Maharshi Karve 168th Birth Anniversary
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“A widespread awareness is needed to tackle the challenge of thalassemia!” – Dr. Atul Kulkarni
April 18, 2026 – The 168th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve was celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this special occasion, several programs were organized throughout the day by the institution.
A collective prayer was held at 8:00 a.m. at Maharshi Karve’s memorial (Vrindavan Garden) located in the main campus at Karvenagar. On this occasion, along with the MKSSS’s dignitaries, Dr. Atul Kulkarni (Director of Janakalyan Blood Centre), renowned writer Dr. N. M. Joshi, Smt. Vinaya Bapat, Prof. Ulhas Bapat, as well as Maharshi Karve’s great-grandson Shri. Arun Nene and his family were present to pay tribute to Annasaheb Karve.
Later, the MKSSS representatives also paid homage to Maharshi Karve’s statue on Karve Road. Students from Vision English School presented a ceremonial salute through a marching band.
As every year, a blood donation camp was also organized by the institution. The camp was held at Ichalkaranji Hall in the main campus, with the support of Janakalyan Blood Bank. A total of 107 staff members/students donated blood, offering their tribute to Maharshi Karve.
Under the theme “Challenges of Blood Disorders,” a special lecture on thalassemia was delivered by Dr. Atul Kulkarni, Director of Janakalyan Blood Centre, Pune, as part of the Maharshi Karve Lecture Series. The lecture was organised at the Rama-Purushottam Vidya Sankul. Dignitaries present were the MKSSS Chairman Shri. Ravindra Dev, management committee members Shri. Mandar Parkhi and Smt. Seema Kamble, Finance Committee Chairman CA Abhay Kulkarni, Secretary Dr. P. V. S. Shastri, and Deputy Secretary Smt. Kanchan Satpute. A large number of college students, department heads, and staff attended both in person and virtually via YouTube.
During the same program, the English translation of the Marathi book “Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve” written by Dr. N. M. Joshi, translated by Smt. Vinaya Bapat, was released by the dignitaries. Both were felicitated by the institution. Smt. Bapat expressed that it was her privilege to translate such a precisely written biography by her mentor Dr. Joshi, while Dr. Joshi expressed satisfaction that the excellent English translation would take Annasaheb’s life story to readers worldwide.
In his lecture, Dr. Atul Kulkarni began by praising Maharshi Karve and expressed appreciation for the cooperation between MKSSS and Janakalyan Blood Bank. He said, “The human body is nature’s finest creation, and blood is truly extraordinary.” He explained blood disorders in simple terms, stating, “Blood cells carry oxygen to all organs. However, disorders can occur, affecting the body’s efficiency. Thalassemia is one such disorder where red blood cells are not formed properly. It is a genetic condition. Just as physical traits are inherited, so are disorders. When both parents are carriers, the next generation may develop thalassemia.”
He further added, “Currently, more than 1,500 children in Maharashtra require regular blood transfusions due to this disorder. A child with thalassemia needs 10 to 15 units of blood annually. Along with treatment, widespread awareness is essential to prevent thalassemia. A carrier can live a completely normal life—Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who is a carrier, is a prime example. The real concern arises when two carriers marry. Awareness is crucial for this reason. Testing is important to know whether one is a carrier; since it is chromosome-related, it needs to be done only once in a lifetime. If possible, avoiding marriages between two carriers can significantly reduce thalassemia cases. If unavoidable, decisions regarding children should be taken with medical guidance.”
He concluded, “There is a need for continuous efforts in awareness, testing, and regular blood donation by healthy individuals. At the same time, caring for children affected by thalassemia is our social responsibility. Many affected children and parents wish that no one else should suffer from this disorder. To make that possible, everyone must participate in this awareness movement.”
In the vote of thanks, Secretary Dr. Shastri highlighted the seriousness of thalassemia and informed that MKSSS has undertaken a comprehensive campaign for awareness, testing, and counselling. The program concluded with a rendition of Pasaydan by Ms. Abhira Kale. The event was anchored by Dr. Preeti Pohekar, Principal of Siddhivinayak College.
April 18, 2026 – The 168th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve was celebrated with great enthusiasm. On this special occasion, several programs were organized throughout the day by the institution.
A collective prayer was held at 8:00 a.m. at Maharshi Karve’s memorial (Vrindavan Garden) located in the main campus at Karvenagar. On this occasion, along with the MKSSS’s dignitaries, Dr. Atul Kulkarni (Director of Janakalyan Blood Centre), renowned writer Dr. N. M. Joshi, Smt. Vinaya Bapat, Prof. Ulhas Bapat, as well as Maharshi Karve’s great-grandson Shri. Arun Nene and his family were present to pay tribute to Annasaheb Karve.
Later, the MKSSS representatives also paid homage to Maharshi Karve’s statue on Karve Road. Students from Vision English School presented a ceremonial salute through a marching band.As every year, a blood donation camp was also organized by the institution. The camp was held at Ichalkaranji Hall in the main campus, with the support of Janakalyan Blood Bank. A total of 107 staff members/students donated blood, offering their tribute to Maharshi Karve.
Under the theme “Challenges of Blood Disorders,” a special lecture on thalassemia was delivered by Dr. Atul Kulkarni, Director of Janakalyan Blood Centre, Pune, as part of the Maharshi Karve Lecture Series. The lecture was organised at the Rama-Purushottam Vidya Sankul. Dignitaries present were the MKSSS Chairman Shri. Ravindra Dev, management committee members Shri. Mandar Parkhi and Smt. Seema Kamble, Finance Committee Chairman CA Abhay Kulkarni, Secretary Dr. P. V. S. Shastri, and Deputy Secretary Smt. Kanchan Satpute. A large number of college students, department heads, and staff attended both in person and virtually via YouTube.
During the same program, the English translation of the Marathi book “Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve” written by Dr. N. M. Joshi, translated by Smt. Vinaya Bapat, was released by the dignitaries. Both were felicitated by the institution. Smt. Bapat expressed that it was her privilege to translate such a precisely written biography by her mentor Dr. Joshi, while Dr. Joshi expressed satisfaction that the excellent English translation would take Annasaheb’s life story to readers worldwide.
In his lecture, Dr. Atul Kulkarni began by praising Maharshi Karve and expressed appreciation for the cooperation between MKSSS and Janakalyan Blood Bank. He said, “The human body is nature’s finest creation, and blood is truly extraordinary.” He explained blood disorders in simple terms, stating, “Blood cells carry oxygen to all organs. However, disorders can occur, affecting the body’s efficiency. Thalassemia is one such disorder where red blood cells are not formed properly. It is a genetic condition. Just as physical traits are inherited, so are disorders. When both parents are carriers, the next generation may develop thalassemia.”
He further added, “Currently, more than 1,500 children in Maharashtra require regular blood transfusions due to this disorder. A child with thalassemia needs 10 to 15 units of blood annually. Along with treatment, widespread awareness is essential to prevent thalassemia. A carrier can live a completely normal life—Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who is a carrier, is a prime example. The real concern arises when two carriers marry. Awareness is crucial for this reason. Testing is important to know whether one is a carrier; since it is chromosome-related, it needs to be done only once in a lifetime. If possible, avoiding marriages between two carriers can significantly reduce thalassemia cases. If unavoidable, decisions regarding children should be taken with medical guidance.”He concluded, “There is a need for continuous efforts in awareness, testing, and regular blood donation by healthy individuals. At the same time, caring for children affected by thalassemia is our social responsibility. Many affected children and parents wish that no one else should suffer from this disorder. To make that possible, everyone must participate in this awareness movement.”
In the vote of thanks, Secretary Dr. Shastri highlighted the seriousness of thalassemia and informed that MKSSS has undertaken a comprehensive campaign for awareness, testing, and counselling. The program concluded with a rendition of Pasaydan by Ms. Abhira Kale. The event was anchored by Dr. Preeti Pohekar, Principal of Siddhivinayak College.