Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan

Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan-Background of Foundation

“ The teachings must not only bring about an internal development in individuals but also remind them of their obligations towards society. Instead of saying what the country has done for me one should say what I have done for the country. We are indebted to our motherland and we must constantly remember this fact.

These teachings have a widespread significance and have a unique value in building a nation. To achieve concrete result by the implementation of these teachings an institution committed to social services was founded in the name of Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari.”

Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari inherited this legacy of social awakening from his ancestors. He committed himself to the task of eradicating ignorance from society at every level of human existence. He laid the foundation of his work on 10^th Oct. 1943 which was being observed as Vijayadashami Day by the entire nation. He worked all his life with a dispassionate dedication. He organised Shri Baithak at various places for successfully spreading and teaching immortal values of saintly literatures. These Shri Baithak were well organised, well maintained congregations of men, women and children. Individuals for seven decades are receiving lessons on methods of achieving freedom from ignorance and guidance towards path of self knowledge by turning inwards.

Teaching based on Saintly literatures brings about an all round development in men and women. Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari while reminding everyone of his debt to the nation would recall through his popular saying – “Ask what I have done for my country.do not ask what the country has done for me” . Through his magnanimous teaching he brought about social and national unity.

In a Shri baithak Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari achieved many social goals. Blind faith eradication, de-addiction of society, removal of dowry system, empowering women, starting adult literacy centres, opening training centres for children, tree plantation and their protection and many such similar projects affecting the various facets of human life and bringing necessary changes in them at the same time were successfully launched. These projects brought immense benefits to one and all in the society.

The social changes brought about by Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari were noted by many social, official and political institutions. These institutions have honoured him with awards and felicitations from time to time.

Awards honouring Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari

“Raigad Mitra” by Raigad Zilla Parishad on 13^th May 1993.
“Maharashtra State Cultural Award” by Maharashtra State Govt.on 29^th June 1997.
“National Integration Award” by Seroc (India) on 16^th May 1999.
“Shri Samartha Ramdas Swami Award” by Shri Ramdas Swami Sansthan on 18^th May 1999.
“Shiv Samartha Puraskar” by Samartha Vyaspeeth, Pune on15^th November 1999.
“Gujrathi Mahajan Bhushan Puraskar” by Gujrathi Mahajan Samaj on 17^th November 2000.
“Sant Shri Dnyaneshwar Puraskar” by Sant Krupa Pratishthan, Pune on 1^st December 2000.
“Bahinabai Pratishthan Puraskar” by Bahinabai Pratishthan, Pune on 18^th December 2000.
“Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar” by Maharashtra Yuwa Pratishthan on 30^th April 2001.
“Samaj Bhushan Puraskar” by Hirwal Pratishthan, Mahad on1st March 2002.
“Shivraj Pratishthan Puraskar” by Shivraj Pratishthan Nagothane on 31^st January 2003.
“Social Awakening Citation” by Pimpri, Chinchwad Municipal Corporation on 12^th May 2003.
“Doctor of Literature” (D.Litt) by Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune on 7^th February 2004.
“Social Awakening Citation” by Pune Municipal Corporation on 28^th January 2005.
“Maharshi Vyas Puraskar” by Maharshi Vyas Pratishthan, Pune on 11^th December 2007.
“Maharashtra Bhushan Award” by Govt. of Maharashtra on 30^th April 08.

This award was announced on 1^st May 2008. However Dr. Shri Nanasaheb breathed his last on 8^th July 2008. Hence this award was received by Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari on 25^th Nov. 2008 at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai at the hands of honourable Ex-Chief Minister Shri Vilasraoji Deshmukh in a glittering ceremony. This event was attended by a mammoth gathering of more than Fourty lakh people. It created a record of sorts. This event was reported in the 2010 edition of “ Limca Book of World Records ”.

The teachings based on saintly literature have many dimensions of social awakening. This awakening has affected many facets of human life. The following projects have been implemented under this social awakening.

Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan