According to family reports, former West Bengal governor and prominent Congressman DY Patil passed away on Tuesday at his Kolhapur, Maharashtra, home following a protracted illness. He was ninety.
Patil, a seasoned politician and educator, established a number of educational establishments in Maharashtra. His sons, Sanjay Patil, Ajinkya Patil, and Satej Patil, a former Maharashtra minister and Congress leader, survive him.
Patil, a Kolhapur native, was an MLA from 1967 until 1978. After that, he shifted his attention to the field of education and established the D Y Patil University, which provides programs in engineering, medicine, and other fields.
Patil, a recipient of the Padma Shri, was the governor of West Bengal in addition to Tripura, Bihar.
As officials around the nation recognized his leadership and achievements, condolences flowed in.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies to Patil’s family and supporters, saying he was “pained” by his passing.
“Shri DY Patil Ji was at the forefront of using education and charity in particular to serve society. He constantly sought to make people’s lives better, particularly those of the underprivileged. Saddened by his passing. During this tragic time, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Om Shanti.”
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP and leader of the opposition, sent his sympathies for Patil’s loss, describing it as “extremely heartbreaking.” He went on to say that the former governor’s contributions to public service and education will always be remembered.
It is deeply saddening to learn of the passing of Dr. D. Y. Patil ji, a social worker, educationist, and former governor. Gandhi wrote about X, “His contributions to public service and education will always be remembered.”
Sharad Pawar, the leader of the NCP(SP), also sent his sympathies for Patil’s death, describing the news as “extremely heartbreaking.” He went on to say that Maharashtra has lost a visionary and socially conscious individual with his departure.
“It is deeply saddening to learn of the loss of Padma Shri, former Governor Dr. D. Y. Patil. Generations to come will be motivated by the unmatched work he did in the areas of social service, sports, health, and education. Pawar commented on X, “Maharashtra has lost a visionary and socially committed personality with his departure.”
‘DY Patil’ became a name on hospital buildings, degree diplomas, and university gates for generations of students. Beneath that name was a man who thought education could transform lives on a large scale.
Although his passing signifies the end of an era, the institutions he established continue to influence India’s higher education system, guaranteeing that his legacy will endure via the millions of students who attend, graduate, and pursue jobs at the campuses he founded.
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