vaibhav Solankar, District General Secretary Swapnil Modak, Omkar Kade, Vivek Salunke, Baramati City President Abhishek Chinchkar, Taluka President Jagdish Kolekar, Sandip Keskar, Mayur Shinde, Rigved Satpute, Harshad Jagdale, Sohel Shaikh, Shubham Suryawanshi, Rohit Shinde, Sai Pawar, along with district, taluka, and city office-bearers, representatives of various organizational wings, and a large number of BJYM workers.

Following the meeting, party workers expressed that the guidance of State President Krishnaraj Mahadik had provided renewed direction and fresh momentum to the organizational activities of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Baramati.

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Skill Training Paves Way for Self-Reliance: Dr. Baban Jogdand

DN News Network — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:11:38 +0530

Pune, July 15

With job opportunities becoming increasingly hard to come by, students must complete skill-based courses and become self-sufficient, which will in turn help them achieve self-reliance, said Dr. Baban Jogdand, Head of the Skill Development Department at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI).

Jogdand was speaking on the occasion of the distribution of certificates in modern, technology-based courses to 180 Scheduled Caste youth from Pune city, organised jointly by BARTI and the Science and Technology Park (STP) to mark World Youth Skills Day. The programme, held at the STP's CIII Centre at the Laxmibai Bhaurao Patil Innovation Foundation on the S. M. Joshi College campus in Hadapsar, saw enthusiastic participation from students, trainees, industry representatives and several dignitaries.

The event was organised under the guidance of BARTI Director General Smt. Deepa Mudhol-Munde (IAS) and Dr. Rajendra P. Jagdale, Director General and CEO of the Science and Technology Park.

The programme was presided over by Dr. Eknath S. Mundhe, Principal of S. M. Joshi College. Guests of honour included Dr. Baban Jogdand, Head of BARTI's Skill Development Department; Dr. Sanjay Ahiwale, Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell; Mahesh Gavai, Project Manager at BARTI; and Shrikant Kundan, CEO of the Laxmibai Bhaurao Patil Innovation Foundation.

Discordant Notes at Dialogue Meet: Walse-Patil's Remarks Hand Opposition a Ready-Made Weapon

DN News Network — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:05:50 +0530

Pune / Ramesh Jadhav | July 16, 2026

The exposure of a milk adulteration racket centred in Ambegaon taluka has sent shockwaves through the region's social and political circles. Reports suggest that those accused in the racket include close associates of former Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil, prompting the opposition to try and corner him over the issue. As allegations and counter-allegations over the milk adulteration case intensified, Walse-Patil struck a discordant note at a "Samvad Melava" (dialogue meet) held in Manchar — remarks that could end up working against him. Talk in Ambegaon taluka is now centred on how his comments at the meet will test his maturity, restraint and leadership.

Ambegaon taluka has long been known for its cooperative movement, dairy business and political stability, with former Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil having played a major role in giving the taluka a distinct identity in the politics of Pune district and the state. However, the recently uncovered milk adulteration case has not only raised questions over the dairy business but has also begun generating political ripples. The opposition has launched a barrage of criticism on the issue, turning the episode into a test of Walse-Patil's political restraint, leadership and ability to retain public trust.

Shadow of suspicion over the dairy business

Milk is an essential part of daily life, and any adulteration case that comes to light shakes public confidence. The alleged milk adulteration case in Ambegaon taluka threatens to affect even those dairy producers who run their businesses honestly. The wrongdoing of a few risks dragging the entire dairy supply chain into a cloud of suspicion.

Politics gets a new weapon

Any sensitive case inevitably becomes a subject of political debate, and the milk adulteration case has been no exception. With a key aide of Walse-Patil coming under the scanner, the opposition has been raising pointed questions, demanding strict action against the guilty and training its sights on local leadership. However, the remarks made at the dialogue meet organised to respond to this criticism could end up putting Walse-Patil himself in a difficult spot.

The challenge before Dilip Walse-Patil

Dilip Walse-Patil has long carried the image of a restrained, studious leader with a firm grip on administration, having adopted a policy of patience even during controversial episodes across decades of public life. But this case presents him with significant challenges. He will need to protect honest farmers and cooperative institutions linked to the dairy business, while simultaneously extending the administration full cooperation to ensure impartial action against the guilty. Many families in Ambegaon taluka depend on the dairy business for their livelihood, and such incidents also strike at the credibility of the cooperative movement itself. It is unfortunate that the entire cooperative system should come under a cloud because of the wrongdoing of a few — which is precisely why strict action against the guilty, whoever they may be, is the need of the hour.

A true test of political restraint

Politics inevitably brings its share of crises. At such moments, responding without emotional reaction, trusting the law, and allowing investigative agencies to work independently are the true marks of responsible leadership. This is exactly the kind of moment Dilip Walse-Patil now faces — one that will genuinely test his long political experience and leadership abilities.

The resolution of the milk adulteration case should not be limited to punishing the guilty; it must also extend to building an effective system to prevent such incidents in the future. Regular inspections, modern laboratories, strict enforcement of food safety norms and consumer awareness all need greater emphasis.

At the political level too, it is the shared duty of all parties to bring out the truth rather than trade allegations, and to safeguard the interests of the lakhs of farmers dependent on the dairy business. For the public, safe and pure milk matters more than politics. The common expectation is that the truth will come out, the guilty will be punished, and public trust in the cooperative sector will be restored.

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Fadnavis Launches Counter-Offensive, Defends Agri Policies and Demands Probe into 26/11 Claims

DN News Network — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:09:03 +0530

Mumbai, Jul 14

Terming the recent claims by former union Home Secretary R V S Mani regarding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as "deeply disturbing," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday demanded a high-level, impartial investigation into the alleged ISI-Congress conspiracy.

Addressing a press conference following a marathon Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister pivoted from this grave national security concern to announce a massive development roadmap for the state. Among the key decisions, the government has cleared a landmark expansion of the 'Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana-2026,' which is set to benefit approximately 56 lakh farmers by removing previous eligibility barriers and offering new incentives for regular repayment.

Fadnavis also sought to settle the brewing controversy surrounding the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), categorically dismissing opposition allegations of land privatization. He clarified that MSRTC would retain full ownership of its assets, with surplus land slated for development under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure the long-term financial viability of the state’s transport network.

The Cabinet further approved a new "Monetization Policy" to boost the revenue of local self-governing bodies and sanctioned the implementation of the central "Urban Challenge Fund" to accelerate infrastructure projects in cities. Notable regional initiatives included a Rs 24.95 crore modernization package for the Beed District Sports Complex and the establishment of an international-grade agricultural market in Dahanu (Palghar), spanning 558.43 hectares.
Refuting political attacks from the opposition, the Chief Minister dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the state’s handling of paper leaks as "ill-informed" and labeled Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s recent political posturing as "hollow."

Other administrative decisions included doubling the rehabilitation grant for acquitted prisoners from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 and approving critical amendments to the Maharashtra Minor Mineral Extraction Rules, 2013, to improve regulatory transparency.

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Uddhav Thackeray Calls Meeting of Nashik Corporators Amid 'Operation Tiger' Defection Buzz

DN News Network — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:06:47 +0530

Mumbai, Jul 14

Amid speculation that the "Operation Tiger" strategy could now be replicated in the Nashik Municipal Corporation, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has convened a meeting of the party's corporators from Nashik at his Matoshree residence on Wednesday, in an apparent bid to prevent a possible split. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has 15 corporators in the Nashik civic body.

Political circles are abuzz with claims that around 10 to 12 of them are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and could switch sides at any time. If that happens, it could significantly alter the political equations in the corporation. The development comes in the wake of the recent split in the party's Lok Sabha ranks, where six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs first formed a separate group before joining the Shinde faction.

Before that rebellion, Thackeray had called a meeting of the party MPs and issued a whip, but the six MPs skipped the meeting.

Following the parliamentary split, Thackeray held rallies and public meetings in the constituencies of the rebel MPs to retain the support of party workers and office-bearers.

He had also adopted an aggressive stand against the defectors. Political observers will now be closely watching whether Thackeray's outreach succeeds in preventing a similar rebellion among the Nashik corporators.

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Dilip Walse Patil Denies Role in Milk Adulteration Case, Says 'I Am Not the Mastermind'

DN News Network — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:53:52 +0530

Ambegaon (Pune), July 13: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA and former Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Sunday firmly denied allegations linking him to the ongoing milk adulteration case in Ambegaon taluka, asserting that he is neither the "mastermind" behind the issue nor someone who would protect those involved in wrongdoing.

Speaking at the Jan Samvad programme organised by the Ambegaon-Shirur unit of the NCP at Shivgiri Mangal Karyalaya in Manchar, Walse Patil said that although one of the accused may be associated with him politically, he would never support anyone found guilty of milk adulteration.

"I am not the mastermind behind this case. In fact, there is no mastermind. I will never defend or shield anyone involved in milk adulteration," he said while responding to allegations made by political opponents.

Walse Patil said it would be inappropriate to comment further until the official investigation is completed and a chargesheet is filed against those responsible.

"The probe is still underway. Until the investigation is complete and charges are formally framed, it is not proper for me to make detailed comments on the matter," he said.

He accused the opposition of using the milk adulteration issue as a political tool rather than genuinely working for the welfare of farmers.

"You know whether this agitation is for farmers' interests or merely a conspiracy against me," he remarked.

The senior NCP leader also criticised the increasing use of fake social media accounts to defame political leaders and urged party workers to respond strongly to misinformation and propaganda.

Without directly naming local leader Devdatta Nikam, Walse Patil questioned his claims of working for farmers and raised issues regarding cooperative institutions and temple administration.

Several senior NCP leaders, including Pune MHADA Chairman Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, district president Rajendra Korekar, and other party office-bearers, were present at the event.

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Fadnavis set to become longest-serving CM with people's blessings: BJP's Navnath Ban

DN News Network — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:22:50 +0530

Mumbai, Jul 13

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has added another milestone to his political career, with his name now being etched among the top three longest-serving Chief Ministers of the state, BJP state chief spokesperson Navnath Ban said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, Ban said that Fadnavis, who had earlier completed a consecutive five-year term as Chief Minister, had earned the distinction due to the blessings of Maharashtra's 140 million people.

He expressed confidence that Fadnavis would eventually emerge as the state's longest-serving Chief Minister.
"Devendra Fadnavis, who has served as Chief Minister on three occasions, has consistently received public support because of the many decisions he has taken in the interest of Maharashtra. There is no doubt that he will go on to set a new record as the longest-serving Chief Minister,” Ban said.

Describing Fadnavis as an "infrastructure man", Ban said Maharashtra was well aware of his contributions. He added that Fadnavis also holds the record for implementing the highest number of farm loan waivers. Public welfare projects such as housing in Bombay Development Directorate (BDD) chawls, the Atal Setu, the Mumbai Metro network, the Coastal Road and the Samruddhi Mahamarg, had been undertaken during his tenure, he said.

Launching a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, Ban questioned what achievements could be attributed to him. He accused Raut of adopting a pro-Pakistan stance and alleged that Uddhav Thackeray had abandoned the ideology of his father for electoral gains.

Referring to the Ladki Bahin scheme, Ban questioned why Raut had been critical of the initiative since its launch. He warned that opposition to the scheme could invite the ire of its beneficiaries. He also alleged that the Congress had approached the courts seeking to halt the programme.

"As long as the BJP-Mahayuti government remains in power, no one will be able to discontinue the Ladki Bahin scheme. Beneficiaries currently receive Rs 1,500 per month, and we remain committed to fulfilling our electoral promise of increasing the amount to Rs 2,100," he declared.

Ban also criticised Raut and Uddhav Thackeray for sharing political space with the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. He alleged that the Samajwadi Party had a history of violence against devotees during the Ayodhya movement, while accusing the Congress of having denied the existence of Lord Ram.

Commenting on recent remarks by senior leader Sharad Pawar, Ban said Pawar had praised Fadnavis for his decision to announce a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh despite there being no elections at the time. He claimed that while Pawar was taking all parties along, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction was increasingly becoming isolated within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

Taking another swipe at Sanjay Raut, Ban said the Shiv Sena (UBT) had been weakened politically and alleged that only Raut and Uddhav Thackeray remained at the forefront of the faction.

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SPPU Successfully Concludes National Seminar on 'Transgender Identity and Issues: Public Awareness'

DN News Network — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:21:29 +0530

Pune, July 12

A two-day national seminar was jointly organised by the School of Education, Department of Education, and Department of Gender Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, along with the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, on July 11 and 12, 2026.

The seminar featured in-depth discussions on transgender identity, educational inclusivity, socio-cultural aspects, legal rights, government welfare schemes, and the policy measures needed to build an inclusive and equitable society. These discussions highlighted the need for public awareness, dignity, equal opportunity, and institutional support for transgender individuals.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. Maharashtra's Minister of State for Social Justice, Madhuri Misal, was present as guest of honour, while Simran Arora, Advocacy and Training Officer with Project Saksham at Alliance India, delivered the keynote address. The dignitaries emphasised the importance of inclusive education, social acceptance, and the effective implementation of welfare schemes for the transgender community.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar welcomed the guests on behalf of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Dr. Aparna Lalingkar, an expert member of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) and a senate member of the university, presented an overview of the seminar. Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Shinde, Head of the Department of Education and Extension and seminar coordinator, introduced the dignitaries, while Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Adhav, Director of the School of Education at the university, proposed the vote of thanks.

Also present on the occasion were Management Council member Ravindra Singanapurkar, Bageshri Manthalkar, Senate members Prasenjit Fadnavis, Krishna Bhandalkar, Shantanu Lamdade, Adv. Baste, Prof. Dr. Vijay Khare, Deputy Mayor of Pune Municipal Corporation Parshuram Wadekar, Sanjay Sonawane, Shailendra Chavan, and other dignitaries.

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