Dr S B Mujumdar – The visionary behind brand ‘Symbiosis’

If you have a strong determination in your mind, if you are ready to work hard for that until you achieve it, then nobody can stop you from success, this is the inspiration I have drawn from the example of a great achiever, Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, a distinguished Academician and Educationist, Founder & President of Symbiosis – a multi-lingual, multi-national and multi-disciplinary educational complex of international repute. Dr. Mujumdar is also the Chancellor of Symbiosis International University.

A simple professor usually in white shirt and black trousers working as the Head of the Dept. of Botany at Fergusson College, Pune for 20 years with Fergusson College Pune; has created an empire of institutes in past four decades. Dr. Mujumdar completed his higher education at Kolhapur and Pune. He obtained a first class first in M.Sc. (Botany) and Doctorate in Microbiology. He has written many standard books and published several papers in national and international journals.


Through his experience at Fergusson College, he realized the difficulties faced by foreign students, particularly those from Afro Asian countries, studying in Pune. Inspired by the ideals of ‘Vishwa Bharati’ of Gurudeo Tagore and ‘Antar Bharati’ of Sane Guruji, and with a desire to help foreign students and offer them a ‘Home away from Home’, in 1971 he established an organization called Symbiosis, which means ‘living together of two different organisms for mutual benefit’. The motto of Symbiosis is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World is one family’

Symbiosis comprises 43 institutes imparting training in diverse disciplines. It has over 27,000 students who hail from all states of India and from 80 different countries. The ministry of HRD, Govt. of India conferred the ‘Deemed to be University’ status on 23 institutions of Symbiosis which are now under the ambit of Symbiosis International University.

Sharing the background of starting Symbiosis Dr Mujumdar said, a student once told me, ‘Sir, if you ask me how I like Pune, I would say I want to run away from your city.” A young man from Ghana living in the Film Institute hostel opened my eyes to a grave attitudinal problem prevalent in Pune. I soon realised that foreign students were carrying more ill-will than good-will about Pune. It was these very students who went on to important (sometimes ministerial) posts in their respective countries. Issues like this would influence how they perceive India, and thereby affect Foreign Relations. From this, a small organisation for the welfare of students in order to promote international understanding – Symbiosis was born. The name interestingly stems from the Greek words Sim (together) and Bios (life). Two non- identical entities living together for the mutual benefit of both, regardless of colour, religion etc.

In his one interview, Dr Mujumdar said, In 1971 I established the Symbiosis International Cultural & Educational Centre in Pune primarily to promote friendship, co-operation and understanding between foreign and Indian students and to cater to the needs and difficulties of foreign students studying in Pune, mostly Afro-Asian students. Since then, under the aegis of ‘Symbiosis’ I have established 30 institutions imparting training in 174 different courses ranging from KG, Primary, Secondary education to Law, Human Resource Development, Foreign Trade, Management, Computer, Arts & Commerce, Mass Communication, Telecommunication, Information Technology etc. Symbiosis today is the premiere educational institute of Pune and brand equity in providing quality management education. Having proved excellence in education, the Human Resource Development Ministry, Govt. of India has granted Deemed University status to Symbiosis in May 2002.
I was a Pioneer in establishing a unique monument - Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial, depicting the life and personal belongings of Dr.Ambedkar. A Pioneer in establishing the first ever Institute providing quality management education exclusively to defence personnel and their dependents.


Talking about the Government obstacles in education growth in the country, primarily the councils should be removed. A self- regulatory body supported by the Government should be created. This one window system is something that the knowledge commission has recommended and the bureaucrats are resisting. A Public- Private partnership should be the mantra for education in India. Unless Privatisation occurs in the Education field, there is no future for India.

From 25 Universities to 357, 700 colleges to 18,000, 15,000 teachers to 5 Lac and 1 Lac students to 1 Crore, we have a come a long way from the time of Independence. This has certainly been a quantitative growth but considering the strength of our population, this is not enough. Speaking of quality, when 1 Crore students pass out of higher universities, hardly 2.5- 3 lacs find jobs. What results is an addition to the pool of educated unemployed. We need to universalise professional education if we dream of India becoming a developed/ super- power. For this I strongly support Reservation. You cannot progress leaving 50% of the population behind otherwise there will be a calamity in the form of riots, terror threats etc. by those who won’t allow the rest to sleep. This is what happens when there are capabilities without opportunities.

Looking towards 2020, Dr. Mujumdar’s vision is to “make Symbiosis International University global in a true sense of the term, a Vishwagram, a Knowledge Village. The Symbiosis mission is to translate my vision into reality. And India must nurture its talent by Saraswati. All hassles in the way of starting good education must be abolished”.


His message to the youth of our country is thus: “You are in a country where right is might, humility is not weakness, & where knowledge is power where true leaders are defined more by action than by position and title.”

In appreciation of Dr Mujumdar’s long illustrious career, the President of India awarded the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ to Dr. S.B.Mujumdar in 2005. Vice President of India also awarded Dr. Mujumdar ‘Punyabhushan’ award in the year 2009. He is also recipient of prestigious ‘FIE Foundation Award’ and ‘Maharashtra Gaurav Award’. Dr. Mujumdar was also the Chairman of the education wing of the prestigious Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FICCI) (2005-06).

I have had a very gentle experience with Dr. Mujumdar. Once I sent him an SMS about an important news about him. In reply he called me and asked to meet. We had a good discussion over 90 minutes. When he asked about myself, I said I’m doing Executive MBA from Symbiosis itself. To my astonishment, he said you are already MBA! I read your SMS regularly and am happy that you are working with a renowned personality like Dr. Vijay Bhatkar. Another specialty of Dr. Mujumdar is that he writes you letters and acknowledges every correspondence. While I was admitted at Sancheti Hospital after my accident in 2007, he sent me a bouquet of flowers along with his letter for speedy recovery! I was amused to receive that letter from a personality as great as him.

In the function of Symbiosis convocation when I received my MBA degree at the hands of Dr. Sam Pitroda, Dr. Mujumdar introduced me with him. I asked Dr. Mujumdar if I could take a picture along with Dr. Pitroda, and he immediately obliged.

Dr. Mujumdar had invited me for the release function of his book ‘Symbiosis Biography of An India’. After the function I was about to leave for home when he called me and asked to join for dinner. He introduced me with many dignitaries present there. That was a special moment for me! It is indeed amazing to see how he manages so many things at a single time, especially in the period of admissions where there is national as well as international rush for brand Symbiosis!

Dr Mujumdar has always concentrated on Symbiosis and made it international brand rather than making ‘Mujumdar’ brand. He has kept himself very low profile, speaks less but relevant, very punctual, committed and straight forward person. Although he can afford to travel by any imported luxurious car, he prefers to travel by Ambassador.


I have also witnessed the humorous side of Dr Mujumdar Sir several times. Once I said Sir I need your advice. He said after 70 year of age what else I can give. I can give advice only! I asked about his health and he replied it is as it should be in the age of 70 plus!

I said, Sir I’ll b happy if you could visit my home. He said, don’t speak like Punekars as we should meet sometime, we should sit sometime. Just finalize the date and I will be there!! As promised he came. We had long discussion and most importantly he said Rahul I just came to hear about me. Now tell me your story. He listed to it patiently and appreciated. In his more than an hour meet he spoke rarely on himself as well as Symbiosis. I remember, he also called me when my interview was published in Lokmat (7 Apr 2011) and said Rahul, your autobiography is appeared in newspaper, I wish you all the best and I am sure you will achieve your all the dreams.


Dr Shantaram Balwant Mujumdar was born on 31st July 1935 in a small town Gadhinglaj in Kolhapur district. Today, he has completed his 76 years age and I wish to write an article on him again on his century.

Sir, wish you all the best!!

Dr K H Sancheti – Busy serving the society 24x7

It was 6th Nov 2007, just a day before Diwali, when I had met with a severe road accident at Ranjangaon. I was admitted in Sancheti Hostpital, Pune. The news of my accident appeared in media and spread virally through various connections. In the 20 days that I spent at the hospital, people from various sectors such as politicians, bureaucrats, media etc. used to come to see me. One of my relatives working with Sancheti later told me that Dr. Sancheti was curious to know who is Rahul Shingavi, as many people had even called him to enquire about my health. He then introduced me to Dr. K. H. Sancheti, and I consider this introduction as the brighter side of my accident!

I later met Dr. Sancheti and he asked me about myself and listened with curiosity. He asked his secretary to take good care of me as a patient and even to treat without any charges. I said, Sir, my bill will be paid by Insurance company, hence I don’t want any discount!

Recently, I was again admitted at Sancheti hospital for post operation surgery for removal of the rod. When Dr. Sancheti came to know about it he ordered the hospital administration to give me a special suite. I got the same treatment as VVIP and my recovery was very fast, not because of the medicines but due to the love and affection of Dr. Sancheti, his family and the entire hospital staff.

Dr. K. H. Sancheti born on 24th July 1936 has restored smile and enhanced quality of life in many patients. His contribution in the field of medical sciences is very unique and unprecedented. The contribution goes beyond the boundaries of medical science.

He has derived benefits from technology related to metallurgy, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering and architectural planning to provide better and affordable patient care.

The expertise achieved in each of the above mentioned field, makes him stand out among the medical professionals and look unique.

Born in a small traders family running a grocery shop, Dr. Sancheti had to earn to pay his tuition fee, both at school and at college. The lessons of honesty, integrity and to be kind and humble to people have been imbibed by him from his parents.

The Sancheti Institute owes its very existence to one man's vision and tireless efforts to bring the benefits of modern orthopaedic techniques within reach of the common man. Dr. Kantilal H. Sancheti, who also has the distinction of being Pune's very first orthopaedic doctor, founded the Sancheti Institute in 1972. Under his leadership, the institute swiftly achieved the reputation as the leader in orthopaedic treatments in Maharashtra.

In 1972, Dr K.H. Sancheti started Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, with a view to have one of its kind hospital specifically dedicated to Superspeciality Orthopaedic Surgery. Due to that sincere investment and great foresight the institute today, has acquired an empire size, of which we all are so proud.

Dr. Sancheti's unwavering focus on research has kept the hospital on the rising curve of innovation leading to the development of products such as the Indus Knee and Indus hip- India's first indigenous implant which has helped arthritic patients achieve pain free mobility.

Dr.Sancheti has, over the years, organized over 500 health camps for handicapped children all over India. In appreciation of his work, the Government of India honoured him with the highest civilian awards; the Padmashree in 1991 for his contribution to humankind by his charitable asctivities and for conducting a record number of Polio and Deformity correction camps, and treating innumerable people for social causes, by the President of India, and the Padma Bhushan in 2001 for his contribution to research work and excellence in the field of orthopaedics, by the President of India. Founder Dr. K. H. Sancheti was awarded the Maharana Mewar award for his excellence in the field of Medicine. Dr Sancheti awarded the title of Professor Emeritus, by the Chancellor of Pune University, in 2004. Dr. Sancheti received the Lifetime achievement award by the ' Integrated Medical integration council' from the Governor of Maharashtra in 2003.

Dr. Sancheti has always believed in the dissemination of knowledge for the greater good, as is evinced by his mentoring and training of over 300 ortho-surgeons. In addition to his medical prowess, Dr. Sancheti is also a highly acclaimed design consultant, with over 120 hospitals in India benefitting from his expertise in designing patient friendly hospitals.

Having trained over 200 ortho-surgeons and provided hospital consultancy to over 100 hospitals, Dr. K.H. Sancheti is also a highly skilled architect who has designed more than 100 hospitals. He is the pillar on which the foundations of this institution have been laid.

Having spent over four decades in the field of orthopaedics, Dr. Sancheti was aware of the fact that 50,000 people per year in India require knee replacement surgery. Unfortunately, only 15,000 to 18,000 people can afford and avail this surgery.

Dr. Sancheti had taken the task to design and develop knee prosthesis which would make the surgery affordable to public at large. The INDUS knee developed by him not only meets the existing international quality but goes beyond in providing features that suits the Indian population. The most vital break through achieved by INDUS knee is that a patient can bend his operated leg 135 degs to 145 degs which helps him to sit cross legged for traditional function like pooja and meals, which is needed for our rural environment.

Like joint for knee replacement surgery, he has invented joint for hip replacement surgery also. This joint is made of ceramic ball and ceramic cup fixed to the bone. The first of this type of operation in India was successfully done by him in Kolkata recently.

Dr Sancheti is a very caring and loving personality. He speaks so sweet that patient gets cured from his orthopaedic illness but is scared to become diabetes patient after meeting Dr Sancheti!

A very simple, disciplined and committed person, Dr Sancheti’s zeal and energy provides a good lesson for youngsters to take a leaf from! Such is the aura of Dr. Sancheti, that I feel fresh whenever I meet him. I am yet to see him upset with a situation or a person. He is workaholic and I remember he once said, I have to work 24x7 as I am born on 24th July (7)!!

Sancheti Hospital is conducting free surgeries — including joint replacement, spine, paediatric orthopaedic, arthroscopy and plastic surgeries — on 75 patients this year to celebrate the 75th birthday of Dr Sancheti.

On the occasion of his 75th birthday, I wish him a very happy and healthy birthday!

DSK - The man of commitment

If you want to learn how to respect others, meet Deepak Sakharam Kulkarni. Never heard this name? Confused? I am talking about D S Kulkarni aka DSK.

D S Kulkarni began his illustrious career in 1970 with D S Kulkarni Developers Limited, more popularly known as DSK Group. DSK Group subsequently ventured out into real estate construction in 1981.

DSK was born on 28th June 1950; in a highly cultured Maharashtrian Brahmin family. His parents, especially his mother, who put a premium on 'Good Character', had a great influence on his personality. The value system imbibed in his childhood inspired DSK to dream big yet have his feet firmly rooted in ground realities. From a very young age DSK showed traits of a promising entrepreneur. While completing his education, simultaneously he was also getting himself trained in the art and science of doing business.

Today his dream success story often belies the hardship and toil he has put in, in order to hone his business acumen to perfection. However, this period which was full of struggle also taught him lessons in marketing and building instant relationships with people that last for a lifetime.

DSK was brought up in Kasba Peth area in Pune, Maharashtra. He was always surrounded with friends who would toil throughout the day to support their families since an early age. He understood their condition and extended a helping hand by sharing their daily chores of selling vegetables, salted peanuts, jungle berries, supari, crackers, lottery tickets, rose saplings or distribution of newspapers and milk bottles. He never developed any inferiority complex of doing small jobs. Rather he enjoyed these small ways of sharing happiness.

Though he was never forced to work by his family, he had that inner feeling of helping his friends so that they can also get time to play their favorite game of Cricket! The formula of helping his friends unknowingly taught DSK his first lesson of business.

DSK firmly believes in respecting the “work” irrespective of its magnitude. But, whatever work is undertaken should be done with precision, hard work and trustworthiness. He always believed in golden mantra, “Keep your customer's happy & give more than their expectations”.

While doing odd works DSK established a small firm called “Tele-smell” in 1970, which involved cleaning of telephone receivers and perfuming them. This small business was started with a meager capital of Rs. 70 and loan of Rs. 500. He used to paddle from one corner of Pune to other for cleaning telephones and earned Rs. 3 per phone for his grueling hard work of 30 days. DSK kept growing in his experience and understanding the needs of customers. Soon, with his “always say YES to work” attitude he went on getting small contracts of plumbing, electrification, furniture and painting. This lead to a strong foundation of starting DSK Construction Company which today has snowballed into a Rs. 4000 crore empire in the name of DSK Developers Ltd. Today DSK Group is one of the most respected business houses in India. DSK’s Business Mantra is “Eye at the hearts of customers and NOT on their pockets”.

DSK has the record of building over 27,000 homes till date. Buying a house always is a big and ultimate dream for a person either rich or poor. But, authenticity of the construction group is very important before buying a house. The word “DSK” has developed itself as most trusted brand-name. The whole DSK Empire is built on the basic ingredients of trust, value and ultimate satisfaction of its customers. Through its commitment to quality and details, DSK Group truly lives up to its slogan “Gharala gharpan denari manase”.

When DSK decided to enter in Mumbai market he was welcomed by major hurdles. Firstly, he faced bad attitudes of the established builders who had a major role in Mumbai’s construction world. In spite of being hurt, he was not demoralized and took it as a challenge. The result of which is the “Durgamata Tower”, which stands tall reflecting the grit of a Marathi man. Secondly, evacuating tenets from the old buildings in Mumbai is an arduous job than constructing a building itself. Most high end area of Mumbai, DSK preferred the religious name of Goddess ‘Durga’ instead of any English name for this special edifice. He kept his commitment at any cost. This 32 storey tall building houses only 18 sprawling DSK Durgamata Towers, DSK has always strived for newer & bigger opportunities. He proved his mettle on home ground. Now, it was time to look beyond home boundaries and capture foreign market. Now, DSK is getting ready to build a 150 storey grand project in Manhattan, USA.

DSK Motors is a yet another success story. Today DSK Motors; a 1100 crore turnover company, is synonymous with Toyota and vice versa. DSK Toyota is Toyota’s largest dealer in the western asia.

Recently, I visited DSK Supinfocom; India's 1st International Institute for Animation, Video Gaming & Industrial Design. The campus is complete with international quality amenities and is an ideal institute located at Fursungi and is spread over 20 acres of land with world class infrastructure and residential facility. It is a result of a joint venture between the DSK Group and Globally recognized French Institute - Chamber of Commerce and Industry of North De France (CCINDF).

The Talk Show 'Majestic Gappa' rocked Pune's cultural scene some 15 years ago. To fill the void created by it DSK announced the launch of “DSK Gappa”. Today, DSK Gappa has grown as one of the most awaited and reputed talk shows in Pune and continues to entertain people since the last 11 years. In fact, I met DSK in connection of DSK Gappa program in 2010, when he invited young MLAs Amit Deshmukh, Pankaja Munde-Palve & Praniti Shinde. All 3 MLAs are my friends and on behalf of DSK I requested them to attend the function. Immediately after second day of the function, DSK called me and said, Rahul Sir, you are a very powerful man. Thanks for your help for DSK Gappa. I was shocked as such a big person called me to say thanks and taking my name as Sir… I felt awkward. I said respected Sir say me Rahul only I am like your son. One day I went to meet him in his office. We discussed many things. He asked about me and came till door to say me bye! I had seen DSK personally in the period of Home Exhibition while giving information till satisfaction of the customers.

DSK messagaed me from France recently, after reading my blog on the sad demise of MNS MLA ‘Goldman’ Ramesh Wanjale. DSK has always maintained a social attitude. Few days ago the media highlighted the inconvenience for ladies toilets in Pune. DSK immediately declared that he will built 100 toilets for ladies. It shows his attention for social responsibility. When he contested Loksabha election from Pune last time, people (including me!) thought that he must have some project proposal in UP. That’s why he is candidate of BSP. But no, actually his interest to become MP is to make Pune green, pollution free and beautiful. Nothing else! Otherwise, a millionaire like DSK has no need to enter in politics.

Being a religious person, DSK has taken initiative to construct rest-room for devotees who throng at Vani Temple and Satara in large numbers. He has also reconstructed & conserved Kalwan temple, thus treasuring the history.

DSK Foundation announced the creation of 200 crore fund corpus for those young deserving individuals aged between 18-27 yrs who do not have any business background or family support to start a new business by giving them loans. DSK introduced his own DSK Quota for providing free houses to police personnel and poor artists. Till date more than 100 houses have been allotted under this quota. DSK's father was in police department. The soft corner for his father's profession always has kept him in forefront to help and contribute to Police Welfare Fund.

On the eve of his 60th Birthday, DSK instituted ‘Self Made Man Award’ of cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and a citation.

DSK Group is in Engineering, Chemicals, Hotels, IT, Education, Trading, Pharmaceuticals, Import & export and many other businesses. Along with Pune and Mumbai he started his projects in Nashik, Bangalore, Chennai & America too.

Today DSK group has crossed turnover of Rs 4000 crores. Today he has completed 61 years. Sir, you are the best and we wish you all the best!!

Ramesh Wanjale- The man with a golden heart!

Alongwith Maharashtra, it was a great shock to me when I heard the news of MNS MLA Ramesh Wanjle’s death. Wanjale, the man famously known as the 'Gold Man', and the only Pune MLA elected from Khadakwasala constituency in 2009, passed away in Jehangir Hospital at 10.05 pm on 10th June 2011 following a cardiac arrest.

Wanjale was a colourful personality - his physique and the gold that he always used to wear made him stand out. He was fascinated with gold and used to wear thick gold chains and bracelets totally weighing 800 grams and worth Rs 12 lakh. Essentially a farmer, who became wealthy due to rising land prices in and around the city, Wanjale had represented Pune Zilla Parishad as a Congressman and had been politically active for the past 15 years in Ahire village and the Haveli Panchayat Samiti. He was also the president of Jai Ganesh Education Society.

On 15th Aug 2010, Wanjale came for some election campaign to my hometown Jamkhed. I called him on mobile and invited for a cup of tea. I thought that he might not come as he was too busy but still after the campaign meet he said we will go to your home. More than 500 party workers were following him and whole main road where I stay became crowded. He entered my home and touched my mother’s feet. He said, Rahul your mother and my mother are the Madhubala’s of olden time. He added, Aai, I look like the villain Spot Nana but I am a very spiritual person. The same day midnight, while I was coming back from Ashti after dinner with my friends; we saw Beed police van was chasing some people. I asked them what happened and coincidently by that time Wanjale was on his return way to Pune. He saw us and offered his help to cops. He gave battery to the cops from his car and left for Pune, without expecting anything… neither his battery nor a thanks!

Wanjale was like a coconut, looked tough from outside but very soft from inside. After I met him, I understood that you can’t judge a person from his outside personality or physical appearance. Wanjale was a classic example of this. Last year he gave speech in Pune on the occasion of noted builder D S Kulkarni’s birthday function. He said that I am a fan of DSK & came here although I have not been invited. DSK invited me on dias because I am MLA. In fact, we don’t know each other personally!! His speech was superb and included portions of Sant Tukaram’s Abhangas. He was very transparent and straight forward person. Man with innocent mind indeed.

The MLA was a household name in his Khadakwasla constituency from where he won the assembly election in 2009. In fact, Wanjale shot to fame from 2009. He was suspended along with three other MNS MLAs for causing a ruckus in the assembly after Samajwadi party MLA Abu Azmi took the oath in Hindi instead of Marathi. Wanjale had rushed to the well of the house and lifted the podium to disrupt the proceedings. The suspension was later revoked. Wanjale, a wrestler, was also an eloquent speaker and often quoted writings of Sant Dnyanewshwar and Sant Tukaram in his speeches. Besides a good political leader he was KIrtankar. In his speeches he used to say that if Abu Azami is from Azamgad, then I am also from Sinhgad!!.

I saw whenever he speaks about MNS President Raj Thackeray he mentioned him like Rajsaheb…Thackeray Saheb. His love and affection for Raj was evident in each of his reference. He took more than 25000 old people for Haridwar, Kashi, Tuljapur, Pandharpur darshan several times with his own expenses. Besides, he had also taken Muslim people to Ajmer for darshan. It shows the spiritual personality behind him. He also visited Europe, Thailand, Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Mauritius, Switzerland and England.

Recently I called him for some work and he told me to meet personally. Unfortunately I couldn’t go and the meet remained incomplete… forever.

Dr Rajnikant Arole – An angel behind Rural Health Development

‘Is it ‘Arolyancha dawakhana’ (Arole’s hospital)?’, It was my question on phone when I was 12 year old. The person asked my name and said you should ask like ‘Is it Dr Arole’s Hospital, instead of Arolyancha dawakhana?.’ I immediately apologized and asked to whom I am speaking with? He said I am Dr Rajnikant Arole!! It was my first interaction with him on Phone; at my home town Jamkhed, when mobiles were not in existence.

We both are from same place where Dr Arole built his empire. Since my childhood not only me but all Jamkhedkars know him as an international personality. Man with tremendous dedication, determination who brought Jamkhed on World’s map! In a rural place like Jamkhed you will find some foreigners roaming around who used to visit Dr Arole’s Comprehensive Health Rural Project (CRHP). His rural health’s ‘Jamkhed Pattern’ is known worldwide. Social activist Dr Arole was the founder president of Maharashtra Social Forum, a popular NGO network in Maharashtra. His mission was to provide basic healthcare to the rural poor.

Health standards across 300 villages in and around the region have improved.
After completing his MBBS from Vellore, Tamilnadu; CRHP was founded in 1970 by physicians Mabelle and Rajnikant Arole, who envisioned a system that delivered both curative and preventative care to India’s most vulnerable people. Both of whom had graduated together from medical college in 1959, worked for three years in villages and then moved to learn higher skills in US, working at Cleveland Clinic and JohHopkins- two of the most renowned programmes before returning to India in 1970, the Rajnikant Arole and Mabel Arole were invited by the leaders of Jamkhed to provide health care in their community. What started out as a modest service programme grew into the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP), reaching the poor, the marginalized and especially the previously unreached: women and children.
Jamkhed tells the story of the development of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project, a sustainable community - based primary health care programme in one of the poorest parts of India. Around Jamkhed, scores of men and women have come forward to acquire knowledge and skills in health and development. This empowerment has resulted in a drastic reduction in infant mortality and has improved the quality of village life.

Based in the town of Jamkhed, CRHP also serves surrounding areas in the central part of Maharashtra state. The area is predominantly rural, poor and drought-prone. Public health care and education are notoriously poor. CRHP has gradually expanded from a single hospital in Jamkhed and currently covers approximately 300 communities with a total population of over 500000 people. Both doctors, Rajanikant and Mabelle Arole chose Jamkhed, a poor agricultural village as the site for their innovative plan to provide medical and health services to villagers in India. A remote village where only a handful cared for the health of over ten thousand people. The site, a seven-acre land donated by Kothari family (Mishrilal, Suvalal, Bansilal, Chandulal and Popatlal) had a cowshed and a rented hall with no electricity and running water. Through dedication, determination and with the training they had received in India and US, they used these meager resources to start life-changing community projects for the people of the village. Donations from several organizations and foreign agencies helped the couple built a hospital, installed almost a hundred tube wells, organized community kitchens, planted thousands of trees, constructed hundreds of check dams, and cultivated 780 acres of land. The tremendous success of their efforts to combine community development with a comprehensive approach to rural health care using the ‘Jamkhed model’ has been recognized by numerous international organizations. In the last 39 years, the project has grown. Today, village health workers handle deliveries and counsel leprosy and TB patients. Between 1976 and 2006, the project has built over 200 check dams for water harvesting and dug over 500 wells.

Dr Arole was the proud recipient of Mother Teresa Award (2005), Padmabhushan (1990) and Ramon Magsaysay (1979); the award known as Noble of Asia region for his remarkable contribution in the field of health sector.

In memory of Mabelle Arole who died in 1999, a Fellowship named after her was founded in 2001. The Fellowship is given annually to a recent college graduate to study community-based primary health care, and to live and learn in Jamkhed for a year to imbibe Mabelle’s wisdom and healing spirit.

Recently, I was discussing with Dr Arole, his son Ravi and daughter Dr. Shobha regarding health problems of rural areas at Jamkhed. I found all of them are very serious and working day and night to improve the health of rural patients. In 2009; Pravara Medical Trust’ VC Dr Ashok Vikhe-Patil asked me to help for media coverage of Dr Arole’s 75th birthday felicitation function held in Pune. I immediately responded that, Dr Arole is pride of Jamkhed and it will be my pleasure to help you. After the function, I have sent all the news clippings to Dr Arole at Jamkhed. Dr Arole appreciated and acknowledged my efforts personally. His birthday was celebrated at Nagar too when Dr Arole was not well. Still he attended it as he has committed, I am one of the witnesses.

While speaking to MP Shri Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil this morning Vikhe-Patil said ‘” I was closely associated with Dr Arole from 1971; when I was Nagar ZP Vice President. Dr Arole was always a smiling and pleasant personality. He felt sad to see poor people. Many times he took his meal with his workers & poor patients. Day before yesterday, I met him to enquire on his health. Dr Arole said, I am happy and praying to God. No sign of fear on his face though he was not well. We will definitely miss him while working for rural health development.”

Dr Arole was born on 18th Sep 1934 at Rahuri in Nagar district; survives with his son Ravindra and daughter Dr Shobha. The veteran social worker took his last breath at 10.10 pm yesterday at Poona Hospital, Pune.

May his departed soul rest in peace, I pray on behalf of all Jamkhedkars.

Ramdas Phutane : Flowing stream of humour !!

Shri Ramdas Phutane is known to many as a poet, producer, director, painter and a brilliant writer with sharp presence of mind. Interacting with Phutane in person is a genuine pleasure and experiencing his spot-on sense of humor, listening to his musical conversations nicely spiced up with his real life examples and I consider myself lucky to have personally known Ramdas Phutane.

Ramdas Phutane hails from Jamkhed, a small town in Nagar district. I am especially happy as this also happens to be my home town, and the foundations for the milestones that he has achieved in his illustrious career, are laid by his brilliant and sharp mind.

Phutane has been writing ‘Vatratika’ since over 25 years and has been actively involved in the promotion of Marathi film and literature. Here is a glimpse of his achievements:

-His film Saamna (1975) has won three National Awards and was also selected in the competition section of the Berlin Film Festival.
-Some other films include Sarvasakshi (1979) and Survanta (1994)
-The book & ‘ekpatri prayog’ भारत कधी कधी माझा देश आहे is very popular in Maharashtra. This book is even selected as part of curriculum of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
-His books Cutpiece (Hindi), Safed Topi Lalbatti, Changbhal, Phodni are tremendously popular.

Phutane shares close friendship with Union Power Minister Shri. Sushilkumar Shinde for the latter’s keen interest in arts and literature.Shinde has been quite supportive of Phutane and helped him surpass couple of hurdles earlier on in his career. The new edition of his book ‘Changbhal’ is going to be released in Pune on 8th May at the hands of Shinde.

Phutane is the President of Jagteek Marathi Academy, Vice President of Mumbai Art Society and Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad. He has worked with many committees and organizations such as Priyadarshani Academy. In 1984, along with Mahesh Kothare, Vijay Kondke, Balasaheb Sarpotdar and other producers, Ramdas Phutane started the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal (All India Marathi Film Federation). This federation allied itself with the Film Federation of India, which is a multi-lingual organization and Marathi films got their rightful status at the International Film Festivals. He was on the board of Film City, officially known as the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation.

Phutane never appears to be in upset mood. While speaking with him he creates such a humour that we feel to be with him for long time. Recently I was with him in Aurangabad for couple of days for ‘Shodh Marathi Manacha’ function. In spite of his busy schedule, as the function was a grand one, he was still enquiring guests about their food & accommodation arrangements and making them feel comfortable. This speaks a lot about his personality as one who cares for others! During this time, I also witnessed another generous aspect of his personality. He called a friend from Jamkhed and arranged for his accommodation in a 5-star hotel. I asked him out of curiosity as to how he manages all this. His reply was very down to earth – Some people like us get a platform to showcase our talent, while some don’t. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have potential. So it is our responsibility to give them what they deserve.

Due to his multi-faceted personality, Nana (Shri. Phutane) has made groups in four categories – Cinema, Literature, Politics and Friends. He says, I never mix these groups with each other, as it can make some people feel bored, and with such separation everyone can enjoy discussions in their own fields.

Today, on his 68th birthday, I take the opportunity to salute his accomplishments in life and wish him great health and happiness.