Shahu Maharaj’s Birth Anniversary Celebrated in an Ideological Manner at Savitribai Phule Pune University
Pune, 27th June 2025: A commemorative lecture was held today at Savitribai Phule Pune University to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, highlighting his contributions to social justice and education. The event was jointly organized by the Prashik Welfare Foundation and the University Student Struggle Action Committee.
Former Additional District Collector Punjabrao Wankhede delivered the keynote address on the theme “Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj: Pillar of Social Democracy.” He emphasized Babasaheb Ambedkar’s appeal to celebrate Shahu Maharaj’s birth anniversary on a grand scale, adding, “It is commendable that the university is honoring great leaders through ideologically driven programs.”
The event was chaired by Prof. Dr. Vilas Adhav, Director of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension. Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Kalkar was present as the chief guest. He extended his best wishes and expressed hope that student organizations and institutions would continue working with a student-centric approach.
In his presidential address, Dr. Adhav highlighted Shahu Maharaj’s revolutionary stance on education, quoting him: “Education is not the monopoly of any one class.” He elaborated on Shahu Maharaj’s efforts to prioritize education for the Bahujan community, even when social norms deemed it unacceptable. Dr. Adhav recalled a notable incident in which Shahu Maharaj, defying caste prejudices, publicly drank tea at a hotel run by Gangaram Kamble, a Dalit man, at Dussehra Chowk. “Try drinking tea from Gangaram’s hands just once,” Maharaj reportedly told the gathered crowd, breaking deep-rooted caste barriers.
Dr. Adhav also cited a historic moment from March 20, 1920, when Shahu Maharaj declared at a Mangaon conference: “How can the work of nation-building and politics progress without treating untouchables as human beings? We need leaders who will break caste boundaries with their actions.” At that same conference, Shahu Maharaj predicted, “Your real leader is Dr. Ambedkar. I am confident that he will not only fight for your liberation but will rise as a leader for all Indians.” This vision was realized in May 1920, when Dr. Ambedkar’s leadership was recognized during the All India Excluded Classes Congress in Nagpur.
Dr. Adhav concluded by acknowledging Shahu Maharaj’s monumental contributions to Maharashtra in ideological, educational, political, industrial, and artistic spheres. Quoting a tribute from the Justice newspaper of Madras, he said: “Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj was a king among men and a man among kings. Had he been born in ancient times, he would have founded an empire.”
The program was compered by Kiran Bhadre, with Rahul Sasane delivering the welcome address and Rohit Bhamre proposing the vote of thanks. Office bearers of the Prashik Welfare Foundation, including Snehal Dongre and Abhishek Shelkar, along with Mayur Jawale, Nikhil Siddhaganesh, and other members of the University Student Struggle Action Committee, were in attendance.
The event took place at C. V. Raman Hall in the Physics Department. It witnessed participation from students, faculty members, non-teaching staff, administrative officers, and representatives of various organizations across the university.
