‘Subhedari’, an Autobiography of IAS (Retd.) Avinash Subhedar Launched

Pune, 28th October 2024: The autobiography Subhedari, by IAS (Retd.) Avinash Subhedar and published by Manovikas Prakashan, was officially launched today. Former State Information Commissioner and senior writer-editor, Vijay Kuvalekar, did the honors at an event held at Harshal Hall on Karve Road.

Presiding over the event was senior agricultural scientist Dr. Budhajirao Mulik. Also in attendance were notable figures such as former Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Dalvi, former Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad, poet Dr. Sanjay Upadhye, the author Avinash Subhedar himself, and representatives from Manovikas Prakashan, including Arvind Patkar and Nitish Salunke, who contributed to the book.

During his address, Vijay Kuvalekar stated, “Only a good person can become a good officer. Compassion, awareness of circumstances, empathy for the common people, and the goodness within a person are what make a people-oriented officer. Wisdom gained from the soil shapes a person, and someone who has experienced the hardships of poverty can understand the emotions of ordinary people more deeply. Avinash Subhedar exemplifies how one can become an excellent officer, even with a Marathi-medium education in rural areas. He focused more on ‘action’ than ‘acting,’ which allowed him to achieve great work.”

Dr. Budhajirao Mulik emphasized, “The Agricultural College taught us to ‘always act truthfully,’ and Subhedar has lived by this principle. The people are the real masters, and the government and administration must work to serve them. If agriculture thrives, we will survive. If agriculture disappears, so will the world. Officers should always prioritize the welfare of agriculture, farmers, and the common people.”

Chandrakant Dalvi praised the book as a guiding light for the new generation of officers, appreciating Subhedar’s journey, which is presented in straightforward language without pretense. Shekhar Gaikwad noted that Subhedar is admired not just as an officer but also as a sensitive human being.

In his remarks, Avinash Subhedar shared, “I have always acted with dedication and a sense of duty. My goal has always been to give my best. The Jambulpada incident tested my humanity, and the four years I spent with Chief Minister Manohar Joshi were the best of my career. I faced many challenges, but it is deeply satisfying to have contributed to the welfare of the people without compromising on honesty and perseverance.”

Arvind Patkar, in his introduction, expressed that Subhedari offers a vision of what an administrative officer should be—sensitive and community-oriented. He also mentioned the pleasure of publishing the autobiography of an officer dedicated to public welfare. Dr. Sanjay Upadhye also lauded Subhedar’s work.

The event was hosted by Supriya Godbole-Chitrav, and Yashwant Gargate delivered the vote of thanks.

Karve Road: At the publication ceremony of the autobiography Subhedari by former IAS officer Avinash Subhedar, published by Manovikas Prakashan, the dignitaries present from left to right were Shekhar Gaikwad, Dr. Sanjay Upadhye, Chandrakant Dalvi, Dr. Budhajirao Mulik, Vijay Kuwalekar, Avinash Subhedar, Arvind Patkar, and Nitish Salunke.