Changadev Get-together

 

स्नेहीजनांचा मेळावा!

जळगांव जिल्ह्यातील, तापी-पूर्णा नद्यांच्या संगमावर, चांगदेव मंदिराभोवती वसलेले चांगदेव हे गाव ! १९८० मधे,तापी नदीवर हतनूर धरण बांधले जात असल्याने, गावाचे पुनर्वसन झाले. गावातील अनेक जण नोकरी व व्यवसाय निमित्ताने वेगवेळ्या शहरात गेले व तिथे स्थायिक झाले. त्यांची मुले आणखी पुढे गेली. काही जण परदेशात शिक्षणाकरिता गेले,नोकरीला लागले व तेथे स्थायिक झाले. नोकरी व व्यवसायानिमित्त पुण्यात राहत असलेल्या स्नेहीजनांचा मेळावा भोसरी येथील श्री संत आदिशक्ती मुक्ताबाई मंदिरात आयोजित करण्यात आलेला होता.

आज ३०० पेक्षा अधिक लोक या मेळाव्या करिता उपस्थित होते ही आपल्या सर्वांकरिता अत्यंत आनंदाची आणि अभिमानास्पद बाब आहे.

गेल्या दोन वर्षापासून विद्याधर महाजन आणि त्याचे सहकारी मित्र त्याकरिता प्रयत्नशील होते. विद्याधरने Changadev Get-together  नावाचा एक व्हॉट्सअप ग्रुप बनविला. एक एक व्यक्तिला शोधून त्यांचे काँटॅक्ट नम्बर मिळविले. त्यांच्याशी बोलला. शक्य असेल त्यांना व्यक्तिगतरित्या भेटला. जेष्ठांचे मार्गदर्शन घेतले. चांगदेव गावतील व्यक्तींशी संपर्क करून त्यांचे सहकार्य मिळविले. त्याचे हे अत्यंत जिकिरीचे व चिकटीचे काम सातत्याने सुरू होते. त्याच्या व त्याच्या सर्व सहकाऱ्यांच्या मेहनतीला आलेले फळ या मेळाव्याच्या स्वरूपात आपणास पहावयास मिळाले. मेळाव्यात तरुण मंडळींचा उत्स्फूर्त सहभाग, त्याच बरोबर अनेक जेष्ठ व गुरूतुल्य व्यक्तींची उपस्थिती बघून खूप आनंद झाला.

ऋषीतुल्य व्यक्तिमत्त्वाचे, जागतिक दर्जाचे शास्त्रज्ञ, डॉ. व्ही. आर. चौधरी सर यानिमित्ताने भेटले, त्यांनी आपले अनुभव कथन करून बहुमोल मार्गदर्शन केले ही आपल्या सगळ्यांकरिता अत्यंत आनंदाची आणि प्रेरणादायी गोष्ट ठरली. विद्याधरने त्यांचा औपचारीक परीचय करून दिलेला असला तरीही पुनः त्यांच्या कार्याविषयी लिहिणे मी माझे कर्तव्य समजतो.

नॅशनल केमिकल लॅबोरेटरी (NCL), पुणे या प्रतिष्ठित संस्थेत सरांनी शास्त्रज्ञ म्हणून कार्यास सुरवात केली. डायरेक्टर्स सायंटिस्ट या पदापर्यंत ते पोहचले.

वैज्ञानिक आणि तंत्राज्ञान क्षेत्रात अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण ठरलेल्या त्यांच्या मूलभूत संशोधनाकरिता, त्यांना १९९३ मधे ‘Vasvik Award’ देवून गौरविण्यात आले.

१८८५ मधे स्थापन झालेल्या, कॅलिफोर्निया राज्यातील स्टँडफोर्ड येथे ८००० एकर परिसरात विविध शाखांचा अभ्यासक्रम राबविणाऱ्या, नोबेल पारितोषिक प्राप्त झालेले अनेक जेष्ठ प्राध्यापक जेथे कार्यरत आहेत अशा जागतिक दर्जाच्या व प्रतिष्ठित Standford University  ने अत्यंत कठीण निकष वापरून, प्रभावशाली असलेल्या, जगातील शास्त्रज्ञांची जी क्रमवारी ठरविली, -‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’ -त्यात डॉ. व्ही. आर. चौधरी यांचे नांव बऱ्याच वरच्या क्रमांकावर आहे हे बघून अनेकांना आश्चर्याचा धक्क बसला!

USA मधील Fayetteville आणि जपान मधील Hokaido या प्रतिष्ठित विद्यापीठांत ते Visiting Research Professor म्हणून काही काळ कार्यरत होते.

प्रसिद्धी पासून लांब राहून, वयाच्या ८४ व्या वर्षीही ते  कार्यमग्न असतात. आपल्या क्षेत्रातील संशोधन पुढे नेवू इच्छिणाऱ्या त्यांच्या विद्यार्थ्यांना कर्तव्य भावनेने ते मार्गदर्शन करीत असतात. त्यांना निरामय दीर्घ आयुष्य लाभो अशी प्रार्थना करतो आणि त्यांच्या कार्यास शुभेच्छा चिंतितो!

आळंदी मार्गावरील, आपल्या सर्वांचे आराध्य दैवत असलेल्या श्री संत आदिशक्ती मुक्ताबाई मंदिरात  आयोजित करण्यात आलेल्या या मेळाव्यात उपस्थित राहतांना, श्री. चांगदेव महाराज वाघावर स्वार होऊन आपल्या शिष्यगणांसमवेत निवृत्ती, ज्ञानदेव, सोपान, मुक्ताबाई या भावंडांना भेटायला आळंदीला निघाले असता, त्यांच्या स्वागताकरिता ही भावंडे भिंतीवर बसून सामोरी गेलीत, पुढे चांगदेवांनी आदिशक्ती मुक्ताबाईचे शिष्यत्व पत्करले या प्रसंगांची मला आठवण होत आहे.

एकमेकांचा परिचय व्हावा, अडीअडचणींच्या वेळी एकमेकांना मदत व्हावी या उद्देशाने आयोजित करण्यात आलेल्या या मेळाव्याने त्यापेक्षा कितितरी अधीक उद्दिष्टे साध्य केलेली आहेत हे स्पष्टपणे जाणवत आहे. त्याकरिता मी विद्याधर, सुधीर लोखंडे, दिपक चौधरी, दिपक लढे, विश्वास पाटील आणि त्यांच्या सर्व सहकाऱ्यांचे मी मनःपूर्वक अभिनंदन करतो!

आपण सर्वांनी आमचे अगत्यपूर्वक स्वागत केले त्याबद्दल सर्वांना मनापासून धन्यवाद देतो.

प्रा. डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे, पुणे, मार्च १६, २०२५

ता. क. विद्याधर १९८५-८६ बॅचचा गिरणांजनी तंत्रनिकेतन, एरोंडोलचा विद्यार्थी. तेथे मी प्राचार्य होतो.

SWOT Of Mine!

 S W O T Of Mine!

Hear with heart and speak with eyes

Strengths like these light up the skies!

Weaknesses are the part of the tune

Speaking too much, under the moon!

This is good and that is too; not true

Let your words be bold,break through!

Opportunities hide from seeking sight 

Whatever comes, I face with might!

Greatest threat is yet to be seen 

God with me I am bound to win!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal

Pune, March 13, 2025

P. S. SWOT Analysis is a strategic tool used to evaluate and understand an individual’s or organisation’s Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It helps in making informed decisions, identifying growth areas, and addressing challenges effectively. Here I have presented my SWOT in a poetic form hoping the readers will appreciate it.

Pre Blog - SPCE

My Dear SPCEites,

While writing a blog ‘Heartbeats of SPCE’, in English and ‘एस पी सी ई ची स्पंदने’ in Marathi, I visited Wikipedia site to know what information they have put on the site. The information about SPACE, under the head, Sardar Patel College of Engineering is available on Wikipedia. A little bit correction is needed in this information on Wikipedia. 

Actually, we named our cultural event as SPACE  in the year 1982. It was our creativity to put ‘A’ in the middle of short form of our college name SPCE making it ‘SPACE’. And as the event happened in 1982 it was named as ‘SPACE 82’. So the correction 1982 in place of 1983 is required on Wikipedia.

I tried to do this correction on Wikipedia but I couldn’t, hence requesting you to go on Wikipedia and edit this information.

My Dear Friends,

I am writing about the beautiful moments we spent in SPCE! SPCE are not merely words they are part of our life!  

Our friends , Sh. Yagnesh Jani and Sh. Pankaj Mehta have been using the name of SPACE in all their companies. 

It started with, Space Engineers, followed by

Space Constructions, then Space Contractors Pvt. Ltd. 

and currently Space Contractors LLP.

Our other friend Sh. Pankaj Shah heads the Group of  companies nicknamed as S.P.GROUP OF COMPANIES which includes,

(1) S.P. CONSULTING

(2)S.P. CIVIL ENGINEERS PVT.LTD.

(3)S.P.ASSOCIATES

Dear friends,

Expressing gratitude towards our alma mater brings me immense joy that words cannot fully capture! SPCE is the place that nurtured our growth and provided us with abundant, unforgettable memories.

My Dear Ones,

I will write about those beautiful moments we shared together- moments of joy and laughter, moments of pride and achievements, and moments when we faced challenges head-on.

I will write about the stunning campus, classrooms, auditorium, playground, canteen, temple, and garden. 

I will write about Bhavan's College of Arts, Commerce and Science, the boys' and girls' hostels, the students' elections, and encounters with gangsters. 

I will write about Marathi Vangamay Mandal, University youth festival, and the poetry, drama, debate, and elocution competitions.

Dear Hostel Buddies,

I will write about the hostel and mess, and the time spent with celebrities coming there.

I will write about the hotels, restaurants, and Juhu Beach; the places where we created valuable moments in our lives. 

I will write about the Ganapati festival and the Holi celebrations in the hostel, and the uniqueness of our celebrations.

I will express my gratitude for our dedicated rectors and wardens, the lovely staff, our caring watchmen, and the hostel clerks. 

Dear Friends,

I will write about our devoted teachers, including Prof. S. N. Nagraju, Prof. R.M. Joshi, and Prof. Bahavani Prasad, among others.

I will also mention our class fellows such as Hemanat Naik Navare, Goldie Goradia, Kanhaiya Shah, Pramod Morankar, and their achievements. Additionally, I will highlight Ranjit Naiknavre and Dr. S.P. Yawalkar, who have excelled in their respective fields. Furthermore, I will talk about notable alumni, including Rahul Churi and Samir Nigam, the founders of PhonePe; Mohit Lad from ThousandEyes; actress Shefali Jariwala; American cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar; and many others.

Dear Sweethearts, 

I have a plan to refresh your memories by writing about the walk, we started from hotel Delhi Darbar at Grant Road, after midnight, after our gathering success celebration party was over on that day of March 1982; a long walk full of dancing, joking and making fun on nearly empty streets which ended at 6:30 morning at hotel Swadesh at Andheri!

I also have a plan to recount the breath-holding incident that occurred in the hostel at midnight on April 30, 1980, which is still remembered by all hostelites. Thank God it was April Fool's Day!

Warm regards to all!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal 

Pune, March 11, 2025

Earnest Appeal

 

Earnest Appeal !

The backdrop of Polytechnic teachers being overlooked for AICTE scales following the sixth pay announcement has been a matter of deep concern. To address this pressing issue, an urgent meeting of all Polytechnic Associations across the country was called in New Delhi.

The meeting, held at the prestigious Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Pusa Campus, New Delhi, was meticulously organized by Prof. Satish Suryan, Prof. Ravindra Singh, and their dedicated colleagues from Delhi Polytechnics. Representatives from across India attended, reflecting the unity among Polytechnic teachers.

The Maharashtra Government Polytechnic Teachers' Association was honored to be represented by Prof. Rajnish Pise (President), Prof. Shrikant Naik (Treasurer), and myself, as the General Secretary. On the agenda, the most pressing issue was the establishment of the National Federation of Polytechnic Teachers' Associations (NFPT)and the election of its office bearers.

Prominent figures like Prof. Santosh Kumar Pipra (Madhya Pradesh), Prof. Chandrashekhar and Prof. Gokhari (Andhra Pradesh), Prof. Bhaskaran (Karnataka), Prof. Abdul Naser (Kerala), Prof. Madanlal Rana (Rajasthan), Prof. Jamir (Assam), and many others brought invaluable insights to the table. Prof. Satish Suryan's welcome and briefing set the tone for the intense discussions that followed.

The first day's deliberations concluded with a formal decision to elect the NFPT’s President the following day. That evening, the camaraderie among attendees blossomed. The impeccable hospitality of our hosts added warmth to the event. We shared stories and experiences; and has a fun.

The morning of the second day brought an unexpected twist. A group of teachers approached me with a heartfelt request: they wanted me to take on the responsibility as President of the federation. Their confidence in me was humbling, but I was genuinely surprised. I expressed my gratitude but insisted that Prof. Satish Suryan, who had worked tirelessly to organize this landmark meeting and was an aspirant for the role, should be given the opportunity. "We will all support him," I assured them.

However, their conviction did not waver. Within half an hour, another group came forward with the same proposal. Feeling the weight of their trust, I decided to consult Prof. Rajnish Pise for guidance. After careful discussion, I agreed to consider the role-but only under the condition that the decision would be unanimous.

With this resolution in mind, I approached Prof. Suryan to share the developments. His reaction was one of visible annoyance. After a moment of contemplation, he firmly stated, "Let there be an election." 

On that day, March 3 of 2006, by mid-morning, it was clear that the post of President would be decided through an election. The conference hall buzzed with anticipation, the atmosphere charged with tension. Mrs. Rane, Principal of Government Polytechnic, Panaji (Goa), was appointed as the Election Officer.

Prof. Satish Suryan and I were the candidates for this significant role. Mrs. Rane outlined the election procedure. As part of the process, each candidate was given five minutes to address the gathering and present their vision.

Prof. Suryan spoke first, passionately recounting the relentless efforts he and his team had invested in organizing this landmark meeting. He emphasized the strategic advantage of having a President based in Delhi, enabling closer coordination with the HRD Ministry. His appeal was heartfelt, urging the gathering to entrust him with the responsibility of leading the federation.

When my turn came, I walked towards the dais slowly, and with confidence. Standing firmly, I greeted the dignitaries on and off the dais; with a small smile on my face, I tried to lighten the atmosphere. I began by congratulating and thanking Prof. Suryan and his team for their commendable efforts in organizing this crucial meeting. Their dedication deserved recognition.

I spoke about the essence of an organization and the responsibilities of its leader. I shared my experiences—two decades of serving as General Secretary, navigating struggles within and beyond the system, and fostering unity among members.

After a big pause, I addressed the gathering: "Dear friends, personal sacrifice and strong commitment are the foundation stones of any organization." The room was silent, hanging on to every word. Turning to Prof. Suryan, I continued, "My dear Prof. Suryan, you deserve to be President; no doubt about it. Not for me, but for the benefit of our organization, for these people, I earnestly appeal to you to withdraw…"

The words resonated deeply. The room erupted in applause that filled the hall with energy and emotion. Prof. Suryan, moved by the moment, rose from his seat, approached the dais, and graciously announced his withdrawal. He congratulated me, and the applause grew even louder!

In that moment, I felt the profound impact of an earnest appeal !

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal of Polytechnic 

Pune, March 10,  2025

P.S. That same day, March 3, 2006, former U.S. President Bill Clinton was in New Delhi for an event. The leading news paper, Hindu’ covers both stories, giving them equal importance.

Remembering The Poet

बालकवी ठोंबरे यांच्या जयंती निमित्ताने...

रोज सकाळी उठून फिरायला जातांना, घरापासून जवळच असलेल्या ओंकारेश्वर मंदिरातील ओंकारेश्वरांचे दर्शन घेणे, तेथून काव्यरत्नावली चौकात जैन उद्योग समूहाच्या सौजन्याने दिनविशेष निमित्ताने लावण्यात आलेल्या फलकांचे अवलोकन करणे व नंतर भाऊच्या उद्यानात फिरणे असा माझा दिनक्रम असतो.

महाबळ चौकावरून नेहरू पुतळ्याकडे जाणारा व गिरणा पंपिंग स्टेशन कडून मेहरूण तलावाकडे जाणारा असे हे दोन रस्ते ज्या ठिकाणी मिळतात त्या ठिकाणी आर्किटेक्ट शिरीष बर्वे यांच्या संकल्पनेतून जळगाव महानगरपालिके द्वारे शहराचे वैशिष्ट्य ठरावे अशा काव्यरत्नावली चौकाची कल्पकतापूर्वक निर्मिती करण्यात आलेली आहे.

चौकातील सर्कल, त्यात दिनविशेष निमित्ताने प्रकाश व्यवस्थेसह लावण्यात येणारे फ्लेक्स बोर्ड, प्रत्येक कोपऱ्यात संगमरवरी पायऱ्यांवर बसण्याची व्यवस्था, त्यामागे एरिका पामचे सुंदर बॅकग्राऊंड, समोर हिरवळ, प्रकाश व्यवस्थेसह कारंजे अशा पद्धतीने प्रत्येक कोपरा सुशोभित करण्यात आलेला आहे. 

काव्यरत्नावली चौकात साने गुरुजींची खरा तो एकची धर्म जगाला प्रेम अर्पावे‌...बहिणाबाईंची काया काया शेतामंधी घाम जिरव जिरव ही *धरीत्रीले दंडवत* कविता... बालकवींची पाय टाकुनी जळात बसला असला औदुंबर ही *औदुंबर* कविता..... दुर्गाप्रसाद तिवारींची त्यांचेच उभारा पुतळे, जे स्वातंत्र्यास्तव लढले...अशा चार कविता चार कोपऱ्यांमधे नाविन्यपूर्ण पद्धतीने लावण्यात आलेल्या आहेत.

बालकवींची आज जयंती. बालकवी म्हणजे त्र्यंबक बापूजी ठोंबरे. १३ ऑगस्ट १८९० मध्ये जळगाव जिल्ह्यातील धरणगाव येथे त्यांचा जन्म झाला. १९०७ मधे जळगांव येथे भरलेल्या पहिल्या मराठी साहित्य संमेलनात त्यांना बालकवी ही उपाधी मिळाली. बालकवींना निसर्गाबद्दल कमालीचे प्रेम होते. हळव्या मनाचे आणि बालसुलभ निरागसता लाभलेले बालकवी निसर्गाचे वर्णन करतांना त्याचेशी एकरूप होऊन त्यात हरवून जात. त्यांच्या निसर्ग कविता दृश्यरुपी असल्याने ते दृश्य आपण प्रत्यक्ष बघत आहोत... अनुभव आहोत असा भास होतो. 

त्यांची औदुंबर कविता मात्र वेगळ्या प्रकारची आहे. ही केवळ निसर्ग कविता नसावी. त्यातून अनेक अर्थ ध्वनीत होतात असे अनेकांनी कवितेचे रसग्रहण करतांना सांगितलेले आहे.

फक्त २८ वर्षांचे आयुष्य बालकवींना लाभले. भादली रेल्वे स्थानकाजवळ रेल्वे रूळ ओलांडत असतांना त्यांचा दुर्दैवी अंत झाला.

शालेय अभ्यासक्रमात असल्याने तोंडपाठ केलेल्या, श्रावणमासी हर्ष मानसी हिरवळ दाटे चोहिकडे... आनंदी आनंद गडे जिकडे तिकडे चोहीकडे... अशा सहज सुंदर निसर्ग कविता आजही मनाला तेवढाच आनंद देतात.

ज्या बालकवींनी आपल्या कवितांनी लहानपणीच आमचे भावविश्व समृद्ध केले,  जीवन आनंददायी केले, निसर्गातील सौंदर्य शोधण्याची प्रेरणा दिली, त्या बालकवींचे स्मरण करून, त्यांच्या विषयी कृतज्ञता भाव व्यक्त करून विनम्रपणे त्यांना आदरांजली अर्पण करतो.

प्रा. महेंद्र इंगळे, जळगांव

ऑगस्ट १३, २०२४

Prize won by GPJ students

 

A Tribute to Prof. Avinash Zope

 *A tribute to Prof. A. S. Zope on the occasion of his retirement* 

My colleague Prof. Avinash Zope Sir, Lecturer and in-charge Head of Department, Electrical Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon, is retiring from government Service on 31/8/2022. Best wishes to him for his second innings after retirement. I pray to the Lord that he may live a fulfilling life according to his heart’s desires and expectations.

Mr. Zope sir obtained his diploma from Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon in the year 1981 and graduated from VJTI Mumbai. After seven or eight years of industrial experience, he joined the Technical Education Department as Lecturer of Electrical Engineering. He served in various Government Polytechnics at  Khamgaon, Gadchiroli, Dhule, Ausari and also at Government College of Engineering, Jalgaon. While in service he received M. Tech. Ed.. degree from NITTR, Bhopal.

He is known as a very disciplined teacher who strived round the clock for the all-round development of his students. He wrote books on Electrical Engineering subjects in simple language for students. For many years he was working on the Board of Studies of Electrical Engineering discipline of Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education.

Many old and heavy machines of the electrical engineering department under his leadership are still functioning well. He had updated the laboratories and classrooms in the electrical department at a minimal cost. He had guided the students in their projects to illuminate layouts and models of various thermal plants of Maharashtra and exhibited them with in the polytechnic. Photos of various scientists and information about their work were displayed on display boards in laboratories and classrooms.

Mr. Zope sir along with his department, was responsible for maintaining the power supply systems of various buildings and hostels in the forty acre area of the institution. With very little financial provision for maintenance, he used to facilitate many difficult tasks due to his personal liaison with the officers of the electricity board.

In September 2018, a transformer in the institute premises exploded. Oil spilled out of it and spread with fire and created a very precarious situation. Mr. Zope sir and his colleagues immediately contacted the electricity board engineers and safely pulled out the blasted transformer. In two days the electricity supply was restored with the installation of a new transformer. I remember many such incidents on this occasion.

He always insisted that any event in the organization was carried out in a very orderly manner. He always encouraged the students and entrusted them with the responsibility of organizing the program. Especially during Dussehra, Teacher's Day, Engineer's Day, Felicitation Ceremonies, Farewell Functions. Electrical engg. students used volunteer to draw Rangolis. The electrical engg. department used to be lit up with lighting.

He played an important role in establishing and registering the Alumni Association of the Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon. Through the association, he implemented various activities in the institution.

When the Entrepreneurship Management Development Cell was functioning in the institute, a three-day training program was organized for the students through it. In that, on the final day, the students would have a direct interaction with the renowned industrialists and the students would get an opportunity to ask the entrepreneurs their questions and clarify their doubts. This program was coordinated by Shri. Zope Sir. This program was not only very beneficial to the students but also the renowned entrepreneurs who came to the institute were overwhelmed by the organization of the program and the creativity of the students. Even today many people remember this event.

In his speeches Mr. Zope sir used to mention the poem, “You start dying slowly if you don't.......” written by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda. In this poem, the poet says that while trying to fulfill our dreams with innovation, we should enjoy a beautiful life, otherwise we die slowly.

Mr. Zope sir is not only an ideal teacher but also a good human being. He is a family man, liked to stay active, went on sightseeing trips with family and relatives and attended classical music and dance events. He has an aptitude to enjoy life to his heart's content.

His association with Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon spans 45 years. He and both of his daughters are alumni of the institution. Interestingly, all three had passed out of the institute standing first in their classes. Many of his students are working in various responsible positions. Some have become successful entrepreneurs. I am personally indebted to him for his cooperation with me in many activities. I am sure Mr. Zope Sir will be a contented man as he retires. Wishing him my best wishes once again, I take leave.

Thank you!

Dr. Mahendra Ingle, Former Principal 

Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon

Translated from original Marathi by Dr. S. B. Wesley