New Delhi: Carrying forward the legacy of patriotism and public service of freedom fighter Devidas Madhav Zarkar, Kiran Prakash Zarkar, Craft Instructor at Bhai Uddhavrao Patil Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Dharashiv, Maharashtra has been conferred with the prestigious National Teacher Award for his notable contribution to vocational education, skill development, student welfare, research and social service.
The award was presented to Zarkar by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on September 5, on the occasion of Teacher’s Day. The award comprises a memento, citation and a cash prize of fifty thousand. Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, State Minister Of Education Sukant Majumdar along with several eminent personalities from the education sector, were present on the occasion.
Having completed his education despite severe hardships, Zarkar has dedicated 17 years of service to empowering students through innovative initiatives. His sustained efforts for the educational and economic welfare of ITI trainees have earned recognition at the national level. He spearheaded a widespread public campaign demanding scholarships and financial assistance for economically weaker students, securing resolutions from 250 gram panchayats and signatures of 10,000 citizens to draw the government’s attention to the issue.
Beyond education, Dr. Zarkar is actively engaged in social initiatives through Ramesh Anna Mule Foundation (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Terna Youth Foundation (Dharashiv), Shri Ganesh Seva Mandal (New Delhi) and Rupmata Foundation (Dharashiv). His work has received the blessings and guidance of Prof. Dr. Pradeep Khedkar, President of Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh; Dr. Dileep Arjune, General Secretary; Prof. Dr. Vaibhav Narwade; and senior mentor Prof. Dr. Shekhar Chandratre. He has also received guidance from Principal Secretary Manisha Verma, Director Satish Suryawanshi, Joint Director Pradeep Durge and Principal Maruti Birajdar.
Through the ‘Vocational Training Policy’ reacherch artical, Zarkar worked towards bringing positive and meaningful changes in the functioning of Industrial Training Institutes. His initiatives also found resonance in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, where questions concerning these issues were raised. He received valuable support in this endeavour from MLA Sanjay Kenekar and MLA Ranajagjitsinh Patil.
