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“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” This quote by Melody Beattie perfectly encapsulates the essence of one dedicated individual’s journey and mission. His profound gratitude for his roots has shaped his tireless efforts to transform his village and beyond. His appreciation for the past has guided his understanding of the community’s needs, while his actions today bring peace and improvement to the lives of many. This deep sense of gratitude fuels his vision for a better tomorrow, inspiring initiatives that promise sustainable development and a brighter future for the region. Through his work, he exemplifies how acknowledging one’s heritage can pave the way for meaningful and impactful progress. This individual, whose efforts and vision embody the true spirit of gratitude, is none other than Amol Patankar.

In the bustling corridors of Mantralaya, the heartbeat of Maharashtra’s government machinery, Amol Patankar emerges as a distinctive figure. As an under-secretary in the deputy chief minister’s office, he doesn’t just navigate the administrative maze; he embodies a unique blend of dedication and empathy that sets him apart from the crowd. Patankar’s weekends aren’t about escaping from work; they’re his canvas for connecting with the pulse of Maharashtra. Whether he’s traversing through urban landscapes or remote villages, his mission remains the same: to understand the needs and aspirations of the people he serves.

Behind Patankar’s unwavering commitment lies a deeply personal journey. Maharashtra, with its rich tapestry of cultures and communities, provided him with more than just a home; it instilled in him a sense of responsibility and gratitude. His every action, from spearheading development initiatives to championing social causes, reflects this profound connection and a shared vision for a brighter future. In a realm often overshadowed by bureaucracy, Patankar’s presence shines as a beacon of hope and solidarity, reminding us all that true leadership is not just about wielding power, but about serving with compassion and purpose.

Deeply Connected to His Roots

Patankar’s bond with Kondoli in Washim district of Maharashtra is profound. “I cannot sever the ‘umbilical cord’ that connects me to my village and its people,” he quips. His journey from a humble hamlet to Mantralaya has only strengthened his resolve to improve the lives of those in his hometown. This led to the creation of the Arunavati Multipurpose Trust, an NGO focused on driving development projects in Kondoli and neighbouring areas.

Spearheading Infrastructure and Education Reforms

One of Patankar’s first achievements was improving connectivity in his village. “Earlier, Kondoli was not connected to a main road,” he recalls. He spearheaded the approval of ₹7 crores from the Central Road Fund (CRF) for constructing a road to his native village, ensuring that all nearby villages to Kondoli are now connected by roads for easier commuting. With support from the local administration, a well-constructed road was built, enabling government buses to reach the village. This development has been particularly beneficial for students, especially girls, who now have better access to higher education.

Water Management and Environmental Initiatives

Kondoli was once synonymous with water scarcity with women often trudging several kilometres to fetch water during summer. However, Patankar’s ascent to the echelons of power has proved a boon to the village. His team addressed this nagging issue by widening the Arunavati River and constructing 4 check dams to store excessive rainwater. “We developed 60 river shafts, each around 100 – 200 ft deep,” he explains. These efforts have significantly raised the groundwater table, ensuring a steady water supply year-round much to the solace of the villagers. Additionally, planting trees along the river and roads has revived local flora and fauna, transforming the riverfront into a thriving natural habitat.

Giving a Boost to Healthcare and Security

Recognising the critical need for accessible healthcare, this bureaucrat is at the vanguard of the construction of a 30-bed hospital, with plans to expand it to 50 beds at Manora tehsil. His persistent and dynamic follow-up is set to yield results soon. “People cannot visit doctors even when suffering from serious ailments due to high costs and the distance to big cities,” he notes. This hospital will bridge that gap, providing much-needed medical services to the community. Through the Arunavati Multipurpose Society, he successfully acquired a modern ambulance for the patients of his Manora tehsil. He dedicated this ambulance to his mentor, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on his birthday. Security has also been enhanced with the installation of CCTV cameras at two tehsils which is Karanja Lad and Mangrulnath. Funded by the government, these cameras have reduced theft and illicit activities, making residents, especially women, feel safer.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Patankar envisions Kondoli as both a spiritual and commercial tourist destination. Plans are in progress to develop a divine theme park, with construction already underway. He diligently pursued and secured a sanction of ₹5 crores from the state government for this project. Furthermore, commercial boat services will be launched on a Build, Operate, and Transfer basis. Additionally, old religious sites are being renovated with modern facilities, blending heritage with contemporary conveniences.

Acknowledgment and Advocacy

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Patankar’s actions speak louder than words. A two-time MPSC cracker from a very remote village, Patankar knows the intricacies of rural life intimately. His expanded circle of consciousness includes all the needy people. With the solid support of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Patankar has been making waves in Maharashtra for his selfless service.

Recognizing Patankar’s Efforts

Recently, during a political event, a PSI woman candidate emotionally shared her story of struggle, gratefully mentioning Patankar prominently in her appointment order. After this video went viral on a news channel, this son of Washim district is being praised everywhere. Patankar has earned a firm place in people’s hearts as an officer who is always at the forefront to solve problems in all areas of administration.

Nurturing Art and Culture

Thanks to Patankar, Washim district received record funds for the upkeep of temples. The world-famous Gurumandir at Karanja Lad had not received any government funding, but with the blessings of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, this son of Washim proposed a ₹170 crore plan for the rejuvenation of the Gurumandir temple. The proposal is currently in the pipeline for approval and funding. However, he credits his mentor for any achievement he has made in the bureaucratic realm. He always says, “What I have been able to do is only because of the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Devendra Fadnavis sir.”

A Selfless Advocate of the People

Patankar’s dedication to the people of Maharashtra is a testament to the impact a dedicated individual can have on his community. He is a selfless man working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. People still remember how he helped the accident victims when a truck overturned injuring many. This act of bravery and compassion earned him the heartfelt title of ‘Son of Washim district’, who is always there to address the needs of the masses. Patankar’s initiatives have not only improved infrastructure and living conditions but also fostered a sense of pride and participation among the residents. His work exemplifies the power of staying connected to one’s roots and using one’s position to bring about meaningful change. His selflessness is a beacon of what can be achieved when commitment meets vision, inspiring transformative change in his community.

Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright

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Inspired by the timeless wisdom of William Shakespeare, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis, epitomizes the essence of greatness through his remarkable journey. From his humble beginnings as the youngest mayor of Nagpur, he has ascended to the esteemed position of Deputy CM, earning every accolade through sheer merit and unwavering dedication. Fadnavis stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a leader whose journey mirrors resilience, reform, and a steadfast commitment to visionary governance. His story resonates with the essence of true leadership, rooted in service to the people and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

With several accomplishments up his sleeve, this man for all seasons was born on July 22, 1970, in Nagpur, the famed ‘Orange City’ of Maharashtra. He assumed office as the 18th Chief Minister of the state on October 31, 2014, serving until November 12, 2019. Additionally, he held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly from 2019 to 2022, and previously served as the President of the BJP state unit from 2013 to 2015. 

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis

Notably, he became Chief Minister at the age of 44, making him the second-youngest to hold the position in Maharashtra’s history, after Sharad Pawar. His tenure as Chief Minister also included a brief second term during the 2019 political crisis, spanning five days before his resignation on November 28. As a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, his contributions have not only shaped the contours of Maharashtra’s politics but also its developmental trajectory.

Early Life and Formative Years

The foundation of Fadnavis’s political insights and values was laid early in his life. Born into a Marathi Brahmin family, with a lineage of political and social involvement, his upbringing was steeped in the ethos of public service. His father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur, and his mother, Sarita Fadnavis, is a descendant of the distinguished Kaloti family of Amravati. Both of them played pivotal roles in his formative years. The incarceration of his father during the Emergency instilled in young Fadnavis a profound sense of justice and resilience, shaping his ideological moorings and future political engagements.

Educational Pursuits and Early Political Forays

Fadnavis’s educational journey, encompassing a graduate degree in law, a post-graduate degree in business management, and a diploma in Methods and Techniques of Project Management equipped him with the analytical and strategic acumen that would later define his political career. His early foray into politics through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) marked the beginning of a journey that would see him ascend to significant political heights. At the age of 27, he became the youngest mayor of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, setting the stage for a career characterized by youthful energy and innovative governance.

The mantle of Chief Ministership

Appointed as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on October 31, 2014, Fadnavis assumed leadership as the head of the largest party in the state assembly. Following his appointment, his government secured a vote of confidence by voice vote on November 12, 2014, affirming its mandate to govern.

His tenure as the Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 was marked by ambitious projects and transformative initiatives. Under his leadership, Maharashtra saw the launch of the ‘Mumbai Next’ initiative, aimed at transforming the metropolis into a global financial and entertainment hub. His government’s commitment to digitization and transparency was evident in the inauguration of the Maharashtra Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) in Nagpur, making Maharashtra the first state in India to digitize its police force comprehensively.

Flagship Projects and Developmental Initiatives

One of Fadnavis’s most ambitious projects was the Samruddhi Expressway, which enhanced connectivity and fostered economic development between Mumbai and Nagpur. This initiative not only promised to reduce travel time but also aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide, thereby catalysing socio-economic growth. Additionally, his administration was marked by significant strides in digital governance, agricultural development, and social welfare, including the pioneering 1% reservation for orphans in government jobs and educational institutions.

Notably, in 2015, he introduced the Chief Minister Fellowship programme, offering graduates and postgraduates an 11-month stint with the Maharashtra government to gain administrative experience. Designed to nurture youth talent, the initiative included stipends and other benefits, with the eligibility criteria focused on age, education, and language proficiency.

Additionally, Fadnavis spearheaded the ‘Magel Tyala Shettale’ scheme in 2016 to tackle drought and promote sustainable agriculture. This initiative surpassed its targets, benefiting farmers by making farms available for sustainable agricultural production and enhancing irrigation through watershed management and water conservation efforts.

In 2017, under his leadership, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krushi Sanman Yojana was announced, providing a substantial Rs 34,022 Crore loan waiver to 89 lakh farmers. This scheme alleviated financial burdens for crop and medium-term borrowers, contributing to agricultural stability.

Furthermore, in 2019, Fadnavis initiated a Rs 4,293 Crore water grid project in the hard-hit Marathwada region to combat drought. The project aimed to transport water from the Konkan region to the Godavari basin, fundamentally transforming Marathwada’s water landscape and reducing its vulnerability to drought.

His visionary leadership also paved the way for the launch of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in 2016. They were instrumental in providing accurate weather data to farmers, helping mitigate losses caused by untimely rains and hailstorms. With plans for over 2,000 AWS, this initiative aimed to enhance farming practices and resilience in the face of climatic challenges.

Beginning of a New Chapter

Following political upheavals, Fadnavis assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister in 2022, continuing his influence on the state’s governance and development. His partnership with Ajit Pawar marked a new chapter in the state’s political landscape, with a renewed focus on infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic growth.

A man whose gaze is always on the horizon, Fadnavis unveiled the Mumbai Metropolis Metaverse on February 19, with a vision to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a global city of dreams by 2025. This immersive virtual representation of Mumbai offers a glimpse into the future, showcasing ongoing projects and planned developments that will reshape the cityscape. 

Through the metaverse, the government aims to provide residents with a preview of forthcoming amenities and infrastructure enhancements, fostering a sense of anticipation and excitement for the city’s evolution in the years ahead. Fadnavis highlighted 12 key projects within the metaverse that will contribute to the transformation of the metropolis, ushering in a new era of growth and development.

No Full Stops to Accolades

Fadnavis’s leadership and contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Notable accolades include the Best Parliamentarian Award by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2002–03) and being honoured as a Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow by the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, where he delivered a speech on ‘Infrastructure-led Growth: Maharashtra – India’s Engine of Development.’ Fadnavis’s delegation also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, showcasing partnerships for infrastructure development projects in Maharashtra.

Furthermore, the Deputy CM also received an Honorary Doctorate from Osaka City University, Japan, for his contribution to the socio-economic development of Maharashtra, becoming the first Indian to receive this prestigious recognition. His outstanding leadership was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Development Award from Georgetown University, USA.

Fadnavis’s diplomatic endeavours extended to Mauritius, where he inaugurated a statue of the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and signed an MOU between the Economic Development Board (Mauritius) and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation to enhance investment opportunities. His visit marked a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between India and the Indian Ocean island nation.

Additionally, Fadnavis embarked on an official tour to Japan, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation and business relations between Maharashtra and Japan. Meetings with key dignitaries and representatives from government organizations and top companies highlighted the potential for foreign investment in critical projects such as the Mumbai Flood Mitigation Project and Versova-Virar Sea Link. His efforts exemplify his commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing Maharashtra’s development agenda on the global stage.

Life Beyond Politics

Beyond his political identity, Fadnavis is deeply committed to his family comprising his wife, Amruta, and daughter, Divija. His marriage to Amruta, a banker, actress, singer and social activist, underscores a partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values, reflecting their collective commitment to societal welfare. The presence of their daughter further enriches their lives, symbolizing the hope and future they strive to improve through their public and private endeavours. Fadnavis’s ability to balance the demands of his political career with his family responsibilities showcases his dedication not just to the public but also to the personal realms of love, commitment, and family well-being.

Devendra Fadnavis with his wife Amruta Fadnavis (left) and daughter Divija Fadnavis (centre)

The fact remains that his tenure is marked by transformative developmental initiatives, a pioneering push towards digital governance, and inclusive social policies aimed at uplifting the marginalized. Fadnavis’s strategic focus on leveraging technology to streamline governance processes, coupled with his efforts to bolster infrastructure, exemplifies his approach to fostering a progressive, connected, and economically vibrant Maharashtra. Despite facing controversies, his resilience and unwavering dedication to the state’s development have solidified his reputation as a reformist leader with a clear vision for Maharashtra’s future.