New Delhi, Sept 06: 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.
One of my Zarkar’s significant initiatives is ‘Skillbook’, a computer-based system aimed at strengthening the functioning of skill education institutions. To make the project a reality, his wife Smita Zarkar sold her jewellery to raise funds. Later, senior social worker Ramesh Anna Mule extended his support to the initiative. The computer system was formally launched in New Delhi by Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand Saraswati.
Zarkar is also the author of ‘Vande Matrushakti’, a book highlighting the contribution of mothers to nation-building. The book presents the life journeys of Late Heeraben Modi, mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Shaila Zarkar, Dr. Zarkar’s mother. The book was released by Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, former Supreme Court Justice Gyansudha Mishra, and MP Bansuri Swaraj.
Kiran Zarkar is the grandson of renowned freedom fighter Devidas Madhav Zarkar, originally from Eet. Devidas Zarkar actively participated in India’s freedom struggle and worked for public awakening through ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana’. He also contributed to Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement. The Zarkar family’s late freedom fighter Adv. Rajabhau Zarkar also made significant contributions to national and social causes.
Zarkar’s professional and academic achievements include one patent, one trademark, 16 books and three research papers. He has also written hundreds of songs and articles focusing on ITI education and skill development.
From the soil of Dharashiv to the historic Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Kiran Zarkar’s journey stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, innovation and commitment to students. His national recognition marks a historic milestone for the ITI and skill education sector of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division and the entire Marathwada region.