MKSSS Foundation Day

(130th Foundation Day Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm)

 

June 14, 2026 – On the occasion of the 130th Foundation Day of Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha (MKSSS), several programs were organized across the institution. As per MKSSS’s tradition, a collective prayer was held in the morning near the memorial of Maharshi Karve. The gathering was attended by trustees and office bearers of the institution, including Shri. Rajendra Jog (Trustee), Shri. Ravindra Dev (Chairman), Dr. Anand Lele (Vice Chairman), Management Committee members CA Abhay Kulkarni, Smt. Uma Joshi, Smt. Seema Kamble, Smt. Vijaya Pangavhe, Secretary Dr. P. V. S. Shastry, and Deputy Secretary Smt. Kanchan Satpute. Heads of various branches of the institution in Pune, along with staff and students, were also present in large numbers.

 

With the new academic year about to commence, a program for distributing school kits to needy students was organized in the morning at the Ichalkaranji Hall. The event was presided over by Dr. Anand Lele. In his introductory remarks, Honorary Deputy Secretary Shri. Pradeep Waje explained the background of the educational aid initiative and expressed gratitude to the donors who support it. He informed the that approximately 2,000 to 2,500 deserving students receive such assistance every year.

 

Every year, MKSSS honors an outstanding student with the “Annanchi Lek” (Anna’s Beloved Daughter) Award. This year, the award was presented to Ms. Gauri Rewale, a second-year M.A. student at Siddhivinayak Women’s College. The award consists of a citation and a cash prize of ₹51,000. She was recognized for her remarkable achievement in representing India in Ball Badminton at an international event in Malaysia. Her coach, Shri. Dhundiraj Gosavi, was also present on the occasion. While expressing her gratitude, Ms. Gauri stated that receiving this award, which she regarded as a blessing from “Anna” (Maharshi Karve), was the most precious honor of her life.

Following this, school kits were symbolically distributed to around 50 needy students by the dignitaries. In his presidential address, Dr. Lele congratulated the award recipient and all the students who received educational assistance. Speaking about the vision of a developed India and the role of students in achieving it, he said, “A developed India is one where everyone has access to basic amenities and opportunities for progress, along with the growth of compassion and humanity in every individual. We must build a nation that earns the respect of the world on this foundation. For students, consistent study is the most important means to achieve this goal. However, while embracing technology and innovation, it is equally important to preserve our human sensitivity. The true purpose of education is the welfare of the nation. While progressing from the individual to the divine, one must never forget the nation that stands in between. No matter how great one’s achievements may be, forgetting the nation renders those accomplishments meaningless.”

 

The program was compered by Smt. Aparna Kulkarni of Mahilashram High School, while Dr. Sunita Jahirabadkar of Cummins College of Engineering delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with the singing of Vande Mataram.

 

As part of the 130th Foundation Day celebrations, the institution also inaugurated the Maharshi Karve Kutir and the newly developed “Chintan Angan” project in the evening. The Kutir, which was the first building of the institution and the residence of Maharshi Karve, was renovated during the past year. The open space in front of it was transformed into an innovative courtyard named Chintan Angan. The courtyard features sculptures related to Maharshi Karve’s life, three “Aspiration Pillars” symbolizing the institution’s guiding principles of Strength, Knowledge, and Service, along with a traditional lamp tower, fountain, and other aesthetic elements. The project aims to inspire visitors through the institution’s rich legacy and encourage constructive social action.

 

The inauguration ceremony, held in the open-air courtyard, was attended by renowned industrialist Dr. Abhay Firodia as the Chief Guest. Dr. Firodia made a significant financial contribution toward the project. Other dignitaries present included Trustee Shri. Rajendra Jog, Vice President Smt. Smita Kulkarni, Chairman Shri. Ravindra Dev, and Deputy Chairman Dr. Anand Lele.

 

The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp near the Aspiration Pillars, followed by a visit to the renovated Karve Kutir. Bharatanatyam exponent Smt. Manasi Vaze, along with her five students, performed a Saraswati Vandana dance recital, lending a sacred and graceful beginning to the event. In keeping with institutional tradition, floral tributes were offered to Bharat Mata, Maharshi Karve, and Baya Karve, followed by the singing of the Ashram Geet.

 

In his introductory address, Shri. Ravindra Dev narrated the history of Karve Kutir and the journey of creating Chintan Angan, while expressing gratitude to the donors and architects associated with the project. Dr. Abhay Firodia was felicitated with a commemorative memento of Karve Kutir, and the architects and contributors who played a key role in developing Chintan Angan were also honored.

 

In his speech, Dr. Firodia expressed deep gratitude for the extraordinary contribution of Maharshi Karve to society. He remarked, “The collective strength of men and women working together for the betterment of society is true social power. Over the past thousand years, repeated Islamic invasions diminished the status of women in Indian society. Practices such as the veil system, still prevalent in parts of North India, are among the consequences of that history. The Saraswati Vandana performed today reflects the respect and dignity accorded to women in ancient Indian culture. Maharshi Karve envisioned the revival of these values through women’s education. Recognizing that women form the very nucleus of our family system, he dedicated his life to this mission. I had the privilege of paying my last respects to him at the time of his passing. Institutions built by such visionaries shape the future of the nation. The potential of Indian women is immense. They have demonstrated their strength in social, educational, and even defense-related fields. May this institution continue to empower more women and thereby strengthen our nation.”

The event was compered by Smt. Sampada Vardhe, Head of the Academy of Information Technology, while Secretary Dr. P. V. S. Shastry proposed the vote of thanks. The program concluded with a rendition of Pasaydan sung by Smt. Mugdha Gadre.

 

The institution’s Foundation Day was marked by yet another special occasion—the visit of Pujya Govinddev Giri Ji, Treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya. During his scheduled visit to Pune, he graciously accepted the invitation of the MKSSS authorities and visited the recently renovated Maharshi Karve Kutir and the Chintan Angan project, offering his blessings and appreciation for the initiative.