Kolhapur: Padma Shri awardee, eminent educationist, former Governor and renowned philanthropist Dr Dnyandeo Yashwantrao (D Y) Patil passed away at his residence in Kasaba Bawada, Kolhapur, on Tuesday morning following age-related ailments. He was 91. With his demise, the country has lost one of the foremost architects of modern private education and healthcare, whose institutions transformed the lives of lakhs of students and patients across India. Born into a humble farming family, Dr Patil believed education was the most powerful instrument of social transformation. Guided by this vision, he established a vast network of educational institutions across Maharashtra and other parts of the country, making professional education in medicine, engineering, dentistry, nursing, management, agriculture and allied disciplines accessible to generations of students. Political career Dr Patil entered public life in 1957 after being elected to the Kolhapur Municipal Council. He later represented the Panhala Assembly constituency twice in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Known for his development-oriented and consensus-driven approach, he earned recognition far beyond state politics. In 2009, he was appointed Governor of Tripura. He subsequently served as the Governor of Bihar and, in 2014, also held additional charge as the Governor of West Bengal. Transforming Education Dr Patil's contribution to higher education remains unparalleled. He established universities, medical colleges, engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, nursing and management institutions, besides schools, at Kolhapur, Pune, Navi Mumbai, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Belagavi and several other centres. Today, lakhs of graduates from institutions founded by him are serving in India and abroad across diverse professions. Alongside educational institutions, Dr Patil developed state-of-the-art multi-speciality hospitals that significantly expanded access to quality healthcare in both urban and rural areas. By integrating medical education, clinical services and research, he created institutions that have become benchmarks in healthcare delivery. Social Service A committed philanthropist, Dr Patil worked tirelessly to expand educational opportunities for underprivileged students, strengthen rural healthcare and support numerous social initiatives. He was also a strong patron of sports and was instrumental in creating world-class sporting infrastructure, reflecting his belief in the holistic development of young people. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and social service, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on Dr Patil. He was also the recipient of several honorary doctorates and lifetime achievement awards from universities and institutions in India and abroad. Large Family Dr Patil is survived by his wife; former Minister of State (Home) and Congress MLA Satej (Bunty) Patil; Chancellor of D Y Patil University, Kolhapur, Sanjay D Patil; Chancellor of D Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Ajinkya D Patil; daughter-in-law Pallavi D Patil; grandchildren and an extended family. His family continues to carry forward his vision through the D Y Patil group's network of educational, medical and research institutions spread across the country. Leaders cutting across party lines, educationists, industrialists, former students and people from all walks of life have expressed grief over his demise, describing him as a visionary who redefined higher education and healthcare in India. The last rites of Dr D Y Patil will be performed with full state honours on Wednesday, at the D Y Patil Educational Campus, Kasaba Bawada, Kolhapur. His mortal remains will be kept at the campus from Wednesday morning to enable the public to pay their last respects. A large number of political leaders, dignitaries, educationists, former students, teachers and citizens are expected to attend the funeral. ‘Cash King’ of yore By Quaid Najmi Mumbai: Around 1993, when the new Oberoi Hotel at Nariman Point was still a novelty and credit cards yet to gain currency, the legendary but somewhat rustic education baron Dr. Dynandeo Yashwantrao Patil, had invited a young journalist for an audience there. After a sumptuous cocktail-lunch and a generous three-hour long, no-holds-barred interview, the immaculate kurta-pyjama clad leader snapped his fingers and called for the bill, possibly running into a few thousand rupees. The discreet waitperson brought it and politely asked, “Card, Sir?” but Patil did not look up and shook his head. Instead, he moved a little in his cushioned chair, dug into his ‘deep’ pockets and fished out a thick wad of at least five crisp bundles of Rs. 500, much to the shock of the hotel staff and the wide-eyed journo. Patil again glanced at the invoice, and without batting an eyelid, casually and stylishly flicked out the required number of notes before quietly slipping the bankroll into his pocket mini-treasury. Later, some senior colleagues enlightened the astounded journalist that “Patil Sa’b always carries a lot of cash, like a King!” A situation like this would be unimaginable in the modern times – what with a horde of state or central agencies keeping tabs on such prosperous political bigwigs, virtually 24x7x365…!
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