Amit Kulkarni: Introduction

JOURNEY:

Here are some excerpts from Amit Kulkarni’s inspirational journey

• Humble Beginnings

Amit Kulkarni’s formative years in Satara were marked by a strong sense of community service and a thirst for knowledge. In 1985-86, at the age of nine or ten, he came to reside at Dr. Joshi Wada 348, Yadogopal Peth. During this time, he started attending RSS Shakha ‘Samarth Sayam’, which was organized at the Phadnis Wada, an ancient building located at the back of Dr. Joshi Wada. This was the beginning of his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Under the inspirational guidance of the Late Raja Walimbe, Amit and his younger brother started attending the Shakha regularly.

As he grew older, Amit’s pursuit of knowledge extended beyond the boundaries of cultural activities. In the year 2000, he reconnected with the RSS. Amit’s regular participation in the celebrations and events of the RSS reignited his passion for social work and public service. In 2004, Amit successfully completed the Prathamik Shiksha Varg at ‘Kabanur’ in Ichalkaranji. This paved the way for his foray into the field of education. The RSS played a crucial role in his transformation as it instilled in him the sustainable and value-based thinking that guides his actions to this day.

• Schools and Colleges

At the age of three years, Amit was admitted to the English Medium School Satara located at Rajwada. He was admitted to Primary Sainik School Satara. His pre-primary and primary education was completed there with deep impressions on Amit’s mind. For the sixth standard, he was enrolled in Satara English Medium School and was finally admitted to Anant English School for the Seventh to Tenth standard.

Amit completed his Eleventh from Yashwantrao Chavan College of Science Satara and completed his Twelve standards from Dhananjayrao Gadgil College of Commerce Satara choosing Commerce as his path of education. He completed his B.Ed from Yashwantrao Chavan College of Education Islampur and is pursuing an MA in Political Science and an MBA.

• Factors that Shaped the Character

Amit’s association with Mahatma Gandhi Krida Mandal also played a crucial role in shaping his character. The organization’s motto ‘Bal Hech Jeevan’ left a lasting impact on Amit’s mind, giving him the confidence that he could overcome any challenges in his life with determination. Engaging in regular strength training for over ten years, he owned both his physical and mental capabilities.

He also gained invaluable experience in leadership roles at the organization. In 1995, he was appointed as Adhyaksha for Ganeshotsav of the Mahatma Gandhi Krida Mandal. This was considered a prestigious position at the time and it provided another dimension to Amit’s collective work experience. Amit considers his time with the Mahatma Gandhi Krida Mandal along with ‘balasadhana’ a golden period of his life. Working with colleagues from different economic levels of society, castes, religions, and ideologies had a lasting impact on Amit’s personality, nature, and behavior.

• Decorated Political Career

Amit’s passion for social service transcended into the political sector. He decided to contest the Satara Nagar Palika elections in 2001. With the support of Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanmaharaj Bhonsle and Satara Vikas Aghadi, Amit emerged victorious, beginning a successful political journey. With his colleagues Late Sanjay Joshi, Late Urmila Narkar, and at that time Nagaradhyaksha Mrs. Ranjana Rawat, Amit handled many development projects in his tenure from 2001 to 2006. Due to his promising performance, he was honored in various posts like Chairman, City Development and Planning Committee, and Member of the Standing Committee in that particular tenure.

Amit even faced defeat in the 2011 Nagarpalika Elections contesting as a BJP candidate along with Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanmaharaj Bhonsle and Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivendraraje Bhonsle.

As a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit actively participated in party work and was blessed to associate with great leaders like Honorable Mr. Lal Krishna Advaniji, Late Hon. Pramodji Mahajan, Late Hon. Gopinathji Munde, Hon. Union Minister Nitinji Gadkari, etc. He also shouldered the responsibility of being the Satara District Election Chief for the election of Hon. Prakashji Javadekar and the Election Chief of Satara District in Pune Division Graduate Constituency of Hon. Chandrakantdada Patil.

Amit’s strategic acumen and prudent vision helped the BJP CITY UNIT grow in many ways.

• Contributions towards Deccan Education Society, Pune

In 2010, Amit Kulkarni was elected to the Senate of Shivaji University, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his educational journey. His impressive contributions led to his selection as a ‘Member, Council’ at Deccan Education Society Pune, facilitated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. In 2014, Amit was elected to the Council of the Deccan Education Society. Throughout this period, he served as the President of Balak Mandir Satara, Navin Marathi School Satara, and as a committee member of several other esteemed educational institutions.

Amit also played a vital role in the society-level Estate Committee, overseeing property and construction matters. In 2018, Amit Kulkarni moved on to join the Deccan Education Society, where he currently serves as the Chairman of the School Committees for Balak Mandir, Navin Marathi School, and New English School. He also performs as a committee member for Datar Shendure English Medium School, Dravid High School Wai, and Ramesh Garware English Medium School Wai.

• Nagar Vachanlay Satara

Amit was also the Director of the Shrimant Chhatrapati Pratap Singh Maharaj (Thorale) Nagar Vachanalay, Satara. He also served as the Vice President of the institute along with the President Mr. Yuvraj Pawar. Recently again was appointed Member of the Working Committee of the Institute.

• University Politics and Administration

Amit Kulkarni’s journey in university politics and administration began when he was entrusted with responsibilities for the Senate election in Satara district in 2005. Despite a defeat, he decided to contest the 2010 elections. Through the support of influential leaders like Hon. Sanjaydada Patil of Shivaji Vidyapeeth Vikas Aghadi, he was elected as the representative of Vidyapeeth Vikas Manch and A.B.V.P.

Over the years, Amit held various positions, including Member of the Board of College & University Development and Member of the Community Development Centre.

With blessings of Hon. Minister Shri. Chandrakantdada Patil, Hon. Mr. Chansoler nominated him as a member of the Management Council of Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and subsequent committees.

Amit made significant contributions to solving problems in troubled colleges and various university-related units. He initiated the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Study Center and worked on the development of Shivaji University, earning the respect and support of various Vice-Chancellors and university officials.

Being fortunate Amit continues to work his third consecutive term with Shivaji University, Kolhapur as a Member of the Senate. He was unopposed elected for the tenure of 2022 to 2027 as a representative of Management of Deccan Education Society, Pune.

He expresses gratitude towards Hon. Vidyasagarji Rao, Hon. Bhagatsinghji Koshyari, Hon. Rameshji Bais, Hon. Shri Devendraji Fadanvis, Hon. Chandrakantdada Patil, and Hon. Vinodji Tawde for giving him opportunities in his political life. Throughout his journey, he was supported by influential leaders, Vice-Chancellors, and university officials who believed in his capabilities and contributions to the university’s growth.

• Dream Comes True Moment

In 2003, dreamt of Amit’s Father Shri. Ashok Kulkarni resulted in the initiation of an English Medium School in Satara named ‘Hindavi Public School‘. Their neighbor, retired Captain Indian Army Mr. Govind Phadke, supported them by playing the important role of Principal of Hindavi Public School. Initially starting with 33 children and five staff members, the school grew steadily with support from Amit’s mother, Hon. Mrs. Ashwini Kulkarni, who provided funds through personal loans.

Amit’s wife Mrs. Ramani Kulkarni rendered 12 Years of her life to shape this institution in a better manner. She held various posts from ordinary teacher to Administrator in her tenure. She was involved in the educational as well as cultural activities of the school.

Over the years, the school flourished under the leadership of Amit Kulkarni as Principal and other dedicated staff members like Mr. Mangesh Mundravale, Mrs. Maya Mane, Mrs. Rameshwari Yadav, and Mr. S. T. Pawar.

In 2016, the school shifted to its own modern building, inaugurated by Amit’s parents.

The school received blessings and support from prominent figures like Rajmata Shrimant Chhatrapati Kalpanaraje Bhonsle and Member of Parliament Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhonsle, Late. Shrimant Chhatrapati Shivajiraje Bhonsle, Late. Shrimant Chhatrapati Sou. Chandralekharaje Bhonsle.

With the continuous support of the community and the efforts of 50 teachers and non-teaching staff, Hindavi Public School has bravely faced challenges and natural calamities. Under the leadership of Amit, the school continues to provide quality education and holistic development to its nearly 800 students, contributing significantly to the educational landscape of Satara.

Recently Mrs. Manjusha Bartakke has held the designation of Principal followed by Vice Principal Mrs. Shilpa Patil.

• Giving Back to the Society

Shrinidhi Yuvak Nagari Sahakari Pathsanshta Maryadit, Satara was founded on 8th September 2013 by Amit Kulkarni, inspired by the teachings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to address the financial needs of troubled and needy individuals. The credit institution’s motto ‘Mudra Bhadray Rajte’ reflects the central theme of Maharaj’s Rajmudra. Hon. Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanaraje Bhosale inaugurated the institution. Amit Kulkarni served as the Chairman for the first year, followed by Mr. Viren Jani for three years. Since 2017, Hon. Mr. Shailesh Dhavalikar has been competently leading the institution with his extensive banking sector experience and grassroots connections.

Under the administration of Managers, Mrs. Manisha Chavan and Mr. Prashant Deshmukh, the institution has been making significant progress, especially through the efforts of Mrs. Chavan in fulfilling the financial needs of over 500 women through 35 to 40 self-help groups. The institution’s financial support has led to the prosperity of these women and their families, positively impacting their business progress and overall financial well-being. With an efficient and reputable Board of Directors and Advisory Board, Shrinidhi Yuvak Nagari Sahakari Pathsanshta Maryadit, Satara continues to grow and contribute positively to the financial prosperity of its members and the overall community.

• Shrinidhi Pariwar

Along with Hindavi Public School, Satara. Amit started ‘Hindavi Future Skills’ in 2022 which is Affiliated with Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Director, Dr. Kiran Majlekar and his team teach day-to-day as well as Project and problem-based Courses. Also, Hindavi Future Skills is Affiliated with Shivaji University, Kolhapur resulting in students receiving Shivaji University, Kolhapur along with Instruction. The certificate helps him in his career in the competitive world.

In 2022, Amit also started ‘Hindavi Research Centre’ which is Affiliated with Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Director Dr. Vishwas Deshpande and students do research in various fields like Agriculture Development, Socioeconomic Development, and Futuristic Skills.

Recently, Amit started a Community Radio Station named ‘Hindavi 89.6’ with a frequency of 89.6 FM at Satara. This Radion Station is completely based on a Cultural theme.