Pune: Students, Activists Remember Dr Baba Adhav at SPPU Tribute Meeting
Pune, 16th December 2025: A tribute meeting for veteran social activist Dr. Baba Adhav was held at Savitribai Phule Pune University near the full-size statue of Savitribai Phule. The programme was jointly organised by progressive and Ambedkarite student organisations from the university and Pune city.
Prof Dr Vilas Adhav presided over the meeting.
The programme began with floral tributes to the photograph of Dr. Baba Adhav, followed by the collective singing of a verse by Mahatma Phule: “Truth is the original home of all, the birthplace of all religions. All the happiness in the world truly belongs to the children of truth.” Speakers recalled that Baba Adhav often led the collective singing of this verse at public gatherings.
Students and staff from various university departments attended the tribute. Student leaders and organisation representatives, including Somnath Nirmal, Abhishek, Niharika Bhosle, Shravani Buwa, Sagar Sonkamble, Bokhan, Tukaram Shinde, Om Bodle, Bapurao Ghungargaonkar and Rahul Sasane, shared memories and reflected on Baba Adhav’s life and work. University employees Baswant Ghazalwar, Mangesh Kudve and other staff members were also present.
Presiding over the meeting, Prof Dr Vilas Adhav said addressing the condolence gathering was an emotional moment for him, as it brought back many personal memories with Baba Adhav. He said student movements and Baba Adhav were inseparable, noting that while he consistently raised issues related to labourers, porters and unorganised workers, he also remained deeply attentive to student concerns.
He further recalled that under Baba Adhav’s guidance, the Dr. Tanaji Salve Social Foundation conducted a Constitution Literacy Campaign, during which copies of the Constitution were distributed to college students, teachers and citizens to promote constitutional awareness.
Representatives of various student organisations reiterated their resolve to follow the path of truth and social justice shown by Baba Adhav, stating that today’s youth are the true inheritors of his legacy.
The programme concluded with the collective singing of a tribute song proclaiming equality and unity beyond caste and religion. Abhishek Shinde, Ganesh Jankar, Abhishek Shelkar and Rohit Bhamre were acknowledged for their efforts in organising the tribute meeting.
