Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was honored with a prestigious award named after independent India's first agriculture minister during a ceremony in Amravati on Saturday. The event marked the 127th birth anniversary of the late Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh.
A Tribute to a Visionary Leader
Speaking after receiving the Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Award from the Shri Shivaji Education Society (SSES), Fadnavis expressed deep reverence for the legacy of Deshmukh. He stated that the work done by Deshmukh was aimed at ensuring societal welfare for generations to come. The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is committed to following the path of assured development charted by the late leader.
The award was presented by SSES president Harshawardhan Deshmukh in the presence of distinguished guests including Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar and Union Minister of State Pratap Jadhav. Fadnavis remarked that this recognition held more value for him than many national and international honors he has received.
Inspiring an Agricultural and Educational Mission
"I gave my consent to accept this award as I thought that it will inspire me to complete the agriculture mission I have undertaken in the state to improve education and agriculture sectors," Fadnavis said. The award comprised a citation, a memento, a shawl, a shriphal, and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh. The Chief Minister dedicated the monetary prize to the society for its ongoing societal works.
In his tribute, Fadnavis recalled Dr. Deshmukh's multifaceted contributions. He highlighted the leader's relentless fight against untouchability and other social evils, his pioneering work for agriculture and farmers, and his crusade against illegal moneylenders. Fadnavis also credited Deshmukh's vision in establishing the SSES for Vidarbha's numero uno position in literacy, as it opened the gates of education for the region's students.
Remembering a Nation Builder
Fadnavis noted that it was Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh who championed the concept of 'food for all' and even organized an international agriculture conference in New Delhi to introduce Indian farmers to global technology. "In the true sense, he was a nation builder," Fadnavis asserted. The Chief Minister assured the society that he would fulfill all their demands once the model code of conduct concludes.
The ceremony also saw the release of the society's diary for the year 2026 by Fadnavis and other dignitaries. Furthermore, various awards and scholarships were distributed to farmers, students, and sportspersons. The event was attended by a host of prominent figures including state minister Pankaj Bhuyar, guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MPs Balwant Wankhade and Dr. Anil Bonde, several MLAs, MLCs, and members of the SSES executive council.
