Director Introduction
Respected Samartha Devotee Mr. Vasantrao Shrikrishna Gadgil, also known as Tatyasaheb
Work period: 1998 – 2012
Birthplace: Sitaphal Mandi, Hyderabad
Tatya lost his father when he was eight years old. He stayed with his maternal uncle and completed his education. He earned a Diploma in Civil Engineering. He began his career under the Nizam’s rule. Later, around the time of unified Maharashtra, he moved to Jalna. Following that, he lived in Latur, Dharashiv, Buldhana, Amravati, and Washim for work (transfers). His journey was extensive, across India.
Tatya was known to be very strict but had a soft heart. The presence of his wife, Respected Lilakaku, illuminated his life. When he took charge as Director in 1998, he introduced a new level of discipline to the initiative. Because of that, even today, the Dasbodh Sakhol Abhyas initiative remains distinctive and special.
Respected Samarth Devotee Suhas Dada Agarkar
Work period: 2012-2018
Respected Samarth devotee, Suhas Dada Agarkar, served from 2012 to 2018. Suhas Dada, a well-known scholar of Dasbodh, was born on January 1, 1954, in Ichalkaranji. Although polio afflicted his body in childhood, he did not let it hinder him. With his sharp intellect, he earned scholarships and completed his B.Com degree. He did not find satisfaction in his job at the bank and eventually settled in the defense accounts. After marriage and having two children, Suhasdada, who was also a volunteer for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, took on the responsibility of raising awareness through the organization. During this work, he met the coordinator of the Patra Dwara Abhyas initiative, Respected D.W.Kelkar (Respected Appa), which sparked his interest in the study of Dasbodh. While working in Bangalore, he completed the Patra Dwara Abhyas course in 1988 and joined the Dasbodh Sakhol Abhyas initiative in 1989.
When he retired, out of social consciousness, he donated ₹11,000 each to six social organizations. After retirement, his travels, gatherings, camps, and the guidance he provided spread his reputation for wisdom. From 2005 to 2015, he was a trustee of the Geeta Dharma Mandal. During this period, he compiled the book Maharashtratil Panth (Sects of Maharashtra). He delivered over 3,000 discourses to promote Samarth literature in Maharashtra and beyond. True to his name, Suhas Dada, always smiling, embarked on his final earthly journey when he was on the Pashupatinath Yatra, on November 28, 2018. Even in his last moments, while traversing the infinite path of Raghava, he uttered ‘Jai Shri. Ram,’ a testament to his ‘Vachaspati Rudaradhi‘ state.
Awards received by Respected Suhas Dada
- In 2008, he received the prestigious Kashi Vishweshwar Award from the Deshastha Rigvedi organization.
- In 2008, he also received the esteemed Vyas award from the Geeta Dharma Mandal.
Present Director: Respected Samarth devotee Dr. Vijay Vasantrao Lad
He took charge as Director in 2018.
Respected Samarth devotee Shri. Vijay Vasantrao Lad was born on November 22, 1963, in Nanded. He was raised in a joint family. Vijay Lad earned a degree in Veterinary Science and initially worked in Mumbai. While there, he completed the Patra Dwara Abhyas. Afterward, he opened a veterinary clinic in Nanded and also offered his services at Rayat Hospital and the Gurudwara.
Since 1992, he has been consistently studying Samarth literature.
He has been active in the consumer movement since 1997, frequently traveling for organizational work and public awareness. He had close interactions with consumer movement leader Bindu Madhav Joshi.
In 2008, he took charge as the President of Consumer Council Maharashtra. He received the blessings of Samarth devotee Respected Sunil dada Chincholkar, who inspired his work in the spiritual field. Under his guidance, Lad engaged in writing and publishing various works, including Grahak Panchayaticha Achar Dharma (Consumer Council Ethics), Dasbodhatil Vāṅyajña (The Offering of Words in Dasbodh), Shri. Samarthkrut Aartya (Shri. Samarth Composed Aartis), Grahak Chalvalitil Vartanshastra (Behavioral Science in the Consumer Movement) and Dasbodh Chintansaar.
Respected Lad Sir is a member of the Shri. Samarth Vidyapeeth Satara executive committee and study group. He is also a regular pilgrim to Sajjangad and Shivtharghal. He travels across India delivering discourses on the consumer movement and Samarth literature. From May 10, 2020, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, he continuously promoted Samarth literature on the “Sant Samagam” page, offering uninterrupted spiritual guidance for three years (May 10, 2020, to January 30, 2023). His YouTube channel is Ramdasi Gnyanopasana.
As of October 2023, he has been in the Sundarmath/Shivtharghal executive committee. He was appointed a trustee by the Samarth Seva Mandal.
Awards received
- Kashi Keshav Dasbodh Award in March 2022 from the Deshastha Rigvedi organization.
- Prestigious Late Mamasaheb Dandekar Award (2020) , awarded in July 2023 by the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Pune, at the hands of Dr. Sadanand More, a descendant of Saint Tukaram Maharaj for his book ‘Dasbodh Chintansaar’.
- Nirmalkumar Phadkule Sant Sahitya Award 2023, presented by Dr. Ravindra Shobhane, the designated President of the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Sammelan on September 16, 2023 in Pune.
Due to his creativity, the initiative’s founder, Her Holiness Akkaswami Velankar’s birth centenary was marked with the publication of the book Dasleela in Maharashtra and six other states, as well as abroad. With his imaginative, decisive, and skillful leadership and excellent oratory skills, Respected Samarth devotee Vijay Lad has successfully led the Dasbodh Sakhol Abhyas Foundation, which continues to march ahead with pride.