Late Ajit Pawar among five to receive SPPU Lifetime Achievement Award today

Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will confer the prestigious Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Puraskar (Lifetime Achievement Award) on five eminent personalities during its 77th Foundation Day celebrations on Tuesday.The awardees are the late Ajit Pawar for his contribution to social and political life, Ashok Khade for his work in trade and industry, Appasaheb Dadaba Rajale for his contribution to the cooperative sector, Pandit Vidyasagar for his lifelong service to education, and renowned classical dancer Shama Bhate for her contribution to the arts.
The ceremony will be held at 10.30am at the Swarajya Rakshak Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Auditorium at the Iravati Karve School of Social Sciences on the university's campus.According to an official statement issued by SPPU, eminent scientist Raghunath Mashelkar will attend the event as the chief guest, while vice-chancellor Suresh Gosavi will preside over the function. The awards will be presented by Mashelkar in the presence of senior university officials, academicians, and invited guests.The university honours individuals for their outstanding lifelong contributions in various fields every year on its Foundation Day. The award is among the university's highest honours and is given to individuals who have made a lasting impact through their work in education, social service, culture, politics, agriculture, science, technology, industry, cooperation, the environment, and the arts."This year's awardees represent a wide range of fields and contributions. The late Ajit Pawar is being honoured for his work in the social and political sphere in Maharashtra, Ashok Khade for his contribution to trade and industry, Appasaheb Dadaba Rajale for strengthening the cooperative movement, Pandit Vidyasagar for his lifelong service to education, and Shama Bhate for her contribution to the arts," Gosavi said.Gosavi and pro vice-chancellor Parag Kalakar stated the main objective of the awards was to present inspiring role models to the younger generation and to recognise individuals who dedicated their lives to the betterment of society.The Foundation Day programme is expected to be attended by members of the management council and senate, senior university officials, faculty members, students, and invited dignitaries.