Ceremony Opens A Hopeful Session Of Development Dialogue

Dr. Masurkar hands over the adreess to Babansheth Lende, President

"Times have changed, Mandangad has no longer been remained second Andamans. Once a very remote and backword town Mandangad is now throwing off old coat....and forwarding to new make over, It is the time to unite to bring change," said Adv. Vilas Naik, Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee function of the English Medium School, Manadangad. A prodigal ceremony opened a hopeful session of dialogue on the issues in the interst of the hilly konkan region. The famous Alibaug lawyer, and non residing Madangadian (NRM) Mr. Naik fetched back the silver memories of days five decades ago. The dias of Silver Jubilee function of a school soon turned into a joyful gathering of the people of that often neglected tehsil head quarter place. 

Adv. Vilas Naik being honoured by Society Adviser Dattatray Lende

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Mr. Naik recollected the memories of social and public life of the town, its festivals and cultural traditions and commemorated several persons of their time that devotedly worked for welfare of the village like town. Noting ongoing pursuit to establish the town as district head quarter amidst State moves to create new districts. He strongly argued for the tehsil's own representative in the State Legislature. He spoke for the very need of united efforts of local public bodies and the citizens to give the town new face. He suggested to form a committee to chalk a comprehensive development plan, and to adopt a village to develop into a model traditional hamlet.

Persons including well wishers and donors of the institute as well as successful students were honoured, and trophies of appreciation were conferred upon the teachers for their servitude. Taking into account the academic contribution of the society Dr. S.S.Masurkar Memorial Trust, a local foundation offered an address to 'Yojak' with the hands of their President, Dr. Chandrashekhar Masurkar.  

Mr. Rajendraprasad Masurkar delivering his speech, on dias from left Balusheth Lende, Adv Vilas Naik, Chairman Dr. Suresh Lende, President Babansheth Lende, Founding President Vikas Shetye and Town Counciler Dinesh Lende

Following Mr. Naik's inspiring speech, another NRM Mr. Rajendraprasad Masurkar, veteran journalist delivered his anticipating thoughts. Pointing towards the natural beauty and multifold tourism potential he stated the need of organized efforts for its development. He stated the idea of youth groups providing standardized passenger service, with trained tourist guide personnel; a network of bed and brakefast points and arranging tailor service to satisfy customer demand. He focused on the necessity to demand for well conditioned State Transport buses and the earnest need of sufficient water reservoirs to overcome scarcity.

Entertainment performance of school children 

A Pride Journey

There were days when Mandangad,  the hilly and remote rural region to the north of the Ratnagiri district was known as another Andamans. During the course of time development slowly crawled into the tehsil and now the face of this village like town has changed. A region, once having only a trio of middle schools has now grown as a fair place facilitating the rural youth to access many branches of education.

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Ceremony opens development dialogue

In this journey, the work done by English Medium School conducted by Yojak Shikshan, Kreeda and Arogya  Seva Mandal has its significance. The school was started to meet timely need of providing education through the English medium. It is a pleasant day bringing opportunity to witness the occasion of its silver jubilee function.

The story of the journey of Mandangad cannot be completed without the mention of Late Mr.Keshavshet Lende. He was one of the pioneer tradesmen of this tehsil, who started as a hawker cum small seller and grew as a reputed wholsale grocery trader. His three sons raised as traders and businessmen, while the youngest, Suresh, a physician. He started a clinic where he treated the patients at possible lowest charges.

Dr. Suresh had suffered to learn, not monetarily but from the difficult and very limited access to educational facilities. The Middle school education was provided by institutions conducted by local bodies and influenced by teachers from outer regions. The result was lack of attachment, poor performance and stalled development of the schools. 'Yojak' came up to cover the gap.

The idea to start new school would be zero without substantial monetary support. Shreeman Keshavshet offered a big hand donating a piece of land in the heart of Madangad town and patronized the project till his last breath. Mr. Vikas Shetye was the first President of the society and now Mr. Babanshet Lende is chairng the seat. The most appreciable is that all four Lende brothers are associated to this task, surprisingly not narrowing the channel to themselves; and have keenly maitained a democratic atmosphere in the decision making process.

During twenty five years of its journey the school maintained securing a heritage of cent percent outcome of the final examinations. They have record of district level acheivements. Despite this its students acheive abilties and skills that enable them to live a better life compared to other students coming from rural area. They have plans to offer additional courses oriented to more job opportunities. It will help drive the students on the path of skill development.

A range of persons deserves gratitude for helping this project throughout its quarter century journey. They include devoted teachers that worked against only a nominal amount as salary, some among them even worked free. Many tradesmen from the town forwarded to assist whenever needed. It would not be unfair if the mention of Mrs. Rashmee, wife of Dr. Suresh is made here for her practical support involving free instructions to the students for initial years. She showed no sign of towards her husband's devotion to this social activity, as usually the wives do.

I see a bright future before this activity, and hope and wish every success feathered in the caps of the institution and its conductors.