Leaders from Tripura and across the country on Tuesday mourned the demise of Padma Shri Dr D.Y. Patil, eminent educationist, founder of the D.Y. Patil Group, and former Governor of Tripura, Bihar and West Bengal. He was 91.
Born on October 22, 1935, at Ambap in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, Dr Patil began his public life in politics with the Congress before dedicating himself to the field of education. He went on to establish a vast network of educational institutions, universities, medical colleges and hospitals across Maharashtra and other parts of the country, earning recognition as one of India's foremost institution builders.
Expressing grief over his demise, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha described Dr Patil as a visionary educationist, philanthropist and respected public figure whose contributions to education, healthcare and public service would continue to inspire generations.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said, "Eminent educationist and former Governor of Tripura and Bihar, Padma Shri Dr D.Y. Patil has passed away at the age of 91. A visionary institution builder, philanthropist and respected public figure, he left an enduring legacy through his immense contributions to education, healthcare and public service. May his soul rest in peace."
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute, recalling Dr Patil's journey from an ordinary political worker to holding important constitutional offices, including Governor. He said Dr Patil transformed the education sector by making quality education accessible to ordinary and underprivileged students, while also making significant contributions to healthcare, sports, agriculture and social welfare. Fadnavis noted that the Padma Shri award recognised his extraordinary service to the nation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Dr Patil as a visionary educationist, people-centric leader and social worker whose life reflected the highest ideals of public service. He said Dr Patil remained committed to the Congress ideology throughout his public life and earned respect across political lines through his contributions to education, healthcare, sports and social development.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the demise of Dr Patil was deeply saddening and noted that his contributions to education and public service would always be remembered. Gandhi said Dr Patil's work in education, healthcare, sports and social service would continue to inspire future generations, adding that he fulfilled his constitutional responsibilities with distinction during his tenure as Governor of Tripura, Bihar and West Bengal.
Dr Patil served as the Governor of Tripura before going on to hold gubernatorial responsibilities in Bihar and West Bengal. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in public life, education and institution building, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions of students and citizens across the country.