Pune, Maharashtra Aug 13: A memorial service in memory of former Governor and founder of the Dr. D. Y. Patil Education Group, Padma Shri Dr. D. Y. Patil , was organised this evening, 12 August 2026, at Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri. Eminent personalities from various fields attended the meeting, offered their condolences to the Patil family, and paid heartfelt tributes to the departed soul.
The demise of Padma Shri Dr. D. Y. Patil has cast a deep shadow of grief over the world of education, marking the end of a great era. Padma Shri Dr. D. Y. Patil was known as a distinguished educationist who kept the eternal flame of knowledge, values, vision and humanity burning brightly. His passing at the age of 91 is an irreparable loss to the educational and social sectors.
Padma Shri Dr. D. Y. Patil not only established a vast network of educational institutions but also shaped the dreams of millions of students, nurtured moral values and transformed education into a powerful medium for social change in the truest sense. His visionary leadership, simplicity, humanitarian outlook and unwavering commitment to education will continue to guide generations to come.
On this occasion, Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth ; Dr. Mrs. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and Chancellor and President, Dnyan Prasad Global University; Dr. Sanjay D. Patil, Chancellor and President, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur; Mr. Satej D. Patil, Vice President, D. Y. Patil Education Society and MLA; Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dnyan Prasad Global University and Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society; Dr. Mrs. Smita Jadhav, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and Secretary, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Society; Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Society, Pune, along with other members of the Patil family, received the condolence visits and messages from those in attendance.
The memorial service was attended by distinguished dignitaries from the fields of public life, education, industry, politics, literature, social service, sports, agriculture, spirituality, government administration, and healthcare. Members of the university community, including professors, officers, employees, and students of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, were also present in large numbers to pay their heartfelt tributes.
The entire university auditorium was immersed in an atmosphere of profound grief. Those present recalled their memories of Dada and paid their humble respects to his sacred memory. The gathering observed two minutes of silence as a mark of mourning.
This was followed by the recitation of sacred verses from the Bhagavad Gita, prayers, and the screening of an emotional short film depicting Dada’s life journey. The atmosphere in the auditorium became deeply moving, touching the hearts of everyone present and bringing tears to many eyes.
Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune said, “Dr. D. Y. Patil was not merely the founder of an educational group; he was a strong pillar of support and a guiding force for all of us. The mantra he gave us ‘Social Development through Education’ and the values he upheld are our true legacy. Ensuring that this banyan tree of knowledge that he nurtured continues to flourish, and walking with unwavering commitment on the path shown by him, will be the truest and most heartfelt tribute we can offer him.”
Dr. Mrs. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and President, Dnyan Prasad Global University added, “Dr. D. Y. Patil’s (fondly called as Dada), entire life was a symbol of humanity, affection and selfless service. He always strived to ensure that the stream of education reached the very last section of society. That same vision, simplicity and warmth continue to live in the hearts of all of us even today. Dada’s thoughts and his blessings will always remain with us.”
