Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Mohite Patil
There is a strong saying that Rome was not built in a day. Similarly, the green revolution that has taken place in Akluj and Malshiras talukas has not taken place in a single day. Kakasaheb untiring efforts and vision are linked to the development of Akluj.
Akluj is a village with historical heritage situated on the border of Solapur and Pune districts. At present, it is at the forefront in many fields such as agriculture, co-operation, and industry. But there was a time when there was a constant shadow of drought on the deserted orchard. It doesn’t matter if you tell someone like that today. Such a wonderful change has taken place in Akluj today.
A bright star blossoming paradise on this orchard was born into a poor farming family. That day was – January 14, 1918 – the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. From this day on, the Sun begins to move northward, ending the southern perimeter of the equator.
Childhood
As a child, he had a knack for making different costumes. Gathering all the children together, playing Atyapatya, Surparamba and going for a swim in the pool of Nira in the morning, their childhood began to go with great joy. Kakasaheb courageous nature attracted many friends to him. Kakasaheb was adopted by his mother’s mother, his last name was changed from Mane-Deshmukh to Mohite-Patil. The reason for all the social work done by Kakasaheb is because of his inspiration – Mrs. Lakshmibai Mohite.
Kakasaheb elder brother late. Marutrao Anandrao alias Babasaheb Patil was a true Karmaveer. He was known everywhere as a politician, a philanthropist. The younger brother Sadashivrao alias Sadubhau Mane Patil was known as an agricultural pandit. He had a reputation for constantly innovating in agriculture, enjoying centuries. His temperament was very pleasant. Kakasaheb has three sisters. Sou. Jijakka, Sou. Sushilabai is older than him, while Sou. Kamatai is younger than them.
Education
Kakasaheb spent his childhood in the drought-stricken village of Akluj. He had to drop out of school due to lack of money for four months fee while studying in 7th class in Akluj primary school. Undaunted by the end of their education, he focused on gaining a better body. The Patil brothers won the village-to-village wrestling arena.
In 1932, the water of Nira-Canal came to revive the arable agriculture in the area. Therefore, the hopes of the farmers were raised. Agricultural laborers, farmers’ organizations began to take shape. The winds of cooperation began to blow. Kakasaheb, who had dropped out of education, began to grow up on a journey of social life.
Freedom Struggle
In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi’s roar of “Leave India” filled the air. Kakasaheb took an active part in this freedom struggle. The British fought hard to suppress the movement. During this period, the name Akluj came to light as a refuge for freedom fighters. Many freedom fighters from the Satara district took refuge in Akluj.
Leadership against anti-socials and traitors flourished with the agreement of Aaji Lakshmibai Mohite. Kakasaheb started interacting with the people through sociology and politics.
A Bride for Kakasaheb
When Kakasaheb was 25 years old his parents Annasaheb and Baai become anxious about finding a bride for him. While they were proud of his social work they thought it was high time he got married, but a suitable bride remained elusive.
It was Appasaheb Kakade of Nimbut who suggested Ratnaprabha, daughter of Kharade-Patils of Majarda village in Sangli. The Kharade-Patil were from the Bhosale family of Shivaji Maharaj. Kakasaheb was married on May 25, 1943, to Ratnaprabha.
Sarpanch of Akluj
The year 1945 is very important in Kakasaheb life. Carrying the dream of rural development, he contested the election of Akluj Gram Panchayat and became the Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat.
The post of Sarpanch widened the scope of his social work. He knew that social service could not be done without power. So Sarpanch Pad was beneficial in terms of his social service. Kakasaheb has laid the foundation of the prosperity of Akluj city today.
The foundation of the Hostel
The “Vijay Vidyarthi Vasatigriha” was started in 1948 with the objective of providing education to the needy and poor students in and around Akluj and not to deprive them of education.
As a result, accommodation and meals were provided to the students of other villages. So far, thousands of students have taken advantage of this facility to complete their education. It was only due to Kakasaheb foresight that this hostel was established.
Agricultural Market Committee
Kakasaheb set up the “Agricultural Market Committee” in 1951 to ensure that farmers’ agricultural products get the right weight and rates.
Shankarrao Mohite-Patil was chairman of this organization for a long time. During his tenure, he expanded the scope of work of this organization and benefited many farmers. The jurisdiction of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee is spread over the entire Malshiras taluka. The Agricultural Market Committee is the main body in Malshiras taluka with an annual turnover of Rs. 11 crores.
Yashwant Sugar Factory
It was for the first time that Kakasaheb saw that farmers would not progress without cooperation. From that, he dreamed of setting up a factory on a cooperative basis. Yashwant Sugar Factory was established in 1963 and Kakasaheb dream came true.
Kakasaheb used to call this sugar factory the palace of farmers. Today hundreds of farmers have developed themselves through this sugar factory.
Sahakar Maharshi
Mr. Sachidanananda Abhinaya Vidyashankar Bharti Swami, Shri. Sant Kalyan Sevak Maharaj and Shri. With the arrival of Shankaracharya Maharaj (founder Sankeshwar Karveer, Belgaum), Akluj became a city of virtue. In a huge public meeting at Vijay Chowk, Shri. Late Shankaracharya Babasaheb Patil has conferred the title of “Karmaveer” and Kakasaheb was conferred the title of “Sahakar Maharshi”.
The people of this area used to address Kakasaheb as “MLA”, but after graduation, all the people started calling Kakasaheb “Sahakar Maharshi”.
Demise of a Legend
Kakasaheb passed away suddenly on February 11, 1979, while undergoing treatment in Mumbai. Mourning spread over Maharashtra with his demise.
As Kakasaheb work expanded, time dragged him down. Although Kakasaheb has passed away from all of us in the secular sense, he is with us in his activism. The fragrance of their work will always remain in the Solapur district.
