Dr. D.Y. Patil Was the ‘Dnyandev of Modern Times’: MLA Amit Gorkhe

• His vast educational legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations, says Gorkhe at condolence meeting

Pimpri : Padma Shri Dr D.Y. Patil was the “Dnyandev of modern times”, who carried the light of knowledge to millions of students across the country through his contributions to education, healthcare, sports and social service, said MLA Amit Gorkhe.

Gorkhe was speaking at a condolence meeting organised on August 12 at the Dr D.Y. Patil campus in Newale Vasti to pay tribute to the late educationist and social worker Dr D.Y. Patil. The programme was organised by B.D. Kotkar and Abhay Kotkar, founders of the Dr D.Y. Patil campus at Newale Vasti.

Drawing a parallel with Sant Dnyaneshwar, who illuminated society through the Dnyaneshwari, Gorkhe said Dr D.Y. Patil carried forward the same spirit by creating opportunities for education and social development on a large scale.

“Dr D.Y. Patil did not merely establish educational institutions; he created a vast banyan tree of knowledge under whose shade countless students realised their dreams. His legacy will continue to provide direction, strength and inspiration to generations to come,” Gorkhe said.

A visionary who transformed lives

Gorkhe said some individuals may leave the world physically, but their thoughts and contributions continue to live on. Dr Patil was one such remarkable personality.

From starting with a single institution, Dr Patil went on to build a vast educational network that has shaped the lives of millions of students. He viewed education not merely as a profession but as a powerful instrument of social transformation.

Through institutions offering education in engineering, medicine, management, sports and other fields, he opened doors of opportunity for students from rural areas and ordinary families, enabling them to dream of and pursue higher education.

‘Knowledge reached millions through his institutions’

Recalling Dr Patil’s simplicity and humane approach, Gorkhe said true greatness lies not in the position one holds but in the ability to connect with people.

“Even after reaching a prestigious constitutional position like that of Governor, Dr Patil never allowed his connection with ordinary people to weaken. His simplicity, warmth and sensitivity were among the defining qualities of his personality,” he said.

Gorkhe also highlighted Dr Patil’s passion for sports and his emphasis on the overall development of students. He believed education should go hand in hand with sports and personality development, which was reflected in the institutions he established.

Referring to the teachings of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Pasaydan, Gorkhe said there was a strong connection between its message and Dr Patil’s life work.

“Sant Dnyaneshwar lit the lamp of knowledge through his words, while Dr D.Y. Patil carried that light to millions of students through the institutions he created,” he said.

Continuing his legacy is the true tribute

Gorkhe said the true tribute to Dr Patil would be to carry forward his legacy rather than merely paying homage through words or ceremonies.

“Putting a garland on his photograph or speaking words of tribute is not enough. Each of us must ask ourselves what we can do for society after everything Dr Patil did for us. Helping a student, supporting someone in need, sharing knowledge and creating something meaningful for future generations would be the real tribute to him,” Gorkhe said.

“Dr D.Y. Patil may no longer be with us physically, but he will continue to live through every educational institution he built, the dreams of students, the guidance of teachers, the service of doctors and every hand working for society,” he added.

B.D. Kotkar, Abhay Kotkar, Kustubh Gawde, Mangalatai Kadam, along with office-bearers, teachers, students, employees and citizens, were present at the programme.