Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar Pratishthana
The 6th November 1992 was considered to be a black day due to the accidental demise of our beloved guru Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar Sir. He left behind his work and ambitions in the world of Ayurveda largely unfulfilled; but he also left behind a legacy of students who would pursue his work forward.
Even though the times were hard, it was mandatory for someone to carry forward his works and work toward the fulfillment of his visions and hence meeting were arranged. Many students of Kolhatkar Sir, and other successful practitioners of Ayurveda attended this meeting, some of them being Vd. Ramesh Nanal, Vd. Alhad Paranjape, Vd. Dilip Gadgil and Vd. Pramod Kulkarni.
All these great stalwarts unanimously agreed to start this Pratishthana under the name of our guru. Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar was very popular and loved by all the students. Vd. Ramesh Nanal suggested a name as ‘Vidyarthimitra Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar Pratishthana’. This is how the pratishthana was established and legally registered. The first chairperson of the pratishthana was honorable late Vd. Mrs Pradnya Madhav Kolhatkar and secretary was Vd. Mr. Dilip Prabhakar Gadgil.
The Pratishthana decided to initiate two programs every year and they were Gurupournima and a programme on 6th nov of every year marking the death anniversary of Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar sir. These programmes are being held even today without any discrepancy and are popular among the students, witnessing massive turnouts every year. Lectures of eminent practitioners are organized by the pratishthana.
There are many other activities that are carried out by the Pratishthana like the Pathantar Spardha, Ayurvediya Quiz competition, different Workshops and Seminars on a decided subject. The main motive behind all these ventures is that the students develop interest in the field of Ayurveda and to encourage them to practice pure Ayurveda as climicians. Another initiative started by the Prathisthana was ‘Gurukul’. In this initiative, selected students are been taken away from civilised environment and authentic samhitas are taught extensively amongst nature. Many successful ayurvedic practitioners who are the students of Sir M. V. Kolhatkar, participate in this initiative and guide a number of students by imparting their knowledge and sharing their valuable thoughts and experiences. This is all done without any remuneration.
The phase of Ayurveda has definitely taken a positive turn due to this relentless efforts by the pratishthana. There are remarkable changes noticed in pune as well as all over Maharashtra. The disciples of our guru Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar sir are striving hard to fulfill the dreams and vision of their guru. This is indeed the best tribute to the revolutionary Vd. M. V. Kolhatkar sir.