Pune: 550 Katkari Tribals Receive Caste Certificates
Pune, 29th September 2025: As part of efforts to help tribal communities become more included in everyday society, an event, initiated by Rohan federation was recently held to give official caste certificates (Scheduled Tribe – ST) to 550 Katkari people from the Mulshi Taluka. Many Katkari families came together for this event, which was organized as a part of the Seva Fortnight program under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Revenue Campaign.
The certificates were distributed in a ceremony organized in collaboration with Janjati Kalyan Ashram – Mulshi, Sub-Divisional Officer Maval-Mulshi, Tahsil Office Mulshi, Integrated Tribal Development Project Ghodegaon, Panchayat Samiti Mulshi, and Rohan Federation. The event was held to commemorate the 95th death anniversary of tribal revolutionary Martyr Nagya Mahadu Katkar. The ceremony took place at the Hututma Nagya Mahadu Katkar Samaj Vikas Kendra in Maale, Mulshi taluka.
On this occasion, several dignitaries were present, including Shankar Mandekar, MLA of Bhor, Mulshi, and Velhe; Surendra Navale, Sub-Divisional Officer of Maval–Mulshi; Vijaykumar Chobe, Tahsildar of Mulshi; Sudhir Bhagwat, Block Development Officer of the Mulshi Panchayat Samiti; Dr. Pravin Dabadghav, Western Maharashtra Prant Karyawah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS); Prakash Dhoka, President of Janjati Kalyan Ashram, Pune; Suresh Gurav, President of Janjati Kalyan Ashram, Pimpri-Chinchwad; Vasant Waghmare, President of Janjati Kalyan Ashram, Mulshi; and Manoj Pochat. Also in attendance were Suhas Lunkad, Managing Director of Rohan Builders; Deepak Bhatewara, Director; Anuja Shams, Rohan Federation’s CSR representative; and Sagar Katkar, former member of the Pune Zilla Parishad, along with other esteemed guests.
During the ceremony, selected students and women from Mulshi taluka were formally felicitated for their exceptional achievements in education, skill development, and community engagement. These individuals, supported through ongoing initiatives by Janjati Kalyan Ashram, Saathi Anusandhan Trust, Doorstep School Foundation, and other organizations, have set noteworthy examples within the Katkari community. The Rohan Federation felicitated their recognition with the aim of showcasing them as role models to inspire and motivate others.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Pravin Dabadghav emphasized the importance of unity and local development. He stated, “True progress can only be achieved if we remain united and work collaboratively. Leaving our villages is not the path to development; rather, acquiring skills and contributing to the growth of our communities is essential. It is equally important for every individual to uphold integrity and resist temptations to ensure sustainable development.”
Suhas Lunkad shared, “At Rohan Federation, we believe true progress comes from inclusion. Through our CSR initiative, we are working with the tribal Katkari community in Mulshi Taluka across five focus areas: documentation for social security, education, health, livelihood and skill development, and housing. Our goal is to move beyond support and create lasting empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance.” Yuvraj Lande anchored the event.
