Vashi: Karmaveer Bhauarao Patil played a crucial role in taking education to poor, deprived and marginalised sections of society, enabling children from the Bahujan community to access learning opportunities, said former MP and Rayat Shikshan Sanstha Managing Council member Ramsheth Thakur.

He was speaking at a programme organised to mark the birth anniversary of Karmaveer Bhauarao Patil at Karmaveer Bhauarao Patil College in Vashi on September 22. Rayat Shikshan Sanstha vice-president Jayshreetai Chougule, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat and other dignitaries were present.

Thakur said Karmaveer Bhauarao Patil remained his role model and that his work had deeply influenced his life. Recalling his association with the education pioneer, he said he was fortunate to have received education in a hostel started by Karmaveer Patil. He urged citizens to follow his ideals and continue working towards social reform.

During the programme, the Karmaveer Bhauarao Patil Award was presented to Dr Ajit Magdum of Anvay De-addiction Centre, Vashi, while the Rayatmauli Laxmibai Bhauarao Patil Award was conferred on writer and social activist Vrushali Magdum. Both awardees received Rs 25,000, a shawl, citation, memento and books.

Dr Magdum spoke about his work in the field of de-addiction in Navi Mumbai, while Vrushali Magdum highlighted her efforts for women’s rights through the Stree Mukti Sanghatana and the challenges faced while working for waste-picker women.

The event also saw international swimmer and college student Anshuman Zingran being felicitated for creating a world record by swimming across seven famous straits. He was awarded Rs 11,000 and a memento by Ramsheth Thakur.