Hon'ble Mr. Sharadchandraji Pawar
President
I was active as a student activist in 1960 in Pune. During the same, the state of Maharashtra was formed and Yashwantrao Chavan was sworn in as the First Chief Minister of Maharashtra. When we students got to know that Chavan Saheb was going to visit Shivneri Fort, we hurried to the fort on our bicycles. His entire political journey was extremely cultured. According to him, the struggle for the formation of the state of Maharashtra was history. He added that we should forget this struggle and stand united to create a new Maharashtra with the support of the youth. His earnest appeal in the speech had a deep impact on us and made us envision a progressive state. The same influence remains with me till today.
Late Yashwantrao Chavan laid the foundation of a progressive Maharashtra, excelling in all fields right from agriculture and industries to literature and art. He worked hard towards creating new leadership in the state. I was fortunate to have spent over 25 years of my social life under his guidance. He passed away on 25th November, 1984 and post his demise, Yashwantrao Chavan Center was established in 1985. In the early days, we were guided by the leaders who worked with Late Vasant Dada Patil and Late Yashwantrao Chavan. Initially, the organization worked in various fields ranging from the development of cooperatives, Panchayati Raj, and barren land at the national level. However, since the last 30 years, our organization has been working in the field of education, women empowerment, health (focusing on specially-abled and senior citizens), youth, and culture.
Many things have changed after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Yashwantrao Chavan Center has decided to move in a new direction. I am confident that the next generation and the organization will take the values and vision of Late Yashwantrao Chavan ahead.
- Sharad Pawar