Anil Borade| Bureau North Maharashtra
Dhule: The city witnessed the launch of a new civic honour in memory of former minister Rohidas Patil on the occasion of his first death anniversary. The Rohidas Patil Jan-Seva Award was formally inaugurated at a public function in the city, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the inaugural award to noted social worker and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Prakash (Baba) Amte. Organisers described the award as a tribute to the late leader’s lifelong commitment to public welfare and as a platform to encourage young people to dedicate themselves to social service.
The award ceremony marked the beginning of what is expected to become an annual recognition of outstanding public service. According to the organisers, the aim of the initiative is not only to honour exemplary individuals but also to inspire the next generation to see social work as equally important as politics. Launching the award on the first death anniversary of Rohidas Patil was seen as a fitting way to remember his legacy in Dhule, where he served multiple terms as MLA and held important ministerial portfolios in Maharashtra. Known locally as Daaji Saheb, Patil was remembered at the function as a leader who combined governance with genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
The inaugural recipient, Dr. Prakash Amte, is internationally recognised for his work in tribal healthcare, education and wildlife protection through the Lok Biradari Prakalp at Hemalkasa. Since 1973, together with his wife Dr. Mandakini Amte, he has built a hospital, residential school, and animal orphanage serving the Madia Gond tribal community in Gadchiroli. Over five decades, the project has grown into a lifeline for thousands, offering medical treatment, education for tribal children, and a sanctuary for displaced wild animals. Dr. Amte has previously been awarded the Padma Shri in 2002 and the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2008 for community leadership, making him one of India’s most respected grassroots activists.
Accepting the award in Dhule, Dr. Amte said that the honour was a recognition of more than half a century of selfless work. “After 52 years of working tirelessly, this award is a confirmation of our efforts. Politics is something many can pursue, but through honours like this, the younger generation will surely find inspiration to dedicate themselves to true social service,” he remarked. His words drew strong applause from the audience, reflecting the widespread respect for his work and the symbolic significance of the award’s first edition.
The Rohidas Patil Jan-Seva Award is expected to continue as an annual civic honour in Dhule, celebrating those whose life’s work has left a transformative impact on society. With its very first recipient being a figure of the stature of Dr. Prakash Amte, the award has set a high standard for future honourees, linking the memory of a dedicated political leader with the legacy of one of India’s most remarkable social workers.
