FDL- The Friends of the Depressed League
History
In 1933, The Friends of the Depressed League was founded against the backdrop of the social reform movements of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and the understanding between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar on untouchability.
Based on the belief that education is the most effective tool to uplift the Dalit community, a school was started with just 10 students from underprivileged areas in Maliwada, Ahilyanagar. This school eventually became the Diwalibai Barshikar Primary School, growing to 300 students and extending up to Grade 7. In 1950, it was handed over to the Ahilyanagar Municipal Corporation.
To complement education with basic healthcare for the poor, in 1939, freedom fighter Bhai Sattha, one of the key directors, opened a homeopathic clinic near the school. This free medical facility became highly popular due to its effectiveness, eventually receiving government grants.
At a time when even food, clothing, and shelter were luxuries for the poor, education was far beyond reach. To address this, a boarding school was initiated in 1933, accommodating children from all religions and castes, providing food, shelter, and education. The boarding school became a hub for India’s freedom movement and the social reform ideologies of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. Many students joined the freedom struggle, leading the British government to withdraw its grants and impose a ban. Despite this, Bhai Sattha and his colleagues—Com. Abasaheb Kakade, Com. Madhukar Katre, and Com. Bapusaheb Bhapkar—sustained the school by collecting grains from villages.
Abasaheb Kakade, a follower and associate of Bhai Sattha, was recognized as a people’s leader and advocate. Villagers requested him to arrange education for their children. Deeply moved, he extended this work to Shevgaon and Pathardi. In 1957, he started a hostel named after Sant Gadge Maharaj in his own home in Shevgaon and even dug a well to provide drinking water. Inspired by Mahatma Phule’s educational ideals, he expanded further.
Through The Friends of the Depressed League and Navmaharashtra Shikshan Mandal, Shevgaon, he established boys’ and girls’ hostels in Shevgaon, Pathardi, and Karjat. Without government aid, he collected grains from village to village to run these hostels, giving shelter to thousands of children from marginalized, laboring, and sugarcane-cutting families.
Just as he started hostels, he also opened schools to make education accessible. On one such occasion, when floods stranded him in Dhorjalgaon, villagers urged him to start a school. Thus, he founded Shri Ram Vidyalaya, Dhorjalgaon. This was followed by secondary schools in Chapadgaon, Shevgaon, Kambi, Amarapur, Bhalgaon, etc. His principle remained: “Where there is a hostel, there must be a school; and where there is a school, there must be a hostel.”
To enhance students’ all-round development and academic excellence, he emphasized:
- Teacher-parent-student dialogue
- Extra-curricular exams
- Night study sessions
Writing projects
- Handwriting competitions
- Sports and cultural events
- Discussion panels, guest lectures, and field trips
After his passing, the institution was ably led by his son, Adv. Dr. Vidyadhar alias Shivajirao Kakade. Under his leadership, the organization has seen significant qualitative and quantitative growth, earning a reputation for innovative and progressive education.
Currently, the institution runs
Primary School
CBSE School (Primary to Higher Secondary)
Arts, Commerce & Science College
Children’s Home
Junior Colleges
Secondary Schools
Computer Departments
Hostels
FDL Educational institutes: A Growing Network of Academic Excellence.
| Sr.no | Institute Name | Adress | Opening Date | Institute Head | Contact | Website Link |
| 1. | Prathamik Vidya Mandir | Nirmalnagar, Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar. | 2000 | Mrs. Patel P.J. | ||
| Secondary Schools | ||||||
| 1. | Shriram Vidyalaya | Dhorjalgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1962 | Mr. Chemte S.S. | ||
| 2. | Chapadgaon Highschool | Chapadgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1964 | Mr. Vavare A.D. | ||
| 3. | Abasaheb Kakade Vidyalaya | Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1967 | Mr. Daspute S.V. | ||
| 4. | Bhaleshwar Highschool | Bhalgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1967 | Mr. Gorde H.N. | ||
| 5. | Kambi Highschool | Kambi, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1968 | Mr. Pawar D.A. | ||
| 6. | Amarapur Highschool | Amarapur, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1969 | Mr. Takalkar B.R. | ||
| 7. | Shahartakali Vidyalaya | Shahartakali, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1973 | Mr. Dhole K.V. | ||
| Higher Secondary Schools | ||||||
| 1. | Abasaheb Kakade Junior College, Shevgaon (Arts) | Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1975 | Mr. Daspute S.V. | ||
| 2. | Abasaheb Kakade Junior College, Shevgaon (Science) | Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2007 | Mr. Daspute S.V. | ||
| 3. | Abasaheb Kakade Junior College, Shevgaon (Commerce) | Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2019 | Mr. Daspute S.V. | ||
| 4. | Chapadgaon Junior College, Chapadgaon (Arts) | Chapadgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1985 | Mr. Vavare A.D. | ||
| 5. | Chapadgaon Junior College, Chapadgaon (Science) | Chapadgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2011 | Mr. Vavare A.D. | ||
| 6. | Shriram Junior College, Dhorjalgaon (Arts) | Dhorjalgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1986 | Mr. Chemte S.S. | ||
| 7. | Shriram Junior College, Dhorjalgaon (Science) | Dhorjalgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2012 | Mr. Chemte S.S. | ||
| 8. | Amarapur Junior College, Amarapur.(Arts) | Amarapur, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2009 | Mr. Takalkar B.R. | ||
| 9. | Amarapur Junior College, Amarapur.(Science) | Amarapur, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2009 | Mr. Takalkar B.R. | ||
| 10. | Shahartakali Junior College, Shahartakali. (Arts) | Shahartakali, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2009 | Mr. Dhole K.V. | ||
| 11. | Shahartakali Junior College, Shahartakali. (Science) | Shahartakali, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2009 | Mr. Dhole K.V. | ||
| CBSE Schools | ||||||
| 1. | Nirmal Bright Future School (Primary) | Nirmalnagar, Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2010 | Mr.More D.K. | ||
| 2. | Nirmal Bright Future School (Secondary) | Nirmalnagar, Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2010 | Mr.More D.K. | ||
| 3. | Nirmal Bright Future School (Higher Secondary) | Nirmalnagar, Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2019 | Mr.More D.K. | ||
| BCA College | ||||||
| 1. | Abasaheb Kakade College of Information Technology | Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar. | 2007 | Mr. Wagh P.R. | ||
| Senior Colleges | ||||||
| 1. | Abasaheb Kakade Arts & Science College | Bodhegaon Tal.Shevgaon Dist.Ahilyanagar | 1997 | Mr.Fasle M.K. | ||
| 2. | Nirmalatai Kakade Arts, Commerce & Science College | Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 2021 | Mr. Dukale P.A. | ||
| Hostels | ||||||
| 1. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj BoysHostel | Station Road, Nr. SahakarSabhagruh, Ahilyanagar | 1935 | Mr. Patkal B.S. | ||
| 2. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Boys Hostel | Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1957 | Mr. Fatangare N.G. | ||
| 3. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Girl Hostel | Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1957 | Mrs. Pathade M.K. | ||
| 4. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Boys Hostel | Pathardi, Tal. Pathardi, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1957 | Mr. Varkhedkar P.C. | ||
| 5. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Girls Hostel | Pathardi, Tal. Pathardi, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1957 | Mrs. Nakil B. J. | ||
| 6. | Kambi Hostel Kambi | Kambi Tal.Shevgaon Dist.Ahilyanagar. | 1957 | Mr. Ghortale S. B. | ||
| 7. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Girl Hostel | Karjat, Tal. Karjat, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1959 | Mrs. Nemane S.G. | ||
| 8. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Boys Hostel | Chapadgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1965 | Mr. Jadhav B.D. | ||
| 9. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Girl Hostel | Chapadgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1965 | Mrs. Akolkar A.V. | ||
| 10. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Hostel | Mangarul (KH), Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1971 | Mr. Vavare A.V. | ||
| 11. | Shri Sant Gadage Maharaj Hostel | Amarapur, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | 1974 | Mrs. Korde S.M. | ||
| Childrans Homes | ||||||
| 1. | Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj Junior Childrens Home | Station Road, Nr. SahakarSabhagruh, Ahilyanagar | 1935 | Mr. Patkal B.S. | ||
| Computer Department | ||||||
| 1. | Hi-Tech Computer Shevgaon | Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
| 2. | Hi-Tech Computer Chapadgaon | Chapadgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
| 3. | Hi-Tech Computer Dhorjalgaon | Dhorjalgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
| 4. | Hi-Tech Computer Amarapur | Amarapur, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
| 5. | Hi-Tech Computer Shahartakali | Shahartakali, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
| 6. | Hi-Tech Computer Bodhegaon | Bodhegaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
| 7. | Hi-Tech Computer Shevgaon (Primary Vidyamandir) | Shevgaon, Tal. Shevgaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar | ||||
To instill creativity, critical thinking, social awareness, environmental sensitivity, and ideal citizenship in students—making them the foundation of a strong democracy.
For the holistic development of students, we strive through education to continuously nurture creativity, critical thinking, aesthetic exploration, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, environmental awareness, cultural values, competitive spirit in sports, and the philosophy of ideal citizenship—thus creating an environment that fosters a robust democracy.
Objectives
- To provide quality educational facilities at primary, secondary, higher secondary, and collegiate levels.
- To offer equal educational opportunities to all sections of society.
- To establish hostels for rural and underprivileged students, providing them with food, accommodation, and educational resources to integrate them into mainstream education.
- To create vocational training centers to help the underprivileged—especially men and women—become self-reliant and skilled.
- To provide an educational environment tailored to individual interests, supporting career and overall development.
- To embrace innovation while preserving valuable elements of Indian culture and providing modern educational facilities.
- To work towards environmental balance and conservation while contributing significantly to fields like sports, arts, culture, agriculture, science, and social welfare.
FDL
The Friends of the Depressed League
Achievements:
FDL Educational institutes: A Growing Network of Academic Excellence.
Notable Contributions of the Institution
Educational Movement in Rural Areas:
While actively engaged in social, political work, and legal practice, Karmayogi Com. Abasaheb Kakade initiated hostels for Dalit, laborer, farmworker, and underprivileged children to ensure they received education. To make education accessible, he also established schools in several villages. After his untimely demise in 1978, his wife, Late Nirmalatai Kakade, skillfully took charge of the institution.
Following her demise, their son, Adv. Dr. Vidyadhar alias Shivajirao Kakade, has been leading the institution since 1988 with patience, skill, and integrity, facing various challenges while keeping truth, student welfare, and social welfare at the forefront, drawing inspiration from his father’s legacy.
Key Educational Initiatives by the Institution
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the institution prioritized student welfare and pioneered online learning. Teachers were trained in digital teaching methods. Students without smartphones were taught through home visits by dedicated teachers, ensuring no learner was left behind. This approach became a model for continuity and compassion in education.
To integrate technology in learning, the institution introduced digital classrooms, helping students understand core concepts through audiovisual methods. This modern approach enhances engagement, creativity, and practical learning. Digital lessons are used to simplify complex topics, fostering curiosity and innovation among students in both urban and rural settings.
Recognizing rural students’ struggle with English, semi-English medium classes were launched in 2000-01 at Abasaheb Kakade Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Shevgaon – the first in rural Ahmednagar. This initiative bridged the language gap, improved confidence, and opened doors to global opportunities for young rural learners.
Celebrations like Raksha Bandhan, Gurupournima, Haldi-Kunku, Dahi Handi, Bhajan, Dindi, Shri Ram Navami, and other festivals are enthusiastically observed to instill cultural values in students. These traditions nurture respect, unity, and moral strength, creating socially aware, culturally rooted, and emotionally balanced individuals.
To prepare students from Class 5 onwards for NEET, JEE, CET, and scholarship exams, specially appointed teachers train them alongside regular curriculum. Rigorous practice sessions and mentorship build analytical and competitive skills. Many students have achieved admissions to IITs, MBBS, and other reputed institutions.
Commerce education from Class 6 to 9 helps develop economic literacy and inspires interest in commerce, banking, and entrepreneurship. Students gain financial awareness through real-life simulations, workshops, and visits, laying a strong foundation for future business leaders and socially responsible entrepreneurs.
Recognizing the need for computer education in rural areas, the institution offers BCA degrees to students from all streams (Arts, Commerce, Science). This inclusive opportunity empowers Arts students to pursue careers in IT, data management, and software development with confidence and modern technical skills.
A unique "Sunday College" concept allows professionals visiting Shevgaon from cities like Pune and Mumbai to share their knowledge with students. Through these interactive sessions, learners gain exposure to real-world experiences, industry trends, and computer education, helping bridge the rural-urban knowledge gap.
After the COVID-19 disruption, a special remedial program for underperforming students from Class 1 to 11 was launched with additional coaching sessions. Teachers provided personalized mentoring, progress tracking, and motivation, ensuring academic recovery and emotional stability for every child returning to learning.
A capacity development workshop was conducted in April 2019 in collaboration with Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, Pune, to train teachers. The program focused on pedagogy, leadership, and digital tools, enhancing educators’ abilities to inspire innovation, critical thinking, and modern teaching methods among students.
To maintain the sanctity of board exams, a copy-free examination drive is conducted each year, with special teams monitoring exams in all schools. This movement fosters honesty, discipline, and integrity, shaping students into responsible citizens who value merit over shortcuts.
Students are trained for various exams including Art Grade, National Talent Search, Olympiads, and Scholarship exams to enhance their academic skills. The institution’s focused guidance, resource materials, and mock tests help students sharpen reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities essential for future success.
Introduced to cultivate interest in agriculture, this subject teaches modern farming techniques, sustainability, and agri-based entrepreneurship. Students learn about soil health, irrigation, and crop production, linking education with rural livelihood development.
A major annual event for students across the taluka promoting sportsmanship and healthy competition. The festival encourages participation, unity, and physical well-being, helping students build confidence and leadership through athletics while celebrating the spirit of teamwork and determination.
Visits to banks, police stations, post offices, and gram panchayats are organized to provide students real-world administrative exposure. These experiences connect classroom lessons with practical understanding, inspiring civic awareness, and appreciation for community functioning and governance processes.
Girls are trained in karate for self-defense, helping build strength, agility, and confidence. The program also teaches discipline, focus, and resilience, empowering young girls to face challenges courageously in both academic and personal spheres.
High-performing students in SSC/HSC, scholarship exams, and competitions are felicitated to inspire academic excellence. Recognition ceremonies motivate all learners to strive for success, nurturing a culture of hard work, appreciation, and continuous growth within the institution.
Camps during summer break offer students personal development activities including traditional sports, arts, and cultural classes. These camps promote creativity, leadership, and teamwork while giving students a joyful learning experience beyond classrooms.
Facilities include colleges of education, pharmacy, and senior colleges to provide quality education and employment avenues. The institution’s vision emphasizes skill-based training and career-oriented programs that prepare students for real-world job markets.
Well-equipped computer labs are set up in all branches to provide IT knowledge. These labs support coding, design, and application-based learning, preparing students for digital careers and developing strong technical proficiency.
IT is taught in Class 11-12 to help students develop technical skills for jobs in web development and IT fields. Students gain exposure to current tools, programming concepts, and digital literacy essential for modern employment.
Aimed at practical and activity-based learning for holistic student development, available at Abasaheb Kakade School, Shevgaon. The subject promotes innovation, problem-solving, and technical creativity through hands-on experiments and projects.
Students receive training in sports like baseball, softball, cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, and wrestling. Coaches nurture discipline, fitness, and team spirit. Many students have represented the district, state, and nation, bringing pride and recognition to the institution through their achievements.
Hostel Establishment -Video 27
Service as a Mission
In the spirit of Seva Parmo Dharma (Service is the highest duty), the institution selflessly serves the most deprived sections of society.
Aid for Families Living on the Footpath
Driven by the spirit of giving back to society, the institution distributed grocery kits and essentials to underprivileged families living on the footpath in Ahilyanagar.
The distribution was done through the hands of Police Inspector Jyoti Gadkari Madam from Tofkhana Police Station.
Unorganized Workers Registration and Benefits
The government implements various schemes for unorganized workers. However, due to lack of awareness, especially among illiterate laborers in rural areas, they are often deprived of these benefits. Realizing this gap, the institution began a noble initiative to make such workers aware of their rights and provide them access to these benefits. To make them skilled, skill-based training programs were also started. An online assistance center was launched to help register these workers with the Labor Commissioner’s office. Various training programs were conducted, and so far, 4,520 construction workers have been registered and received direct benefits.
Drinking Water Filter Arrangement
To ensure students have access to clean drinking water, water filter systems have been installed across various branches of the institution.
Distribution of Educational Materials
Educational assistance is provided to underprivileged and backward-class students through the distribution of school supplies. This includes educational material, uniforms, and cash assistance.
Schemes by Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti
To create employment in rural areas and improve economic conditions, Zilla Parishad member and institution trustee Mrs. Harshadatai Kakade has distributed items like fodder cutters, sewing machines, agricultural tools, bullock carts, electric pumps, flour mills, etc., through government schemes. Dams have also been constructed in various villages to improve groundwater levels.
Tree Plantation
With the current environmental imbalance, tree plantation has become a necessity.
Trees help maintain ecological balance.
Recognizing the need for conservation, tree planting has been implemented at every branch of the institution.
Long-living trees like banyan, neem, peepal, saptaparni, and karanj are provided and nurtured at each location.
Support for Needy Students
To ensure that financial difficulties do not obstruct education, the institution has been consistently supporting economically weak students for years.
Additionally, some students are adopted and cared for.
In 2019-20, in the presence of dignitaries like Mr. Harish Bharde, Mr. Babanrao Pawar, and Mr. Ejaz Qazi, financial assistance was extended to poor and needy students.
Health Services
When hospitals were overflowing during the pandemic, the institution’s COVID Center proved truly life-saving. At a time when even families abandoned patients, the institution extended medical care, compassion, and moral support. Centers were set up at Amrapur School and Chapadgaon High School on April 24, 2021. Free facilities like beds, oxygen, steam machines, and medicines were provided. Around 6,000–7,000 patients from across Maharashtra recovered here, reflecting the organization’s deep commitment to humanity and social responsibility.
During the pandemic, nutritious meals were served daily to patients, including breakfast, lunch, kadha (herbal decoction), and dry fruits to strengthen immunity. Yoga lessons and breathing exercises were arranged to promote faster recovery. Institution president Dr. Vidyadhar Kakade and other dignitaries frequently visited, offering motivation and leading yoga sessions. Their personal involvement inspired both staff and patients, transforming the center into a space of care, positivity, and holistic healing rather than just medical treatment.
To create health awareness among students, hemoglobin and blood group testing camps are organized across all branches. These initiatives educate students about the importance of knowing their blood group, maintaining healthy iron levels, and the value of voluntary blood donation. Through such efforts, the institution nurtures a sense of social duty and self-care, preparing students to become responsible citizens who understand the significance of good health and the power of helping others in need.
Annual health check-up camps are held in collaboration with nearby primary health centers, ensuring the well-being of every student. Qualified doctors and nurses examine students for common ailments, eyesight, dental hygiene, and overall physical health. Those requiring further medical assistance are referred to the district hospital for specialized care. These regular check-ups promote preventive healthcare awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and help students develop lifelong habits of maintaining fitness and personal well-being.
Recognizing the life-saving importance of blood donation, the institution organizes blood donation camps every year in its higher branches. Students, alumni, and staff members participate enthusiastically, motivated by the noble cause of saving lives. Partnering with government hospitals and blood banks ensures that every unit collected supports emergency and medical needs. These camps not only fulfil a social responsibility but also instil compassion, civic awareness, and a sense of contribution among young participants.
To promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being, the institution conducts regular Yoga and Pranayama camps. Expert trainers guide students through breathing techniques, meditation, and postures that enhance focus, strength, and inner peace. These sessions help students relieve academic stress and develop a healthy lifestyle. By combining traditional wisdom with modern awareness, the institution builds lifelong fitness habits and encourages holistic development for a balanced mind and body.
Recognizing the tireless contribution of women health workers, the institution organizes felicitation programs to honour their selfless service during health crises and community outreach initiatives. These women, who serve as the backbone of rural healthcare, are awarded certificates and gifts in appreciation of their dedication. Such initiatives highlight the institution’s respect for women empowerment, compassion, and community service, inspiring the younger generation to pursue careers that contribute positively to society.
The Abasaheb Kakade Lifetime Achievement Award honours individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society in fields like education, healthcare, agriculture, and social service. The award includes a trophy and a cash prize, recognizing dedication and impactful work that uplifts communities. Through this initiative, the institution celebrates human excellence and continues the legacy of inspiring change-makers who work selflessly for the betterment of humanity.
Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation (Video 30-31)
In August 2021, floods submerged several villages like Akhegav, Khardgav, Varur, Bhagoor, and Vadule Budruk due to the overflowing Nani and Nandini rivers. Many farmers lost livestock, homes, and crops. The institution immediately distributed food grains, groceries, and essential items to the affected families, ensuring no one went hungry. These acts of relief demonstrated the organization’s readiness to serve humanity in times of natural disaster.
Following the devastating floods in Uttarakhand in 2013, the Abasaheb Kakade Educational Group raised and donated ₹2.5 lakh to support rehabilitation efforts. The contribution helped victims restore essential needs, showcasing solidarity and national compassion during times of crisis.
In the flood-affected areas of Kolhapur, the institution extended a helping hand by donating ₹1,03,100 to Mr. Babasaheb Vishnu Devkar for constructing a single-room shelter on December 2, 2019. This gesture brought hope and relief to affected families, reflecting the institution’s commitment to rebuilding lives after natural calamities.
Employment
To support farmers and unemployed youth, Dr. Adv. Shivajirao Kakade established Janshakti Textiles Mills on 25 acres of land in Shevgaon. This visionary initiative transformed the rural economy by providing sustainable employment opportunities to over 1,000–1,500 youth, both directly and indirectly. The textile mill not only generates stable income but also promotes local industry, self-reliance, and empowerment, marking a significant contribution to the development and progress of the Shevgaon region.
At the college level, the Student Development Board actively implements the Earn While You Learn scheme to support economically weaker students. The program includes emergency financial aid, career-based skill training, competition participation, and personality development. Students gain practical work experience alongside education, helping them manage expenses and build employable skills. This initiative encourages self-reliance, improves academic performance, and nurtures confidence, preparing students for real-world challenges and long-term career growth.
To ensure students and parents are well-informed about emerging career opportunities, the institution regularly hosts Career Guidance Seminars across its branches. Expert speakers and industry professionals from across Maharashtra share insights on various fields such as technology, management, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. These sessions not only help students choose suitable career paths but also encourage goal-oriented planning. The seminars bridge the gap between education and employment, inspiring youth to pursue excellence in their chosen professions.
Under the government’s Spurti Scheme, the institution established Bhudhan Fertilizers, an organic fertilizer and pesticide production unit at Bhaygaon, Shevgaon. This project focuses on converting agricultural waste into high-quality organic manure and bio-pesticides, promoting sustainable farming practices. So far, 1,429 farmers have benefited from this eco-friendly initiative. By supporting organic cultivation, Bhudhan Fertilizers contributes to soil health improvement, reduced chemical use, and greater profitability for farmers while encouraging rural entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture.
On 31/07/2013, the Janshakti Shramik Union was formed. So far, 4,520 workers have been registered with the Labor Commissioner. These workers have received:
• Safety kits
• Masonry training
• Group health insurance
• Personality development booklets (1,000 children)
• Scholarships (400 children)
A job fair was held at Mamata Lawns, Shevgaon on July 17, 2022, attended by motivational speaker Mr. Ganesh Shinde, Mr. Atul Dawanghe (District Industries Center), and Mr. Tatya Jiwde (Project Officer, Maharashtra Entrepreneurship Development Center), to guide youth in drought-affected areas about employment.
To financially empower women’s self-help groups (SHGs), the institution organizes the Annapurna Anand Mela, a vibrant exhibition that promotes women entrepreneurship. Here, women display and sell their handmade products, food items, and craftwork, gaining both income and confidence. The event fosters community bonding and provides a platform for local talent to reach a wider audience. By supporting these women, the institution strengthens family income sources and advances gender equality in rural entrepreneurship.
