KrantiAgrani Award
The Krantiagrani Award Is One Of Maharashtra’s Most Prestigious Social And Intellectual Honors, Celebrating 24 Years Of Recognizing Exceptional Contributors To Society. Established In 2000 In Memory Of Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad — A Freedom Fighter, Cooperative Leader, Social Thinker, And Architect Of Rural Transformation — This Award Honors Individuals Who Have Dedicated Their Lives To Social Upliftment, Education, Science, Literature, Health, And Human Service. Every Year On 4th December, His Birth Anniversary, Distinguished Personalities Are Felicitated At Kundal, Maharashtra For Their Revolutionary Contributions That Have Inspired Rural Movements And Social Change Across The State.
Krantiagrani Award (Overview)
| Award Name | Krantiagrani Award |
| Established Year | 2000 |
| Award Day | 4th December (Every Year) |
| Location | Kundal, Maharashtra |
| Award Duration | 24 Years (2000-2024) |
| Recognition For | Social Work, Literature, Science, Health, Education, Rural Development |
| Total Recipients | 22 Distinguished Personalities |
| Legacy | Krantiagrani Award Established In Honor Of Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad |
| First Recipient | Narayan Surve (Poet, 2000) |
| Latest Recipient | Prof. Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade (Dynanpith Awardee, 2024) |
Heritage, Vision And Social Consciousness
The Name Itself — Krantiagrani — Reflects The Values Of A New Awakening, A Revolution That Transforms Society From Its Roots. Born From The Soil Of Kundal, Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad’s Work Inspired Rural Movements In Maharashtra Through His Vision Of Development Beyond Village Boundaries, Inclusiveness, The Integration Of Education With Industry And Cooperation, Rural Pride, And The Consciousness Ignited By The Freedom Movement.
This 24-Year-Long Award Tradition, Which Started In The Year 2000, Is Today Recognized As One Of The Most Prestigious Social And Intellectual Honors In Maharashtra. The Award Is Given For Exceptional Contribution In Social Commitment, Freedom Of Thought, Rural Transformation, Education, Science, Literature, Health And Human Service. It Represents Not Just Individual Recognition, But The Celebration Of Ideas, Active Social Transformation, And The Culture Of Grassroots Change.
Core Features Of The Krantiagrani Award
- Recognition Beyond Individuals: Not Only Recognition Of Individuals, But Also Of Ideas And Of The Culture Of Active Social Transformation That Drives Meaningful Change Across Communities.
- Bold And Progressive Thought: Bold Thought In Literature, Experimental Vision In Science, Integrity In Social Work And An Unbroken Dedication To Human Service Are The Hallmarks Of Every Recipient.
- People-Connected Thinkers: All Awardees Are Thinkers Connected To The People, Rooted In Awareness, And Active In Action — Bringing Real Change To Society Through Their Work.
- Intellectual Maturity & Social Justice: This Award Has Until Today Kept Alive The Flame Of Intellectual Maturity, The Aspiration For Grassroots Change And The Light Of Social Justice In Maharashtra.
- Legacy Of Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad: The Award Is A Public Proclamation Of Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad’s Values Of Freedom, Cooperation, Education And Social Justice, Ensuring His Ideology Lives On Through Generations.
Complete List Of Krantiagrani Award Recipients (2000-2024)
On The Birth Anniversary Of G. D. Bapu Lad, Distinguished Personalities Of Exceptional Achievements Are Honored With The Kranti-Agrani Award. Over The Past 24 Years, This Prestigious Recognition Has Been Bestowed Upon 22 Remarkable Individuals Who Have Made Revolutionary Contributions To Society:
4 December 2000 – Narayan Surve (Poet & Social Voice)
Legendary Marathi Poet Narayan Surve Was Honored With The First Krantiagrani Award Under The Chairmanship Of Dr. Ram Takwale And By The Hands Of Bhai Vaidya. Narayan Surve’s Poetry Gave Voice To The Working Class And Depicted The Struggles Of Common People With Raw Honesty And Deep Emotion. His Literary Contributions Transformed Marathi Poetry By Bringing The Language Of The Streets Into Mainstream Literature, Making Him A True Voice Of The Masses.
4 December 2001 – Medha Patkar (Social Activist & Environmental Crusader)
Senior Social Worker Medha Patkar Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Hon. Chaturanan Mishra And Under The Chairmanship Of Gr. P. Pradhan, While Congratulating G. D. Bapu Lad. Medha Patkar Is A Renowned Environmental And Social Activist, Best Known For Leading The Narmada Bachao Andolan. Her Tireless Fight For The Rights Of Displaced Communities, Sustainable Development, And Environmental Justice Has Made Her One Of India’s Most Respected Social Activists. She Has Dedicated Her Life To Giving Voice To The Voiceless And Fighting Against Development Projects That Harm Marginalized Communities.
4 December 2003 – Dr. Shriram Lagoo (Actor, Theatre Legend & Intellectual)
Senior Actor And Thinker Dr. Shriram Lagoo Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Pannalal Surana And Under The Chairmanship Of Acharya Shantaram Garud. Present At The Event Were G. D. Bapu Lad, Smt. Vijayatai Lad And Other Dignitaries. Dr. Shriram Lagoo Was Not Only A Celebrated Theatre And Film Artist But Also A Psychiatrist And Socially Conscious Intellectual. His Powerful Performances On Stage And Screen, Combined With His Progressive Thinking, Made Him An Icon Of Marathi Theatre. He Used His Craft To Inspire Change And Raise Social Awareness Through Art.
4 December 2004 – Dr. Rajendrasingh Rana (Water Conservation Expert)
Senior Water Expert Dr. Rajendrasingh Rana Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Dr. Manikrao Salunkhe, Vice-Chancellor Of Shivaji University, And Under The Chairmanship Of Hon. Gangadhar Pantawane. On This Occasion, Greetings Were Offered To G. D. Bapu Lad. Known As The “Waterman Of India,” Dr. Rajendrasingh’s Revolutionary Work In Water Conservation Has Revived Five Rivers In Rajasthan Through Traditional Water Harvesting Techniques. His Grassroots Approach To Solving Water Scarcity Has Transformed Drought-Prone Regions And Provided A Sustainable Model For Water Management Across India.
4 December 2005 – Dr. Vasant Rao Govarikar (Scientist & Meteorologist)
Senior Scientist Dr. Vasant Rao Govarikar Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Eminent Industrialist Hon. Prataprao Pawar, Along With G. D. Bapu, Vijayatai Lad And Other Dignitaries. Dr. Govarikar Made Pioneering Contributions To Meteorology And Agricultural Science In India. His Work In Developing Weather-Based Advisory Services For Farmers Has Helped Millions Of Agricultural Workers Plan Their Activities Based On Scientific Weather Predictions, Significantly Improving Agricultural Productivity And Reducing Crop Losses.
4 December 2006 – Dr. Rani Bang (Rural Health Pioneer)
Senior Social Worker Dr. Rani Bang Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Senior Socialist Leader Hon. Mrinaltai Gore And Under The Chairmanship Of Acharya Shantaram Garud, Along With G. D. Bapu And Smt. Vijayatai Lad. Dr. Rani Bang, Along With Her Husband Dr. Abhay Bang, Has Done Groundbreaking Work In Rural Healthcare, Particularly In The Tribal Areas Of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Their Revolutionary Home-Based Neonatal Care Program Has Reduced Infant Mortality By Over 70% And Has Been Adopted By WHO As A Model For Developing Countries. Their Work Has Saved Countless Lives In Maharashtra’s Remote Villages.
4 December 2007 – Uttam Kamble (Journalist & Author)
Senior Renowned Journalist And Author Uttam Kamble Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Senior Litterateur And Social Worker Dr. Anil Awachat, Along With G. D. Bapu Lad, Smt. Vijayatai Lad And Other Dignitaries. Uttam Kamble Is Known For His Fearless And Investigative Journalism That Brought Important Social Issues To Public Attention. His Literary Works And Journalistic Contributions Have Given Voice To Marginalized Communities And Highlighted Social Injustices, Making Him A Respected Figure In Marathi Media And Literature.
4 December 2008 – Dr. Shivanand Soratur (Cardiologist & Healthcare Leader)
Renowned Cardiologist Dr. Shivanand Soratur Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Eminent Thinker Principal Shivajirao Bhosale And Under The Chairmanship Of Senior Freedom Fighter Dhondiram Mali, Along With G. D. Bapu Lad, Smt. Vijayatai Lad And Houshatai Patil. Dr. Soratur Has Made Exceptional Contributions To Cardiac Care In Maharashtra, Making Quality Heart Treatment Accessible To Common People. His Dedication To Healthcare And His Efforts To Bring Advanced Cardiac Services To Smaller Cities Have Saved Thousands Of Lives And Improved Healthcare Infrastructure In The Region.
4 December 2009 – P. Sainath (Investigative Journalist & Rural Reporter)
Renowned Journalist P. Sainath Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By MLA Ganpatrao Deshmukh, With G. D. Bapu Lad, Arunanna Ganpati Lad And Dignitaries Present. P. Sainath Is One Of India’s Most Respected Investigative Journalists, Known For His In-Depth Reporting On Rural Poverty, Farmer Suicides, And Social Inequality. His Award-Winning Work Has Brought National And International Attention To Critical Issues Affecting India’s Rural Population. Through His Journalism, He Has Given Voice To India’s Most Marginalized Communities And Exposed Systemic Issues That Mainstream Media Often Ignores.
4 December 2010 – Dr. Prakash Amte & Dr. Manda Amte (Social Workers & Wildlife Conservationists)
Renowned Social Workers Dr. Prakash And Dr. Manda Amte Were Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Shivaji University Vice-Chancellor Dr. M. J. Pawar, Along With G. D. Bapu Lad, Smt. Houshatai Patil, Arunanna Lad And Other Dignitaries. Following In The Footsteps Of The Legendary Baba Amte, Dr. Prakash And Dr. Manda Amte Have Dedicated Their Lives To Serving Tribal Communities In The Remote Hemalkasa Region Of Maharashtra. They Run A Hospital, School, And Animal Orphanage, Providing Healthcare, Education, And Wildlife Conservation Services. Their Selfless Work Has Transformed The Lives Of Thousands Of Tribal People While Also Protecting Endangered Wildlife.
4 December 2012 – Dr. Baba Adhav (Social Activist & Labor Leader)
Renowned Social Worker And Thinker Dr. Baba Adhav Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Senior Editor Anant Dixit, Along With Arun Ganpati Lad, Daughter Of Nana Patil, Smt. Houshatai Patil And Other Dignitaries. Dr. Baba Adhav Is A Legendary Figure In Maharashtra’s Social Justice Movement. His Lifelong Work In Labor Rights, Fighting Caste Discrimination, And Championing The Cause Of Workers And Marginalized Communities Has Made Him A Towering Figure In Progressive Movements. His Fearless Activism And Commitment To Social Equality Have Inspired Generations Of Social Workers And Activists.
4 December 2013 – P. B. Vardhan (Communist Leader & Social Reformer)
Senior Communist Leader P. B. Vardhan Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Senior Socialist Leader And Thinker Bhai Vaidya, Along With Arun Ganpati Lad, Head Of Kranti Industries And Education Group, And Dignitaries. P. B. Vardhan Dedicated His Life To Workers’ Rights, Social Equality, And The Communist Movement In Maharashtra. His Unwavering Commitment To The Principles Of Social Justice And Equality Has Left A Lasting Impact On Progressive Movements In The State. His Work In Organizing Labor Unions And Fighting For Workers’ Rights Has Improved The Lives Of Countless Working-Class People.
4 December 2014 – Dr. A. H. Salunkhe (Litterateur & Thinker)
Renowned Litterateur And Thinker Dr. A. H. Salunkhe Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Senior Freedom Fighter And Chairman Of Addiction Education Institute Adv. Raosaheb Shinde, Along With Mr. Shinde And Arun Ganpati Lad. Dr. A. H. Salunkhe Is An Eminent Writer, Literary Critic, And Intellectual Whose Contributions Have Enriched Marathi Literature And Social Discourse. His Critical Writings And Thought-Provoking Essays Have Influenced Marathi Literary Circles And Encouraged Progressive Thinking. His Work Continues To Inspire Writers And Thinkers Across Maharashtra.
4 December 2015 – Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar (Scientist & Innovation Leader)
Renowned Scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Shivaji University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Devanand Shinde, Along With Arun Ganpati Lad, Hon. Deshmukh Saheb And Vishaldada Patil. Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar Is One Of India’s Most Celebrated Scientists And Former Director General Of The Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research (CSIR). His Groundbreaking Work In Science, Technology, And Innovation Policy Has Put India On The Global Scientific Map. He Is Known For His Concept Of “Gandhian Engineering” — Creating Affordable Solutions For The Masses. His Contributions To Science And Public Policy Have Been Recognized With Padma Vibhushan, India’s Second-Highest Civilian Honor.
4 December 2016 – Dr. M. D. Patil (Social Welfare Professor & Thinker)
Senior Thinker And Social Welfare Professor Dr. M. D. Patil Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Sant Shikshan Sanstha Chairman Hon. Anil Patil, Along With Smt. Mai Patil And Arun Ganpati Lad. Dr. M. D. Patil Has Made Significant Contributions To The Field Of Social Welfare Through His Academic Work And Research. His Teachings And Writings On Social Development And Welfare Policies Have Guided Generations Of Social Workers And Development Professionals. His Work In Education And Social Thought Has Had A Profound Impact On Maharashtra’s Social Welfare Sector.
4 December 2017 – Dr. Tatyarao Lahane (Eye Surgeon & Healthcare Pioneer)
Renowned Eye Surgeon Dr. Tatyarao Lahane Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Eminent Thinker Dr. Ashok Chousalakar, Along With Hon. MP Pratikdada Patil, Arun Ganpati Lad And Other Dignitaries. Dr. Tatyarao Lahane Is A Distinguished Ophthalmologist Who Has Dedicated His Life To Providing Affordable Eye Care To The Common People Of Maharashtra. His Work In Conducting Free Eye Camps And Providing Low-Cost Cataract Surgeries Has Restored Vision To Thousands Of Patients, Particularly From Rural And Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds. His Compassionate Service Has Changed Countless Lives.
4 December 2018 – Prof. Pushpa Bhave (Social Worker & Educator)
Senior Social Worker And Thinker Prof. Pushpa Bhave Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Renowned Author Lakshmikant Deshmukh, Along With Arun Ganpati Lad, Head Of Kranti Industries And Education Group, Mr. Deshmukh And Other Dignitaries. Prof. Pushpa Bhave Has Made Remarkable Contributions To Education And Women’s Empowerment In Maharashtra. Her Work In Social Education, Gender Equality, And Community Development Has Transformed The Lives Of Countless Women And Children. Her Progressive Thinking And Dedication To Social Causes Have Made Her A Role Model For Social Workers Across The State.
4 December 2019 – Dr. Vijay Bhatkar (Computer Scientist & Father Of Indian Supercomputing)
Renowned Computer Scientist Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Hon. Commissioner Prabhakar Deshmukh, Along With Arunanna Lad, Head Of Kranti Industry Group, And Dignitaries. Dr. Vijay Bhatkar Is Known As The Father Of Indian Supercomputing For His Role In Developing India’s First Supercomputer, PARAM. His Pioneering Work In Information Technology And Cybersecurity Has Put India On The Global Technology Map. He Has Been Instrumental In Shaping India’s IT Policy And Building Indigenous Computing Capabilities. His Contributions Have Been Recognized With Numerous National And International Awards, Including The Padma Bhushan.
4 December 2021 – Dr. Ravindra Kolhe (Social Worker From Melghat)
Senior Social Worker From Bairagad (Melghat), Dr. Ravindra Kolhe, Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Dr. D. T. Shirke, Vice-Chancellor, Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Dr. Ravindra Kolhe Has Dedicated His Life To Serving The Tribal Communities In One Of India’s Most Challenging Regions — Melghat. His Tireless Work In Healthcare, Nutrition, And Education In This Remote Tribal Area Has Improved The Lives Of Thousands Of People. Working In Extremely Difficult Conditions, He Has Fought Against Malnutrition, Infant Mortality, And Lack Of Healthcare Access. His Commitment To Serving The Most Marginalized Communities Is Truly Inspirational.
4 December 2022 – Dr. Ganesh Devi (Linguist & Cultural Anthropologist – Padma Bhushan)
Renowned Language Expert Padma Bhushan Dr. Ganesh Devi Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Hon. MP Srinivas Patil. Dr. Ganesh Devi Is A Distinguished Linguist, Cultural Anthropologist, And Literary Critic Who Has Made Exceptional Contributions To Preserving India’s Linguistic Heritage. He Is Best Known For His Monumental Work, The People’s Linguistic Survey Of India, Which Documented Over 780 Living Languages In India. His Work Has Brought Attention To Endangered Languages And Tribal Cultures, Ensuring That India’s Incredible Linguistic Diversity Is Preserved For Future Generations. His Contributions Have Been Recognized With The Padma Bhushan.
4 December 2023 – Sayaji Shinde (Actor & Nature Enthusiast)
Renowned Actor And Nature Enthusiast Hon. Sayaji Shinde Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Senior Thinker Dr. Rajan Gavas. Sayaji Shinde Is A Celebrated Actor Known For His Powerful And Versatile Performances In Marathi, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, And Other Indian Language Films. With A Career Spanning Over Three Decades And More Than 450 Films, He Has Established Himself As One Of Indian Cinema’s Most Respected Character Actors. Beyond Acting, Sayaji Shinde Is A Passionate Environmental Activist And Nature Lover Who Actively Works For Environmental Conservation And Spreading Awareness About Ecological Issues.
4 December 2024 – Prof. Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade (Dnyanpith Awardee & Literary Icon)
Dnyanpith Awardee, Renowned Litterateur And Forthright Thinker Prof. Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade Was Honored With The Krantiagrani Award By Hon. Dr. Jabbar Patel, Eminent Theatre And Film Director. Prof. Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade Is One Of The Most Influential And Celebrated Voices In Marathi Literature. A Winner Of The Prestigious Jnanpith Award (India’s Highest Literary Honor), He Is Known For His Bold Literary Experiments, Critical Thinking, And Fearless Expression. His Novels, Poetry, And Literary Criticism Have Revolutionized Marathi Literature. His Work Explores Complex Themes Of Identity, Culture, Language, And Society With Uncompromising Honesty. As A Teacher, Critic, And Writer, He Has Shaped Generations Of Marathi Writers And Intellectuals.
4 December 2025 – Prof. Dr. Narendra Jadhav (Former Vice-Chancellor and Secretary, Planning Commission, Government of India)
Former Vice-Chancellor and Secretary, Planning Commission, Government of India, Prof. Dr. Narendra Jadhav was honored with the Krantiyagrani Award by the hands of Hon. Chandrakant Dalvi, former civil servant and Chairman, Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, Satara. Dr. Narendra Damodar Jadhav is an Indian economist, educationist, author, and sociologist. As a member of the Planning Commission, he played a role in the formulation of the 12th Five-Year Plan, especially in the areas of education and skill development. His contribution to the creation of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme and in developing an ecosystem for skill development in India is important. His contribution to social justice through the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), and through the Assessment and Monitoring Authority (AMA) is equally noteworthy.
The Significance Of The Krantiagrani Award
The Krantiagrani Award Is Not Merely An Honor Or Recognition — It Is A Public Proclamation Of Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad’s Enduring Values Of Freedom, Cooperation, Education, And Social Justice. It Serves As A Bridge Between The Ideals Of The Freedom Movement And The Changing Times Of Today, Ensuring That The Spirit Of Revolution And Social Transformation Continues To Inspire New Generations.
“These Krantiagranis Give Direction To Thought, Inspiration To Action, And A New Breath To The Social Consciousness.”
Every Year On 4th December In Kundal, This Ceremony Becomes A Living Dialogue Between Past Struggles And Present Aspirations. It Celebrates Those Who Have Not Just Achieved Excellence In Their Fields But Have Used Their Talents, Knowledge, And Influence To Uplift Society, Challenge Injustice, And Inspire Positive Change. The Award Recognizes That True Leadership Comes From Those Who Are Connected To The People, Rooted In Social Awareness, And Active In Creating Meaningful Transformation.
Legacy & Future Vision – A Continuous Journey
The Unbroken Flame Of This Revolution, Which Started In The Year 2000, Continues Ahead Today With A Glorious Tradition Of 24 Years. From Its Inception With Poet Narayan Surve To The Most Recent Recognition Of Literary Legend Dr. Bhalchandra Nemade, The Award Has Maintained Its Commitment To Honoring Revolutionary Spirits Who Transform Society Through Their Work.
Over The Past Two Decades, The Award Has Recognized Poets, Scientists, Social Workers, Doctors, Journalists, Actors, And Thinkers — All United By Their Revolutionary Spirit And Commitment To Social Change. These 22 Distinguished Recipients Have Contributed To Various Fields Including Literature, Science, Healthcare, Environmental Conservation, Social Justice, Education, And Cultural Preservation. Each Recipient Has Added A New Chapter To This Glorious Tradition, Keeping Alive The Flame Of Intellectual Maturity, Grassroots Aspiration For Change, And The Light Of Social Justice.
As The Award Enters Its 25th Year, It Continues To Inspire New Generations To Walk The Path Of Social Service, Creative Excellence, And Revolutionary Thought. The Legacy Of Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad Lives On — Not Just In Memory, But In Action, In Thought, And In The Ongoing Transformation Of Society. This Award Reminds Us That True Revolution Is Not A One-Time Event But A Continuous Journey Of Transformation, Awakening, And Service To Humanity.
Conclusion
This Ceremony, Celebrated Every Year On 4th December In Kundal, Maharashtra, Is More Than Just An Award Function — It Is A Reaffirmation Of The Values That Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad Stood For. It Is A Reminder That The Spirit Of Freedom, The Commitment To Social Justice, And The Dream Of Rural Transformation Are As Relevant Today As They Were During The Freedom Movement.
The Krantiagrani Award Stands As A Testament That When Individuals Dedicate Their Lives To Serving Society, Creating Knowledge, Fighting Injustice, And Inspiring Others, They Become Part Of A Revolutionary Legacy That Transcends Time. The Award Ensures That Dr. G. D. Bapu Lad’s Vision Of A Just, Educated, And Transformed Society Lives On Forever Through The Work Of These Krantiagranis — The Pioneers Of Revolution.
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