Retired Vice Principal of Jnana Sadhana College Celebrated for 76th Birthday and Outstanding Contributions
Navi Mumbai :- A heartwarming celebration unfolded at the Dada Kondke Amphitheater in Thane as former students of Jnana Sadhana College gathered to honor the remarkable legacy of Prof. Meghna Mehendale. The event marked the Amrit Mahotsav of Indian Independence and celebrated Prof. Mehendale’s 76th birthday, recognizing her significant contributions to education, social work, and women empowerment.
Renowned for her prowess in explaining complex subjects such as economics with ease, Prof. Meghna Mehendale has left an indelible mark on generations of students. She served as the retired Vice Principal of Jnana Sadhana College and dedicatedly guided students from 1984 to 2005. Her role extended beyond the academic realm, as she emerged as a leader in women empowerment initiatives and actively promoted justice and rights for women. Notably, Prof. Mehendale also served as the president of the Indian Women’s Federation Thane Committee and played a pivotal role as a judge of the Juvenile Justice Board.
Former students from various batches spanning nearly two decades united to express their gratitude and admiration for Prof. Mehendale’s remarkable career. In a heartening display of respect, they organized a celebration that showcased her accomplishments and ideals. The event was highlighted by the screening of a documentary film titled ‘Kritisheel Sevavrati,’ which illuminated Prof. Mehendale’s inspiring life story.
A touching gesture saw students adorning the venue with lights in the shape of the number 76, commemorating the occasion of Prof. Mehendale’s 76th birthday. Former corporator and student Sanjay Tare, along with Adv. Anuradha Pardeshi, conveyed their appreciation by honoring Prof. Mehendale with a shawl, Shreephal (traditional offering), and a bouquet. The certificate of appreciation was read aloud by student narrator Makarand Joshi.
The event’s success was the result of the dedicated efforts of several individuals. Mahendra Konde Netke and Eknath Pawle took on the primary responsibility of organizing the Abhishtchintan (aspirational reflection) and Gratitude Ceremony. Their collaborative efforts were complemented by Priti Patil, Seema Konde, Yogita Karkhanis, Santosh Pandav, Santosh Dhuri, Ravindra Karmarkar, Ajay Kamble, and Pratigya Shinde, among others.
The celebration witnessed participation from esteemed alumni like Anil Kadam, Sachin Patil, Savita Kuhay, Sarita Jadhav, Ajit Deshmukh, Ramesh Sandbhor, who contributed significantly to the event’s success. Additionally, former students Mohnish Kalaskar, Sunita Suryavanshi, and Minal Salvi graced the program by delivering inspiring performances.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Meghna Mehendale expressed her emotions and gratitude, reminiscing about her time as an educator and social worker. She emphasized the importance of fostering an environment that empowers women and encourages dialogue, urging everyone to promote respect for women in society.
The celebration of Prof. Meghna Mehendale’s accomplishments serves as a testament to her enduring impact on education, women’s empowerment, and social welfare. As her former students continue to draw inspiration from her teachings, her legacy lives on as a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come.