Satej Patil

In the political sphere of Maharashtra, Satej D. Patil is a renowned and respected personality. In his conduct he has imbibed the very culture of Kolhapur, which is filled with warmth and compassion, valour and victory. This vibrant and able leadership of Karveer is prospering with the blessings of Shree Mahalakshmi, and masterly guidance of legendary Dr. D.Y. Patil. He is one of the few young politicians in India who believe in democracy in a diversity. India thrives on diversity, differences in language and culture keep India glued together. He is aware of the plight of the downtrodden and understands the social issues surrounding it. However, he is one dynamic and efficient politician who keeps an action-oriented approach to the issue.

Born on April 12, 1972, Satej is the son of Padmashri Dr. DY Patil, a legendary personality from the education sector of Maharashtra. From an early age, Satej had the opportunity to social issues and ways to eradicate them. His political and social activities began by participating in Student Council Elections of Shivaji University. The established politicians of Kolhapur knew right then that this student has emerged as a force to reckon with. He united the disorganized and scattered student energy into a socially useful organization and further disseminated the energy into social welfare. While studying in Shivaji University, Satej was also on the advisory committee for Adult Education – 1992-93 and a member of senate of Shivaji University from 1995-99.

Satej D. Patil has always been an ambitious person; however, his ambitions were to see the poorest of the poor lead a dignified life. In August 2000, he established Padmashri Dr. DY Patil co-operative sugar factory. He decided to enter the active political arena as his commitment to social change demanded it. The first major win was during the elections of Kolhapur District Central Co-op (KDCC) Bank in 2001, he won as the director of the bank from Gaganbawda Taluka. He was riding high on its success but he was humble enough to know that success is not a destination but the journey. Immediately he started to expand his social work activities. In year 2006, he was reelected as the Director of KDCC bank.

Satej D. Patil values inheritance. He believes in preserving the legacy. His father is a renowned personality in the educational arena of Maharashtra. He wanted to do something for the education sector. His dream came true on May 23, 2003 when he was elected as the President of Shree Mouni Vidyapeeth, Gargoti, one of the prestigious universities in Maharashtra. It was a big achievement, yet another pat on the back for young Satej, but he did not let the feeling settle down and jumped to his next ambition – Dr. DY Patil Kala, Krida Shaikshanik & Sanskrutik Trust, Kolhapur. He contributes immensely to the promotion of arts and sports, providing good educational infrastructure to the students and restoration of cultural heritage through the sociology- oriented activities of the trust.

The love and affection people showered upon him propelled Satej to take up issues of the citizens of Kolhapur and communicate those to the state government. In the State Assembly elections 2004, he was an independent candidate from Karveer. He defied all odds to win by a margin of over 42000 votes.

Distraction, diversion and drift are the three Ds that the youth should be wary of as there are many things happening around them simultaneously. But Satej never deviated, he always focused on the greater purpose; larger picture. Through his modesty, simplicity and action-oriented approach, he keeps inspiring the youth of Kolhapur. It is evident that success is working as an impetus for the expansion of Satej’s social work.

It is a normal custom to give political and social leaders flowers and shawls on their birthdays or special occasions. But there are many people, especially youngsters in rural areas who cannot afford to spend on expensive bouquets particularly when they have to deal with rising costs of notebooks and other study material. Also, the water pollution caused by cumulated flower waste is another pressing issue. Three years ago, he decided to celebrate his birthday in the most unique way – he requested everyone to present him with notebooks instead of flowers. This uncommon way of celebration turned out to be revolutionary as over 11 lakh notebooks were distributed to 2 lakh 66 thousand needy students. Many political leaders are now following this example of clubbing birthday celebrations with some social cause.

On November 5, 1995, Satej got married to Pratima Patil, daughter of Shri Vijaykumar Govindrao Patil. They are blessed with two children, Tejas and Devashree.

Satej was aware of the secondary status given to women in our society. He, along with Pratima started initiative titled Gruhini Mohatsav, an annual event encouraging women to foster and showcase their industrial and commercial skills. In the last seven years, over 5000 Self Help Groups and 25,000 women have benefitted from this initiative.

Impeccable knowledge, razor-sharp memory, compassion towards the weaker sections of the society, persistence and resilience, are some of the qualities that distinguish Satej D. Patil from other politicians. He embraces modernity but also vouches for the rich cultural heritage India offers. Therefore, he is working diligently to make Kolhapur an amalgamation of pilgrimage destination and IT hub.

Satej D. Patil is a visionary who has faith and action-oriented approach to translate vision into reality.