Pune, 18th August: Marking a significant milestone in its long and illustrious educational journey, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali inaugurated and named its new, modern educational campus today amidst an enthusiastic gathering of distinguished guests, educators, academicians and well-wishers.
The new educational campus has been developed with the objective of providing students with a more enabling and enriching environment for modern, quality-driven, technology-enabled and holistic education. Keeping pace with the evolving needs of the education sector, the campus is envisioned as a hub for initiatives integrating management education, skill development, modern technology, research, innovation and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).
The foundation stone of the new campus was unveiled by Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The campus was formally named by Shri Suresh (Bhaiyyaji) Joshi, Hon’ble Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, conveyed his greetings and best wishes through a detailed video message. In his message, he extended his heartfelt wishes to all the dignitaries and expressed confidence that the initiative would prove to be a significant and successful milestone in the growth and progress of Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali. He also expressed confidence that the institution would play an important role in the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and take the lead in promoting and integrating the Indian Knowledge System into education.
Delivering the introductory address, Shri Sudhir Kalkar, Chairman, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasarak Mandali, spoke about the organisation’s rich and longstanding educational legacy. He highlighted that the new campus has been developed to address the evolving requirements of modern education while creating a meaningful balance between tradition, contemporary learning and the educational needs of the future.
He stated that the campus would place special emphasis on management education, skill development and modern technology. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), the institution aims to nurture leadership qualities, innovative thinking, management capabilities and industry-oriented competencies among students. He expressed confidence that the new campus would play a significant role in preparing students to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
Addressing the gathering, Adv. Shri Sadanand Phadke, President, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, emphasised the need to look at education not merely as a means of obtaining a degree or securing employment, but as a powerful instrument for personality development and nation-building.
He noted that, against the backdrop of rapidly evolving technology, artificial intelligence and emerging skill requirements, students must acquire contemporary knowledge while remaining firmly connected to Indian values, traditions and knowledge systems. He expressed confidence that the new campus would provide students with opportunities to develop not only knowledge but also skills, leadership abilities, innovation and social awareness.
He further urged students to move beyond merely seeking employment and instead become capable individuals who can create new opportunities, identify societal needs, develop solutions and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
In his address, Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the importance of education in the mother tongue. Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, he emphasised the importance of value-based education rooted in discipline and संस्कार. He also underlined the significance of preserving and promoting India’s rich knowledge traditions and extended his best wishes to Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali for its future journey.
Shri Suresh (Bhaiyyaji) Joshi, Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, recalled the educational values and principles upheld by the institution over the years. He emphasised the need for the institution to take more concrete steps towards equipping students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required to meet the evolving needs of the industrial and professional world.
The dignitaries present on the occasion appreciated Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali’s rich educational legacy and its contribution to the field of education over the years. They also emphasised the importance of equipping students for future opportunities through modern infrastructure, technology-enabled learning and skill-based education.
The event was attended by former members of the Managing Council, current and former office-bearers of Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, public representatives and political leaders from various political parties, office-bearers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at various levels, educationists, academicians, representatives from the social sector and distinguished personalities associated with the institution across various fields.
The occasion also witnessed the presence of the Vice President and members of the Managing Council of Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, the Secretary, heads of various institutions, principals, teachers and professors, employees and a large number of well-wishers.
The programme was compered by Parag Thakur, Member, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Rama Kulkarni, Secretary, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali.
