Greetings,

Honorable Shri. Sharadchandraji Pawar Saheb’s stupendous contribution to social development over the last fifty years is known all over the country. Pawar Saheb inherited ideas of social justice and equality from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Rajashri Shahu Maharaj and Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Inspired by Honorable Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan’s ethos, he subscribed to the formula of 80% social service, and 20% politics in his work. The expansive developmental work done by Pawar Saheb over the last fifty years clearly reflects that, and its far-reaching effects have impacted the nation in a great way.

Pawar Saheb’s work in various fields such as agriculture, industrial development, social justice, youth welfare, education and women empowerment is revolutionary and a guide and inspiration for many generations to come. As a homage and salute to Honorable Pawar Saheb’s work, The Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, is announcing academic fellowships in three fields namely: Agriculture, Literature and Education.

The ‘Sharad Pawar Inspire Fellowship‘, aims to provide a platform for young people who are passionate and innovative to realise their dreams and reach their highest potential. Gifted students will be mentored and immersed in academically rigorous programs that will bolster their skills and give them a platform to showcase their innovate ideas. The purpose of this fellowship is to encourage and promote academic research and scholarship from the sharpest minds in our state, and create future leaders and change makers. Our youth is our greatest asset and a valuable opportunity like this will equip gifted minds to reach their highest potential and contribute to the important task of nation building.

‘The Sharad Pawar Inspire Agriculture Fellowship’ seeks to identify and encourage young people in Maharashtra who can exude leadership and bring innovative ideas to strengthen our agrarian economy. The fellows will receive intensive and immersive training in lines with International Standards in areas of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, 3D Printing and Advanced Farm Animal Technology that will equip them with the knowledge to come up with creative solutions in a timely manner.

As an avid reader Pawar Saheb has been a great proponent of literature and has always promoted literary pursuits. He has introduced and provided a platform for many great writers and poets over the years. Honorable Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan Saheb himself was a literary man par excellence and he sought to promote rich literary culture in society. He believed that art is a medium for social change and that a rich, vibrant, and thriving society is one that nurtures it artists; as art reflects life, and life reflects art. ‘The Sharad Pawar Inspire Literary Fellowship’ aims to nurture and cultivate artists who will enrich Marathi literature and contribute to Maharashtrian culture. The fellows will receive academic training under the tutelage of stalwarts of literature in Maharashtra.

The state of Maharashtra has been the birthplace some of the greatest educationists and social reformers that our country has seen. Mahatma Jotirao Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil, and Punjabrao Deshmukh defied social norms and risked their lives to spread education across caste and gender barriers. They knew the importance of education and it is due to their foresight and pain staking efforts that Maharashtra has made great progress in the field of education. Late Shri. Yashwantrao Chavan gave full support to the work of such individuals and organizations and ushered Maharashtra into an era of literacy and prosperity. Honorable Shri. Sharad Pawar Saheb  built on their work and made great contributions to spread quality education to every village of Maharashtra. 'The Sharad Pawar Inspire Education Fellowship’ will be given to exemplary teachers who will shape the future generations. The purpose of this fellowship is to empower teachers with effective training to face the challenges in the field of education with the use of technology and new age experiments based on research on the ways of learning.

These fellowships in Agriculture, Literature and Education aim to inspire and provide opportunities to the youth of Maharashtra to reach their highest potential and be the future leaders and changemakers of our country who will take our great state to new heights. We are committed to the progress of Maharashtra by embracing new technology and empowering our youth by encouraging them to seek innovative ideas and discover creative solutions.

Thank you.
MP. Supriya Sule