Chief Minister Releases ‘Amravruksha’ Autobiography and Inaugurates Various Buildings at Ashta Educational Complex
- Dr. Annasaheb Dange felicitated in a civic ceremony
- Tribute to his long-standing contribution to education and social service
- ‘Amravruksha’ autobiography released
Sangli, August 2026 : Senior leader Annasaheb Dange is a towering figure in Maharashtra’s social and political spheres, possessing remarkable physical strength, a commanding voice, discipline and authority, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. He praised Dange for resolving grassroots issues through administrative expertise and in-depth understanding, and credited him with helping Maharashtra become free from its dependence on water tankers.
Fadnavis was speaking at a joint programme in Ashta in Walwa taluka organised to felicitate former minister Dr. Annasaheb Dange, release his autobiography ‘Amravruksha’ and inaugurate educational buildings at the Ashta Educational Complex. State Higher and Technical Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Sangli district Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil presided over the event.
The programme was attended by Dr. Dange, Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Public Works Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Jaykumar Gore, Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, Lok Sabha MP Dhairyashil Mane, legislators Arun Lad, Sadabhau Khot and Dhairyashil Kadam, along with several other dignitaries, family members and representatives of the educational institution.
On the occasion of Dr. Dange entering his 91st year, Chief Minister Fadnavis felicitated him in a grand civic ceremony in recognition of his long-standing contribution to education, social service and public life. The autobiography ‘Amravruksha’, chronicling various phases of his life and public journey, was also released.
Describing Dange as a father-like figure, Fadnavis said that although he could not offer him anything personally, the state government had presented him with the “gift” of a farm loan waiver. He recalled Dange’s active participation in the farmers’ loan-waiver movement towards the end of the 1980s and said he had helped give the movement a wider political dimension by highlighting farmers’ concerns.
Fadnavis said the state government had waived loans of 5.6 million farmers, with Rs 5,000 crore already deposited into the accounts of six lakh farmers in the first phase. The remaining beneficiaries would receive the amount within two months, he said. He also announced that farmers who had regularly repaid their loans would receive Rs 50,000 in their accounts.
The Chief Minister recalled that when Dange served as Water Supply Minister, he had taken the ambitious decision to make Maharashtra free from tanker-based water supply. He worked towards ensuring drinking water for every village and played a key role in establishing the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran for planned water supply.
Fadnavis also highlighted Dange’s contribution to preserving historical and cultural heritage. He said Dange had traced and helped revive the birthplace of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar at Chondi and had initiated work on the memorial of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at Wategaon. The state government, he added, was continuing these initiatives, including a Rs 700-crore development plan for Ahilyadevi Holkar’s birthplace at Chondi and expanded land acquisition for the Annabhau Sathe memorial.
The Chief Minister praised Dange’s contribution to education and social development, noting that he had established one of Maharashtra’s finest residential schools. He also expressed confidence that Dange, who has extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs, would live beyond 100 and said he hoped to felicitate him on his centenary birthday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil said Dange had established numerous schools, colleges and institutions and shaped the lives of countless students, teachers and members of society. He said Dange had always given priority to social service through politics and described his contribution as an inspiration for future generations.
Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde said Dange’s guidance had given direction to many lives. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar said Dange had placed the common man at the centre of his work while serving as Cabinet Minister, Rural Development Minister and Sangli Guardian Minister. He said the event was not merely a felicitation but a tribute to Dange’s nearly nine decades of principled and socially committed public life.
Responding to the felicitation, Dr. Dange recalled several memories from different phases of his life.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and worship of portraits. Advocate Rajendra alias Chiman Dange, Secretary of Sant Dnyaneshwar Shikshan Sanstha, delivered the welcome address and introduction. Vijay Kadne and Rani Yadav compered the programme, while Vishwanath Dange proposed the vote of thanks.
New Buildings Added to Educational Complex
Several new buildings at the educational complex were inaugurated during the ceremony. The new facilities are expected to strengthen the institution’s educational infrastructure and provide students with a modern and quality learning environment.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other dignitaries inaugurated the Subhadra International School and Annasaheb Dange College of Pharmacy buildings. The building of the Annasaheb Dange Industrial Training Institute was also inaugurated virtually.
