Pune/Mumbai, May 27, 2022
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind graced and addressed the 125th year celebrations of Smt Laxmibai Dagadusheth Halwai Datta Mandir Trust today (May 27, 2022) in Pune, Maharashtra.
Speaking on the occasion, the President appreciated the Dagadusheth family for being instrumental in establishing the Ganpati temple and the Dattatreya temple in Pune. He noted that Dagadusheth was also closely associated with Lokmanya Tilak in celebrating Ganpati festival. He said that the Ganpati festival has made an invaluable contribution in our national politics. This festival has emerged as a source of nationalism and social harmony against the British rule.
The President was happy to note that apart from preserving and renovating the Lord Dattatreya temple, the Smt Laxmibai Dagadusheth Halwai Datta Mandir Trust is also engaged in various social welfare works such as providing scholarships for poor students and food for orphanages and old age homes. He appreciated the Dagadusheth family and the Trust for their social and welfare initiatives.
The President also presented the Laxmibai Memorial Awards 2022 to three renowned women achievers from different fields. They are Lt.Gen (Dr) Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), Dr Bhagyashri Patil of D Y Patil Deemed University and Dr. Prajakta Kale.
Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd) is currently the Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra Health Science University. She is a successful medical officer of the Indian Armed Forces and a noted Peadiatrician. She has been awarded ParamVishishist Seva Medal, Ativishisht Seva Medal and Vishishta Seva Medal for her exemplary service in the armed forces.
Dr Bhagyashree Patil is known for Garden Revolution and has been instrumental in modern horticulture and providing banana saplings to farmers in rainshadow areas, at affordable cost. It has helped thousands of farmer families in creating new sources of earning. She has developed a poly house spread on 30 acre land at Theur near Pune, equipped with state of the art laboratory and distribution system for exotic flowers and also developed banana export centre.
Dr. Prajakta Kale is instrumental in conservation of ancient Indian art called as Vaman Vrikshkala, which is known as Bonsai in modern world. She has created bonsai of different trees over 300 acre land at Kanhe Fata, Maval.
The former President of India Smt. Pratibha Patil was present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.
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SC/P.Kor
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