Pune: The Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training, and Human Development Institute (Sarathi) officially inaugurated its new main building with a virtual ceremony led by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The institute is dedicated to the ideals of social justice championed by Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, and aims to foster the development of all communities across the state.

In his address, Pawar stressed the importance of ensuring that the work carried out by the Sarathi Institute remains true to the values of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. He also emphasized that the selection of students must be entirely merit-based, without any form of bias.

The ceremony, held online, was attended by Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Managing Director of Sarathi Ashok Kakade, and Director Navnath Pasalkar, while key dignitaries present in Pune included Sarathi’s Chairman Ajit Nimbalkar, Director Madhukar Kokate, and Public Works Department Chief Engineer Atul Chavan.

Nimbalkar highlighted Sarathi’s role in skill development, focusing on creating self-employment opportunities for students, not just securing them government jobs. He noted that the hostels in Sarathi’s eight regional headquarters will be open to students from the Maratha, targeted groups, and other communities.

Sarathi was established with the goal of advancing large sections of the population in Maharashtra, particularly the Maratha, Kunbi, Kunbi-Maratha, and Maratha-Kunbi communities, in line with the vision of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.

The institute provides educational support and employment opportunities through its skill development programs, and Pawar reiterated that the state government is committed to expanding these initiatives to benefit even more students.