Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called upon the prestigious Sevasadan Shikshan Sanstha to significantly broaden its reach by establishing new campuses. The aim is to make its unique model of value-driven and skill-oriented education accessible to a wider segment of society.
A Centenary Call for Expansion
The minister made this appeal on Friday while addressing the institution's centenary celebrations in Nagpur. He pointed out that the existing Sitabuldi campus is facing space constraints due to soaring demand. Gadkari stressed that expansion is now essential to continue nurturing future generations with strong ethics, knowledge, and employable skills.
He fondly recalled the rich legacy of Sevasadan, which was founded a hundred years ago by the noted social reformer Ramabai Ranade. "This institution played a pioneering role in women's education and empowerment at a time when such initiatives were scarce," Gadkari stated. He credited Sevasadan for contributing immensely to shaping disciplined, capable, and value-driven citizens, building decades of credibility and goodwill.
Meritocracy and a Personal Legacy
In a light-hearted remark, Gadkari revealed that many people approach him seeking admissions for their children. "Despite that, not a single admission has happened on my recommendation," he said with a smile. This, he highlighted, underscores the institute's transparent and strictly merit-based admission system under its president, Kanchan Gadkari.
Sharing a personal connection, the Union Minister disclosed that his mother, Bhanutai Gadkari, received Montessori training at Sevasadan and also worked there. "It speaks volumes about the role Sevasadan played in shaping educators and empowering women even in those early days," he noted with pride.
Education Beyond Textbooks: The Path to Vishwaguru
Gadkari emphasised a transformative vision for education. He argued that learning must move beyond textbooks to focus on three key pillars: Prabodhan (enlightenment), Prashikshan (training), and Sanshodhan (research).
"Knowledge is power, but converting that knowledge into wealth through skills and innovation is the future," Gadkari asserted. He expressed his conviction that the nation which achieves maximum progress through knowledge-based development will truly become the Vishwaguru, or world teacher.
Lauding Sevasadan's 100-year journey as a 'Mahayajna of knowledge', he appreciated its evolution from a humble beginning to now running a junior college, high school, and a degree college, all while staying true to Ramabai Ranade's core principles. "Excellent training, education, and values inevitably result in excellent citizens, and Sevasadan's alumni are living proof of that," he concluded.
The centenary event was also attended by Swami Govinddev Giri, treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra. Referring to a recent world record set for a mass recitation of a chapter from the Bhagavad Gita, Gadkari expressed hope that all 18 chapters could be recited collectively during the next Khasdar Mahotsav, setting another global record. He urged that preparations for this ambitious endeavour should begin immediately.
