Dear Esteemed Alumni,
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, the noted thinker, social reformer and agriculturist of Pune appealed to the British Government to set institutions for agricultural education and research in India. This led to the opening of a branch for teaching agriculture in the College of Science at Pune in 1879 that was subsequently developed into a separate College of Agriculture in 1907.
The College of Agriculture, Pune is one of the first five agriculture colleges established in India. As the President of the Alumni Association of the College of Agriculture, Pune, it is both an honor and a privilege to address you today. Our journey together, rooted in the rich soil of this esteemed institution, has been transformative and inspiring. Each of you, having walked the halls of our college and embraced the challenges of the agricultural field, has contributed to a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Today, as we gather to celebrate our shared achievements and envision the future, I want to remind you of the profound impact our collective efforts have made. Our graduates have not only advanced agricultural practices but have also played a crucial role in shaping sustainable farming solutions and rural development. Your dedication to improving lives and nurturing the land stands as a testament to the values instilled in us during our time at the College of Agriculture, Pune.
As we move forward, let us continue to draw strength from our shared experiences and support one another in our professional and personal endeavors. Our alumni network is a powerful tool, and together, we can drive further advancements in agriculture and make a lasting impact on the global stage. Recently, we have started the first State Agricos Co-operative Credit Society for the welfare of statewise alumni and past students of Pune agriculture college have taken the lead in the formation of the same.
I encourage each of you to stay connected, share your successes, and contribute to the growth of our association. Let us uphold the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our alma mater and strive to make a difference in the world.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for being a part of this remarkable journey. Together, we can continue to cultivate excellence and foster a brighter future for agriculture and farming community.
Warm regards,
Shekhar Gaikwad, IAS (Retd.)
President, Alumni Association
College of Agriculture, Pune