Satara school marks 125 years since Ambedkar's admission with Shala Praveshotsav day

Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar began his schooling on November 7, 1900, when he was admitted to the Zilla Parishad-run Shrimant Chhatrapati Pratapsingh High School in Satara. The school marked 125 years since the historic event with an enthusiastic school admission day. Memories of his student days were recalled and his work and ideas were honoured.

The programme was organised jointly by the School Education and Sports Department, the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department and the Zilla Parishad's Social Welfare Department. Zilla Parishad president Dr Priyatai Shinde, vice-president Raju Bhosale and education committee chairperson Tejaswini Kadam were present, along with a large number of students, parents, teachers and dignitaries.

Babasaheb completed the first stage of his primary education at this school. He later pursued higher studies in Mumbai, the United States and London, and earned several degrees. On the strength of that education, he led a fight against social inequality, caste discrimination and injustice. As independent India's first law minister and chairman of the Constitution's drafting committee, he gave the country a Constitution that is a model for the world.

Dr Shinde said Babasaheb did not merely frame the Constitution but struggled all his life to win equal rights, through education, for the deprived and neglected sections of society. She said his idea that caste divisions should be erased and every citizen given equal justice and opportunity to study remains as important today. Shinde also said it was a matter of pride for all that the school admission day was being observed in the historic building where Babasaheb was shaped.

This year carries further historical significance. Along with the bicentenary year of the Rajwada, the school's official recognition completes 175 years and Babasaheb's admission completes 125 years. Three historic events thus coincide this time.

Over its 206 years of educational tradition, Pratapsingh High School has produced many well-known people. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Gajendragadkar, senior industrialists and vice-chancellors of various universities studied at the school. At the programme, a pledge was taken to preserve the school's legacy and give students a good education.

Through the programme, students were introduced to Dr Ambedkar's life and work, his struggle to study and his ideas of social equality. Holding the event in the building where Babasaheb's schooling began added to its significance.