The death of former Tripura Governor Dr. D Y Patil has drawn tributes from across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha remembering the Padma Shri awardee as a visionary educationist whose institutions transformed higher education and public service.
Agartala, August 04: Former Tripura Governor and celebrated educationist Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao (D. Y.) Patil passed away in Kolhapur on Tuesday after a prolonged age-related illness. He was 90. His death has triggered an outpouring of condolences from Tripura and across the country, with leaders remembering him as a visionary who transformed India’s education sector.
Tripura Mourns a Former Governor
Tripura observed the passing of one of its former constitutional heads with deep sorrow. Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha led the state’s tributes and described Dr. Patil as a visionary institution builder whose work in education, healthcare and public service created a lasting impact.
Dr. Patil served as the Governor of Tripura from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure, he encouraged the expansion of higher education and supported initiatives aimed at creating better opportunities for young people.
PM Modi Pays Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Dr. Patil’s demise and remembered his lifelong service to society.
In a message on X, the Prime Minister said:
“Shri DY Patil Ji was at the forefront of serving society through philanthropy and education in particular. He always worked to improve the lives of others, especially the poor. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, describing Dr. Patil as a distinguished educationist and social worker whose contribution to education and public service would always be remembered.
CM Dr Manik Saha Recalls His Legacy
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha praised Dr. Patil’s remarkable contribution to nation-building.
In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said:
“Eminent educationist, former Governor of Tripura and Bihar, Padma Shri Dr. D. Y. Patil passed away at the age of 90. 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.”
A Pioneer of Modern Education
Born on October 22, 1935, in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, Dr. Patil first entered public life through politics and served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Later, he devoted himself to education and philanthropy. His vision led to the establishment of the D. Y. Patil Group, one of India’s largest educational networks.
Today, the group manages more than 182 educational institutions, seven deemed universities and several hospitals. Thousands of students have benefited from the institutions established under his leadership.
His contribution earned him the Padma Shri in 1991.
Remembered Across India
After completing his tenure in Tripura, Dr. Patil served as Governor of Bihar and also held additional charge as Governor of West Bengal.
Following the announcement of his death, political leaders, educationists, social workers and former students paid tribute to his remarkable journey. Hundreds gathered at his residence in Kolhapur to pay their last respects.
Lasting Legacy
Dr. D. Y. Patil leaves behind far more than educational institutions. He leaves a vision that connected education with social development and public service. His contribution continues to influence millions of students and educators across India, while Tripura remembers him as a Governor who consistently promoted higher education and youth empowerment.
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Former Tripura Governor and Padma Shri awardee Dr D Y Pati during an official portrait photograph
