Social Raksha Bandhan at MKSSS

 

September 12, 2026: The Social Raksha Bandhan programme was organised today by the MKSSS.

Just as teachers, professors, heads of branches, principals and administrators have contributed to the institution’s reputation and achievements, the hardworking staff and security personnel who provide various services within the institution have an equally important role to play. The programme was organised as an expression of gratitude towards all such service staff. Around 185 women and 135 men working in various service capacities at the institution were invited to participate in the programme.

 

The MKSSS dignitaries present on the dais included Shri. Ravindra Dev, Chairman; Dr. Anand Lele, Vice-Chairman; Smt. Uma Joshi, Smt. Rekha Sonune and Smt. Shubhangi Tambat, members of the Management Committee; Dr. P. V. S. Shastry, Secretary; Smt. Kanchan Satpute, Deputy Secretary; Shri. Pradeep Waje, Honorary Deputy Secretary; and Smt. Vaishali Potdar, Life Worker.

 

In his introductory remarks, Shri. Ravindra Dev praised the service staff, saying, “Many dignitaries who visit the institution appreciate the cleanliness and security here and express their appreciation to the office-bearers. In reality, you are the ones who deserve this appreciation.” He also expressed the wish that such kind of programmes should be conducted by the employees themselves in future.

 

In his address, Dr. P. V. S. Shastry particularly emphasised that the Samstha is being referred to as an Ashram carries a sacred significance. He also stated that the institution was committed to addressing the educational needs and concerns of its hardworking employees.

 

Thereafter, all the employees present participated in Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhis to one another. Gifts were presented to everyone, while the women employees were honoured with sarees and haldi-kumkum. On the occasion, Smt. Mahananda Ubhe, Smt. Sugandha Pawar and Smt. Chanda Bhosale, women employees of the institution, expressed their feelings and gratitude towards the institution. Their remarks highlighted how the institution had stood firmly by many needy families during the COVID-19 pandemic and other times of crisis, helping numerous households overcome difficult circumstances.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anand Lele expressed his gratitude to all the employees and explained the significance of Social Raksha Bandhan. He said, “The true purpose of this festival is to strengthen mutual affection and a sense of belonging among people. Social Raksha Bandhan means accepting the responsibility of protecting society. A society that remains ever committed to protecting itself is the one that survives. Since our society has historically been prosperous, it faced invasions on a large scale. Although it suffered immense plunder, the sense of social responsibility towards one another continued to survive. Great personalities such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj dedicated their lives to this cause. The purpose of today’s programme is also to awaken and strengthen this very spirit.”

 

He further said, “We are all committed to taking care of the students of this institution. In that sense, every one of us is a security guard. Yet, all of you perform this duty wearing a specific uniform, setting aside your individual identities, and are connected to a much larger mission. The value of work performed with genuine affection and dedication cannot be measured.

 

“While carrying out all these responsibilities, we must also adopt certain principles in our own lives: embracing Swadeshi (indigenous) products and practices so that we can support our fellow citizens; putting caste distinctions out of our minds so that we may live peacefully as a cohesive society; strictly observing all forms of civic discipline; and protecting the environment.

 

“Behind the immense wealth of countries such as America, China and Russia lies a frightening history of violence. India, however, has no such history behind what it is today, because violence is not our inherent nature. Social harmony is our fundamental nature.”

 

He then drew attention to the extremely important issues of voter registration and the census. Dr. Lele concluded by strongly emphasising that, while performing these civic responsibilities, we must remember that “we are not merely a crowd; we are a society,” and that we must clearly affirm our commitment to Hindutva.

 

Shri. Pradeep Waje conducted the proceedings, while Smt. Uma Joshi proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the collective recitation of the Kalyan Mantra.