PD Patil, an educator who bridges the gap between culture and academics

Pune, 17th February 2024: Dr. P. D. Patil is the architect of Pune’s Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) academic complex and has transformed the vision of Padmashree Dr. D.Y.Patil.

On his 71st birthday, many stalwarts, scientists, authors, philosophers, and celebrities across various fields expressed their thoughts about the academician’s special characteristics and values he upholds in his personal and professional life.

Eminent scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar says, “Dr. P D Patil has dedicated his efforts towards establishing a brighter future in the realm of education. He has done great work in areas such as education, literature, social service, spirituality, etc. He was a distinguished humanist with a great power of listening. Excellence and relevance are the hallmarks of his educational establishments, with world-class facilities.”

Similarly, Dr. Mak Jawadekar, Senior Scientist from Pfizer Inc. in Groton-New London, US, mentions, “It’s great to see what Sir has done in the past 40 years. He set up a great hospital in Pimpri, considered one of the best in India. Recently, I arranged a meeting with renowned American surgeon Robert T. Naismith at D Y Patil Hospital. He told Joe Biden about the hospital, and Biden suggested collaborating with a non-profit in India. This is P D Patil’s greatest accomplishment.”

“Being blessed with a friend like P D Patil is a blessing. In India, PD Patil’s name must also be mentioned as one of the notable educators who championed access to high-quality instruction. He has set the standard for excellence in higher education,” says Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, Chief Advisor to Chancellor & KIMSDU, Karad.

Eminent poet and lyricist Dr. Jawed Akthar, the chief guest of the 89th All India Marathi literary festival organized by Dr. Patil and his team, gave special compliments to the organizer Dr. Patil, saying that this was a ‘never-foreseen’ experience.

International author Chetan Bhagat also expressed his feelings. “After witnessing Pimpri’s 89th Marathi Literary Festival, my first reaction was that many people still exist in the world who give more importance to writers and literature, when the world is occupied by video games, movies, and senseless television daily soaps.”

Dnyanpeeth awardee Marathi author Bhalchandra Nemade referred to the people-oriented grand organization of the 89th Literary Festival held in Pimpri. Nemade praised the various events held in the festival, especially mentioning the social cause that Dr. P D Patil supported during the festival. Nemade revealed the little-known fact that the organizers had managed to donate Rs one crore to the kids of suicide-affected children and families, collected as rent from bookfare shops within the festival premises.

Professor of philosophy and author Dr. Sadanand More emphasized the special role played by Dr. Patil in the 21st century, where human beings face more complicated cultural and professional issues. Dr. More referred to him as one of the few standing against cultural degradation and making constant efforts to fight against all evils through academic contributions.

Dr. Dr. Smita Jadhav, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Secretary. D. Y. Patil University Society, works diligently as the Pro-Chancellor of one of the prestigious universities in India. Her dynamic approach and unwavering dedication inspire students and faculty alike, while her strategic prowess propels the university to excellence.

Dr. Smita Tai and her father Dr. P.D. Patil share the same date of birth. In Marathi, it is called ‘Dugdhhasharkara Yog,’ meaning Milk and Sugar Yog. This extraordinary coincidence is a testament to the bond between them.

Chancellor Dr. P.D. Patil is an education leader known for his charisma and forward thinking. Dr. Smita is involved in university work efficiently alongside her father, leading academic reforms and shaping the future of DPU’s academic landscape with passion and determination.