Report of Birth Anniversary Celebration of
Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil (Padma Shri Awardee)
Venue: Vikhe Patil Memorial School, Pune
Day and Date: Thursday 27th August 2026
John Quincy Adams has said that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Padma Shri awardee Dr. Vittalrao Vikhe Patil was such a visionary leader. He transformed the rural landscape of Maharashtra by setting up Asia’s first cooperative sugar factory and setting up educational institutes to uplift the life of the upcoming generations. To honour his contribution to the society at large and also commemorate him as our founding father, Birth Anniversary of Dr Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil was celebrated in Vikhe Patil Memorial School Pune on Narali Pournima, 27th August 2026.A special assembly was conducted that highlighted the values of respect, altruism, and sibling bonding, all of which are woven naturally in the Indian cultural fabric.
The special assembly commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp, by our Principal Mrs. Mrinalini Fernandes and Vice Principal Mr Amol Patil, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by offering a Floral Tribute to the distinguished Padma Shri awardee Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil, whose life and achievements were the central theme of the day.
The school choir led the prayer “Agyan Ke Andheron Se”, asking for guidance to move away from confusion, falsehood, and blind darkness, and toward truth, wisdom, and clarity. Leadership is serving and lifting others, and turning a shared vision into reality.” was the Thought for the Day. The assembly went ahead with children explaining the Significance of the Day where they shared some interesting facts on the life and work of Dr. Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil. A skit based on the life and work of Dr Vitthalrao was performed by the students of STD X where they brought to life the significant events of his life. This was followed by a short skit based on Raksha Bandhan enacted by the students of STD I – III which gave the message of importance of the love and bond between siblings. Later the students of STD IX presented the inspirational song ‘Tum Samay Ki Ret Par’ giving the positive message of living our life purposefully.
While culminating the assembly it was reiterated that we have the power within us to bring about a change in society.
Later the students watched a documentary on the life and work of Padma Shri awardee Dr Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil and its huge impact on many generations, in their respective classes. This was followed by the meaningful activities such as poster making on the theme of cooperation and “My Farmer, My Pride”, making vision board to lead one’s life purposefully, role play on the theme of values in action and honouring Padma Shri Dr Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil by making collages and poetry. The day ended on a sweet note by distributing coconut laddoos to the students.
Report compiled by – Ms. Shirish Sant
