DCM Ajit Pawar, the state government is working towards the development of all social groups in alignment with the ideals of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj.

Inauguration of the Main Building of ‘Sarathi’ Online

Pune : Deputy Chief Minister and Pune District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized that the state government is committed to the overall development of all social groups by promoting the ideals and principles of Rajrishi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who contributed significantly to the concept of social justice in Maharashtra and India.

The main building of the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Institute of Research, Training and Human Development, also known as Sarathi, was inaugurated online by Deputy Chief Minister Pawar.

In attendance were Deputy Chairman Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Ashok Kakade, Managing Director of Sarathi Sanstha, Navnath Pasalkar, Director, and others. Present in Pune were Ajit Nimbalkar, President of the organization, Director Madhukar Kokate, Umakant Dangat, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Atul Chavan, Superintending Engineer Bappa Bahir, and Deputy Manager Anil Pawar.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawar stated that Shahu Maharaj, who reserved jobs for backward classes in the Karveer Sansthan, was the true father of reservation. He enacted laws for women’s welfare and made significant efforts to provide education to the Bahujan community, breaking the educational monopoly of a certain class. For this purpose, educational institutions were established, and financial support was provided to them, along with efforts to eradicate caste discrimination.

The foundation of the country’s democracy is firmly rooted in the thoughts of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar incorporated Shahu Maharaj’s ideas into the Constitution, which reflects his social reforms.

The new building of the institution reflects the legacy of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. By inaugurating this building, we pay tribute to Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj. The institution must operate in accordance with the dignity of this building. Deputy Chief Minister Pawar also mentioned that the selection of students should be based on merit without bias.

To implement the ideas of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Sarathi was established to uplift the Maratha, Kunbi, and Kunbi Maratha communities—the largest demographic in the state. This organization aids students in education and provides employment opportunities through skill training. The government aims to extend these benefits to more students by accelerating these initiatives.

Sarathi and the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation are working diligently to fulfill their objectives. The Deputy Chief Minister also informed that, thanks to collective efforts, construction has begun for Sarathi’s departmental offices on a prime location.

Various organizations like Barti, Mahajyoti, Amrit, Marti, Arti, TRTI, and Vanarti have been established for the development of numerous communities, and these organizations will not be deprived of any funding, according to Deputy Chief Minister Pawar.

Sarathi President Mr. Nimbalkar stated that the initial goal was to assist more students from the Maratha and Kunbi communities in passing examinations conducted by the Central Public Service Commission and Maharashtra Public Service Commission, as well as to support PhD research students. The focus later expanded to include agriculture, the service sector, chartered accountants, and appointments in other central and state government services, IBPS, and paramilitary forces.

The institute emphasizes skill development training, which is provided by MKCL, a central government institute in Aurangabad. Additionally, through a merit-cum-means scholarship quota system for 9th and 12th graders, scholarships are awarded to disadvantaged students who qualify. This initiative has benefited thousands of students. Marathas and children from other communities will also have access to hostels at Sarathi’s eight divisional headquarters. Efforts are also being made to enable students to pursue self-employment in the future, rather than focusing solely on job placements.

On this occasion, Ashok Kakade provided insights into the work of Sarathi. The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Smriti Granth was released during the program, and a video showcasing the organization’s functions and the features of the building was presented.