Baramati educationist and former mayor Jawahar Shah WaghOlikar dies after brief illness

Jawahar Shah (Wagholikar), a senior figure in Baramati's education, social, political and trade circles, has died after a brief illness. He was president of the Anekant Education Society and a former president of the Baramati Municipal Council.

People say his death has taken away an important face of Baramati's public life. He was also known as a trusted associate of senior leader Sharad Pawar and the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Condolence messages began pouring in from the political, social and education sectors as soon as news of his death came.

Shah served as secretary of the Anekant Education Society for a long time. After he took over as the society's president, he made special efforts to expand education. Under his leadership, the society's academic work gained a major direction. He had a large share in giving students in Baramati and surrounding areas new opportunities to study through various courses.

The Anekant Education Society runs Tuljaram Chaturchand College, the senior college of Jaysingpur, Anekant English Medium School, and junior and postgraduate courses. Courses such as B.Pharmacy, D.Pharmacy, MBA, journalism and food technology are also available at the society. Shah's contribution to the expansion and progress of these institutions is considered significant.

Along with education, Shah remained active in public life. As president of the Baramati Municipal Council, he contributed to the city's development works. As president of the Baramati Merchants Association, he raised traders' concerns and interests. He also took an active part in the religious and social programmes of the Jain community. Because he worked in many fields, he had a wide circle of contacts in Baramati.

He had close ties with senior leader Sharad Pawar for many years. He was also deeply attached to the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. On learning of his death, Sharad Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and MP Supriya Sule expressed grief.

People say his death has left a big void in Baramati's political and social circles. He is survived by councillor Rahul Wagholikar, two married daughters, a daughter-in-law and grandchildren.