Event Mahesh Gaurav 2024-25

Mahesh Professional Forum presents Mahesh Gaurav Award
CA Shrikishan Bhutada and Dr. Sonal Chandak Mankari

Pune: Mahesh Gaurav Award, which is presented by Mahesh Professional Forum Pune to outstanding individuals from the Maheshwari community in Maharashtra, was presented this year to *CA Shrikishan Bhutada, an entrepreneur from Ichalkaranji and a significant contributor to the renewable energy sector, and Dr. Sonal Chandak, a professor and social worker from Amravati.

The program was held in the auditorium of Shamrao Kalmadi Vidyalaya in Kothrud. Shrikishan Bhutada was honored with the Man of Substance award and Dr. Prof. Sonal Chandak was honored with the Woman of Substance award. The event was attended by Shalin Sheth, owner of Advait Energy Transaction Limited (Gujarat), Magraj Rathi, CEO of Mahesh Nagari Multistate Credit Society, Jugalkishore Punglia, Chairman of Mahesh Sahakari Bank Limited, Kanta Toshniwal, sponsor of the Women of Substance Award, Preeti Jaju, President of Mahesh Professional Forum Central Branch, and Rahul Daga, Program Director. Members of 14 branches of MPF, all office bearers of MFCT Trust, and dignitaries of the Maheshwari community were also present. For the past many years, the event has been implemented under the guidance of Hon. Ashokji Laddha, Balkishanji Karwa, Shrutiji Karnani, Gopalji Jaju.

Professor Dr. Sonal Chandak said, “Until a few years ago, it was not possible for women to progress themselves through education. After I completed my education, not only my family members but also my in-laws encouraged me to pursue education, which is why I have been able to reach this place today.” It has been made clear from many examples that if women’s in-laws support them in their education, job or business after marriage, then women can also develop shoulder to shoulder with men.

Shrikishan Bhutada said, “Young people should not limit themselves to any traditional education. In Maheshwari society, business is in the blood. We should try to go beyond the field in which we have studied and do jobs and business keeping in mind the needs of the society. I can tell you from my own example that if we go beyond the field in which we have studied and do jobs and business keeping in mind the needs of the society, then the society definitely welcomes it. If we study in depth what the needs of the society are, what the problems of the society are and how we can contribute to solving them, then surely today’s youth can not only become successful entrepreneurs but also become good citizens,” Bhutada said on this occasion.

Directors from various Pune chapters, including Kailas Navandar, Pravin Laddha, Shilpa Bajaj, Ravi Kabra, Neha Jaju, Natwar Sarda, Neeraj Bhutada, Roshni Rathi, Prakash Toshniwal, Pradeep Asawa, and Mayur Jhaver, played crucial roles in organizing the program. Apart from the notable Maheshwari dignitaries, additional governors, regional presidents, directors, executive committee members, and other members attended the event.

Senior entrepreneur Dr. Sunanda Rathi shared her views, saying, “Women can achieve success in all fields while balancing family responsibilities, but continuous learning is essential for this. No matter how many responsibilities increase, women should never stop learning. They should strive to keep ‘upgrading’ themselves. Once you dive into the water, you naturally learn to swim, so women should remember this and work towards self-development.” She also emphasized the importance of time management, adding, “Time waits for no one, and it cannot be stored. So, effective time management is crucial.”

Dr. Bhattad, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts, spoke about starting an eye donation movement. He explained that there were many initial challenges and superstitions surrounding eye donation, especially in rural areas, where such facilities are still lacking. He urged urban communities to make efforts to extend these facilities to rural areas. Additionally, he highlighted the adverse impact of gadgets like mobile phones and TVs on children, advising parents to pay special attention to this issue.

COMMITTEE

Mr. Pravin Laddha (Director), Mr. Pankaj Khadloya (Chairman)