Baramati, Sept. 27: Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday said the state government is bringing about sweeping changes in Ashram schools across Maharashtra to prepare students for modern-day challenges. “Innovative initiatives are being implemented to ensure quality education reaches rural and underprivileged children,” Pawar said.
He was speaking at the state-level Mukt-Jagannath Award distribution ceremony for 2025–26, held in memory of freedom fighter Late Jagannath (Anna) Kokare, at the Yashwantrao More Patil Ashram School, Murti-Modhave. The event was organized by the Pandita Ramabai Samaj Prabodhan Sanstha.
Former MLA Adv. Vijay More, SDO Vaibhav Navadkar, SDPO Dr. Sudarshan Rathod, Executive Engineer Amol Pawar, Tehsildar Ganesh Shinde, GDO Kishor Mane, and other dignitaries were present along with teachers, staff, and students.
Social Contribution of Pandita Ramabai Sanstha
Pawar lauded the work of the Pandita Ramabai Samaj Prabodhan Sanstha, established by Alka More in the spirit of Pandita Ramabai’s social reform mission. The Sanstha has contributed significantly in fields such as education, superstition eradication, de-addiction, women’s empowerment, and legal awareness.
Its activities include training programs for women, farmer-laborer meets, and tree plantation drives. “The ‘Ideal Mother Award’ instituted by the Sanstha is a commendable initiative,” Pawar said.
The Deputy CM praised Yashwantrao More Patil Ashram School for providing education to orphans, backward-class students, and children of nomadic tribes. Equipped with modern facilities, the school has been honored with the ‘Ideal Ashram School Award.’ Pawar assured full government support to its initiatives.
Legacy of Freedom Fighter Jagannath Kokare
Remembering Late Jagannath (Anna) Kokare, Pawar noted that Kokare endured imprisonment at the age of 20 and dedicated his life to public service through the Freedom Fighters’ Committee. “His life continues to inspire generations,” Pawar said.
Past recipients of the award include Ganpatrao Deshmukh, Narendra Dabholkar, Mohan Dharia, Anil Awachat, and Raju Shetti, underscoring its prestige.
This year, Dr. Sanjay Sawant was honored with the award for his medical service. Through the Suvarnakanya Abhiyan campaign, he has provided free treatment to more than one lakh patients across 16 villages.
Cancer Hospital, Science Park for Baramati
Highlighting development projects, Pawar said that work on the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in the taluka has been completed, while construction of a government Ayurvedic college and a veterinary college is underway.
He announced that a state-of-the-art cancer hospital will soon be set up on a 10-acre plot in Baramati to provide affordable treatment. In addition, a new science park will be established in the city alongside the existing one at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Encouraging Scientific Temper
Speaking on the occasion, Adv. Vijay More said the award was instituted to preserve the memory of freedom fighter Jagannath Kokare’s contributions. He added that science exhibitions help foster scientific temper among students.
Awardee Dr. Sanjay Sawant thanked the state government for strengthening healthcare services in the taluka. “Service to patients is service to God, and this award inspires me to continue working in the medical field with the same devotion,” he said.
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