d. Hon. Karmayogi Abasaheb Kakade
कर्मयोगी आबासाहेब काकडे: एक शिक्षणमहर्षी व दूरदर्शी नेता
इतिहासाच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर काही व्यक्ती सामाजिक बदलाचे देवदूत म्हणून उभ्या असतात. सर्वांच्या भल्यासाठी समाज परिवर्तनासाठी समर्पित असतात. अटल समर्पण, परिवर्तनवादी नेतृत्व आणि उपेक्षितांचे वकिल या वैशिष्ट्यांचा सुरेख संगम ज्यांच्या व्यक्तिमत्त्वात उमटला ते नाव म्हणजे कर्मयोगी आबासाहेब काकडे. 25 जून 1919 रोजी अहिल्यानगर जिल्ह्याच्या शेवगाव तालुक्यातील मंगरूळ खुर्द या गावी आबासाहेबांचा जन्म झाला. वारकरी पंथाचे अनुसरण करणाऱ्या व पंचक्रोशीत नावलौकिक असणाऱ्या शेतकरी कुटुंबातील लक्ष्मीबाई आणि कान्होजी महादजी काकडे यांचे ते सुपुत्र.
Fondly known as Tai, Nirmalatai was born to Sambhaji (Sabuji) Bhor and MainabaiBhor. Though named Hausabai by her parents, she became widely known as Nirmala, a name given by her husband, Karmayogi Abasaheb Kakade. Her academic journey began at St. Andrew’s High School for Girls in Pune, where she completed her secondary education. At a time when women’s education was not given much importance, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Wilson College, Mumbai, in 1955. Later, in 1964, she obtained her B.T. degree in Education from Tilak College of Education, Pune. Since she was taught by British teachers, she gained an exceptional command of the English language and was often regarded as a living dictionary of English.
Nirmalatai’s dedication to education was evident in her teaching career. From 1956 to 1960, she worked at Seth Jyotiprasad Vidyalaya in Daund, followed by a brief tenure at Residential High School in Ahmednagar from 1960 to 1961. From 1961 to 1967, she continued her teaching career at Residential High School in Shevgaon. However, her most significant contribution was in shaping the educational landscape of Shevgaon taluka.
In 1967, alongside her husband, Karmayogi Abasaheb Kakade, she played a pivotal role in establishing Chhatralaya High School in Shevgaon, which later became AbasahebKakade Vidyalaya, Shevgaon. With perseverance, determination, and immense willpower, she overcame numerous challenges. From working as a peon to serving as the headmistress, she played multiple roles in the school’s administration. Despite starting with a small number of students, her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication helped the school quickly gain prominence in Shevgaon tehsil. She instilled discipline, good conduct, and strong values in her students, laying the foundation for their holistic development. Through her tireless efforts and with Abasaheb’s support, Chhatralaya High School became a center of academic excellence and character-building. In recognition of her contributions to education, Shevgaontehsil Panchayat Samiti honoured her with the Adarsh Shikshika Award on September 5, 1979.
Nirmalatai’s impact extended beyond education. Her warm and affectionate nature earned her the endearing title of Tai among the local people. She was not just a teacher but also a mentor and role model for many. Through her simple yet influential lifestyle, she exemplified discipline, sacrifice, and high ideals. Her care, guidance, and motherly affection earned her the trust of hostel students and their parents. She strongly believed in the power of education to bring about social transformation.
While managing her educational responsibilities, she also wholeheartedly supported her husband, Karmayogi Abasaheb Kakade, in his social work. After his passing, she took on the responsibility of the family, instilling strong values in her children and shaping their future. Following Abasaheb’s sudden demise in 1978, she displayed remarkable courage, perseverance, firmness, and determination in overcoming adversity. It was her resilience that ensured the continuity and growth of the educational institutions established by Abasaheb.
On March 30, 1987, NirmalataiKakade passed away, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform, empowerment, and an unparalleled commitment to learning. Her life’s work will continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the transformative power of dedication, determination, and selflessness. NirmalataiKakade’s story stands as a testament to the limitless potential of shaping countless lives through education, and her influence will echo in the hearts of Maharashtra and beyond.
