Karmayogi Babasaheb Deshmukh, the founder of Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal, Sagroli, was one such visionary whose entire life was dedicated to students, rural communities and the larger cause of rural development.
16th August, on his 22nd death anniversary, the entire Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal family along with ex students, villagers and volunteers paid a heartfelt and grateful tribute to the Karmayogi who devoted his life to creating opportunities and transforming lives.
From a Small Sapling to a Banyan Tree
In 1959, Babasaheb Deshmukh donated 100 acres of his own land for a larger social purpose. In the presence of Swami Ramanand Tirtha, and at the hands of the then village elder Abaji Fugare, he planted a small banyan sapling and laid the foundation of the institution.
That small sapling has today grown into a 68-year-old banyan tree—a symbol of education, service, opportunity and rural transformation.
Under its shade, generations of thousands of students have studied, grown and built their futures. Many found opportunities to earn a livelihood. Many dreams found wings. And countless individuals and families found a new direction towards a better life.
What began with a vision for education gradually evolved into a broader movement for rural development.
Today, the institution works across diverse areas including education, agriculture, skill development, women’s empowerment, watershed development, environmental conservation and community development—carrying forward the dream that Babasaheb Deshmukh envisioned for rural society.
A Statue That Keeps the Legacy Alive
As a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, the life-size statue of Karmayogi Babasaheb Deshmukh was unveiled on the occasion.
As a symbol of gratitude and remembrance, the life-size statue of Karmayogi Babasaheb Deshmukh was unveiled on the occasion.
The statue was unveiled by Dr. Dilip Fugare, Director of Apeksha Hospital, Nanded, and a former student of SSM, Sagroli. He is also the grandson of Abaji Fugare, who had planted the original banyan sapling at the foundation of the institution.
The occasion became even more meaningful as former students and well-wishers reflected on Babasaheb’s contribution.
Mr. Bhujang Gaikwad, Director, CIDCO, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Adv. Babu Gawande, Advocate at the Nanded District and Sessions Court, expressed their gratitude as former students and spoke of how Babasaheb’s work had shaped their lives.
Their words echoed a profound sentiment:
“Babasaheb did not merely give us education… he gave us a direction to live our lives.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Babasaheb may no longer be with us in person, but his presence continues to be felt everywhere.
He lives on in the dreams of every student,
in the hopes of every farmer,
in the commitment of every worker,
and in every grain of Sagroli’s soil.
His life reminds us that true legacy is not measured by wealth or position, but by the
lives we touch, the opportunities we create and the generations we inspire.
One man planted a small sapling with a vision.
That sapling became a banyan tree.
But the true shade of that banyan tree is not its branches—it is the thousands of lives that have been nurtured, empowered and transformed beneath it.
Remembering the Karmayogi
As Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal continues its journey, the ideals of Babasaheb Deshmukh remain its guiding force.
His work continues.
His vision continues.
His values continue.
And so does the journey of the banyan tree he planted.
A humble and heartfelt tribute to Karmayogi Babasaheb Deshmukh on his 22nd death anniversary.
- Your life was a mission.
- Your work became a movement.
- And your legacy continues to inspire generations.