Politics – Memorial Planned at Vidya Pratishthan to Honor Ajit Pawar’s Legacy
Politics – A memorial dedicated to late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be established at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati, an educational institution founded by the Pawar family, according to people close to the family. The decision follows the death of the senior leader in a tragic plane crash near the Baramati airport airstrip on January 28. Pawar, who was 66, was among five people who lost their lives in the accident, an incident that triggered widespread grief across Maharashtra and beyond.
Memorial to Be Located at a Place of Personal Significance
The memorial will be built within the Vidya Pratishthan campus, a site that holds deep personal and emotional value for the Pawar family. The same premises were used for the final rites of the late leader, making it a natural choice for commemorating his life and work. Family associates said the location reflects Pawar’s long-standing association with education and public service in the Baramati region.
Kiran Gujar, a close aide and long-time confidant of the Pawar family, confirmed the plan on Sunday. He said the family collectively agreed that Vidya Pratishthan was the most appropriate place to honor Pawar’s memory, given its close ties to both his public life and personal journey.
Family’s Decision to Honor Public Service and Values
According to Gujar, the memorial is intended to recognize Ajit Pawar’s decades-long contribution to Maharashtra’s political and administrative landscape. He noted that the family wants the structure to reflect Pawar’s commitment to governance, development, and education rather than serve as a symbolic gesture alone.
“The family believes Vidya Pratishthan represents the values Ajit Pawar stood for throughout his life,” Gujar said. “It was founded with a vision to expand educational opportunities, and it is also the place where people gathered to bid him farewell. The memorial will be a lasting tribute to his work and ideals.”
Focus on Education and Social Development
Sources familiar with the plan said the memorial is expected to highlight Pawar’s support for educational institutions and social development initiatives. Over the years, he was closely associated with efforts to strengthen rural education and infrastructure, particularly in western Maharashtra. The choice of an educational campus for the memorial is seen as aligning with those priorities.
While the overall concept has been finalized, the family has not yet shared specific details regarding the memorial’s design or construction schedule. Gujar said further announcements will be made once consultations with architects and planners are completed.
A Leader With Deep Roots in Baramati
Ajit Pawar was regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, known for his administrative experience and strong connection with grassroots workers. Representing the Baramati region for many years, he maintained close ties with local communities and played a key role in shaping regional development policies.
His sudden death in the plane crash came as a shock to political leaders across party lines, as well as to citizens who had followed his long public career. Condolences poured in from across the country, reflecting the impact he had during decades of service in state politics.
Memorial to Serve as Place of Reflection
Family members and aides said the memorial is expected to become a place where people can reflect on Pawar’s life and contribution to the state. They emphasized that the initiative is meant to preserve his legacy in a dignified and meaningful way, rooted in the institutions and communities he cared about most.
As Maharashtra continues to mourn the loss of a senior leader, the planned memorial at Vidya Pratishthan is being seen as a step toward honoring a public life marked by influence, responsibility, and enduring ties to education and regional development.