Contribution of social organisations important for higher education: Vishwanatha

PUNE: "Innovative changes are being made in agriculture education. The government has also introduced good schemes. Also, majority of the students come from an agriculture background. But, due to poor financial conditions they are unable to undertake higher education in agriculture. In such a situation, organisations such as Mukul Madhav Foundations come forward to contribute for education of such students, and it is a very satisfying feeling.The students should also take advantage of the help they have received and study to full potential to achieve their aims," said vice-chancellor of Mahatma Phule Agriculture University, Dr. K. P. Vishwanatha.
The Finolex Industries jointly with Mukul Madhav Foundation awarded the 'Late Mohini Pralhad Chhabria scholarship' to 59 needy students who are taking education in agriculture. Of these, about 12 students who are studying at the Agriculture College in Shivajinagar affiliated to Mahatma Phule Agriculture University received Rs 50,000 each. The total scholarship amount of Rs 6 lakh of these 12 students was handed over to Dr Vishwanatha by managing trustee of the foundation Ritu Prakash Chhabria. On the occasion, dean of Mahatma Phule Agriculture University, Dr. A L Pharande, associate dean Dr. P N Rasal, vice-president of Finolex Industries B. R. Mehta, Dr. Laxman Murty, Prof. Y. C. Sale, Bablu Mokle of the Foundation among others were present. A total of 36 students pursuing their degree, 20 post-graduation and three pursuing Ph D students are awarded the scholarship every year. The scholarship awardees include students of agriculture colleges from Pune, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Nandurbar, Karad and Dhule.
Dr. K P Vishwanatha said that, "The students should take advantage of the scholarship awarded by the Mukul Madhav Foundation and pass their degree with good marks. The education beyond this, students should do on their own will. The students can take advantage of the junior research fellow, senior research fellow schemes awarded by the university. They should take inspiration from the people who are helping them in completing their education and help their future generations in similar manner."
Ritu Chhabria said, "Farmers and Finolex have an old relationship. We are manufacturing farming tools for farmers. But, along with that we are also helping the children of farmers to complete their education. For the same reason we are awarding these scholarships. These students will benefit out of it for higher education. We are confident that through these scholarships, quality and confident officials. Even in the rural parts, the foundation is working among farmers and women. We will always work towards empowerment of these women."
Dr. A L. Pharande said, "There are very few people who work for social cause. Mukul Madhav Foundation has always worked tremendously in all fields. Due to their contribution for the education of students, we will surely have good farmer researchers, officials. The foundation has also taken responsibility of students from the Konkan region and is doing some good work there. The foundation is reaching to the part of the society that is in need of assistance and the funds are being utilised in the right manner. The students should utilise the scholarship as an inspiration to do good work in future."
On the occasion, two students, Nilesh Ingole and Diksha Teli of Agriculture College thanked the foundation for starting this scholarship scheme. The programme was hosted by Dr. Pramod Patil and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Yashwant Sale.