Pune, 23 June 2025: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stressed that while economic progress is essential, education plays a vital role in shaping responsible and cultured citizens for the future. He was speaking at the ‘Anandotsav’ programme organised by the Progressive Education Society (PES) in Pune.

Gadkari said, “Knowledge alone is not enough; education should cultivate good character, social sensitivity, responsibility and patriotism. These values cannot be bought but are developed through a strong educational foundation.” He added that research should also focus on local needs apart from space and satellite studies, and that educational institutions must uphold principles and ethics while expanding.

At the event, Gadkari felicitated principals, headmasters, and office bearers of PES-run schools and colleges for their achievements.

State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, who was present, said that around 400 colleges in Maharashtra have autonomous status, and the aim is to increase this number to 500 soon. He also shared that efforts are being made to provide Rs 2,000 per month to five lakh girl students in higher education under the ‘Kamwa, Shika’ (Earn and Learn) scheme.

The programme was presided over by PES Working President Dr. Gajanan Ekbote, with MP Medha Kulkarni, MLA Siddharth Shirole, Shamakant Deshmukh, Dr. Jyotsna Ekbote and Dr. Nivedita Ekbote among the dignitaries present.