In a heartfelt tribute to Maharashtra’s late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a grand statue was unveiled today at the Gurukul School premises in Adhale village, Maval taluka, Pune district. The event drew large crowds from the local community, including students, teachers, parents, and villagers, all gathered to honor a leader whose legacy continues to inspire.
Sachin Ghotkule, trustee of the Gurukul institution and BJP Pune district official, spearheaded the initiative. Speaking at the ceremony, he emphasized that the statue installation aims to motivate young students by exemplifying Pawar’s visionary development ideas, commitment to cleanliness drives, social welfare dedication, and efficient administrative style. ‘This will instill in children not just academic excellence but also values of social responsibility, discipline, hygiene, and ideal citizenship,’ Ghotkule stated.
Speakers highlighted Pawar’s pivotal contributions to Maharashtra’s infrastructure growth, water conservation projects, rural development, educational reforms, and farmer welfare schemes. His decisions reshaped progress across the state’s diverse regions, leaving an indelible mark on public service.
The statue is expected to serve as a daily reminder for students to embrace community service, transparent governance, and public interest works. Organizers vowed to continue such programs linking youth with inspirational figures. Pawar, affectionately called Ajit Dada, was revered for his accessibility—anyone approaching him left with solutions, earning him enduring public affection.
Tragically, Pawar perished in a plane crash in January, alongside his security personnel, two pilots, and a female crew member—five lives lost in total. Maharashtra observed three days of state mourning, with national flags at half-mast on all government buildings, reflecting the profound loss to the state.