PUNE/KOLHAPUR: Condolence messages poured in from Maharashtra’s political leadership and the education fraternity on Tuesday following the demise of Padma Shri Dr D Y Patil, former Governor of Bihar, Tripura and West Bengal, and one of the state’s pioneering educationists. Patil, popularly known as “Dada”, died at his residence in Kasba Bawda, Kolhapur, after a prolonged illness. He was 91.Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Patil’s death as a major loss to Maharashtra’s education, social and political spheres. In his condolence message, the chief minister said Patil had dedicated his life to education and built an extensive network of institutions that transformed opportunities for students across the state.Fadnavis noted that Patil’s journey began with a small school and grew into an educational network comprising around 200 institutions and eight universities. He said Patil’s work in medical, engineering, pharmacy and architecture education, along with healthcare infrastructure, had contributed significantly to Maharashtra’s development. He also recalled Patil’s role in public life, including his tenure as a legislator and the creation of landmark projects such as the Dr D Y Patil International Stadium.Educationist Dr Vishwanath D Karad, founder president of MIT World Peace University, remembered Patil as a close associate and guide for over three decades. He said Patil played an important role in expanding access to professional education for students from diverse backgrounds and stood by several educational initiatives undertaken by the MIT group. “With his passing, the education sector has lost a visionary who treated education as a means of nation building,” Karad said.Dr Rahul Vishwanath Karad, executive president of MIT World Peace University, said Patil belonged to the pioneering generation of educationists who helped shape private professional education in Maharashtra. He said Patil, along with several other education leaders, played a key role in making quality engineering and medical education accessible to generations of students. He also recalled the long standing relationship between the two families and said Patil’s leadership and vision would continue to inspire future generations.Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), said Patil’s contribution to higher education in Maharashtra and India would be remembered for generations. She expressed condolences to his family, colleagues, students and the entire D Y Patil group, calling his demise a significant loss to the education fraternity.Patil is survived by his sons, including Congress MLC Satej Patil, and daughters. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 for his contribution to society. Over several decades, he established educational, medical and research institutions across Maharashtra and other parts of the country, leaving a lasting imprint on the state’s higher education landscape.
