Rahul Pendharkar Conferred with Maharashtra Government’s District Youth Award

 

**₹10,000 Award Money to be Utilised for Social, Cultural and Educational Initiatives**

**First Recipient of the District Youth Award from Aheri Sub-Division**

**Gadchiroli, Correspondent:** Rahul Pendharkar has been conferred with the **District Youth Award** instituted by the Maharashtra Government’s School Education and Sports Department for Gadchiroli district, in recognition of his notable and sustained contribution to the social, cultural and educational sectors in the tribal, rural, Naxal-affected and extremely remote areas of the district.

The award carries a cash prize of **₹10,000, a memento and a certificate of appreciation**. The prestigious award was presented to Pendharkar at an award ceremony held in Gadchiroli by **Gadchiroli District Collector Avishyant Panda, IAS, and Co-Guardian Minister Adv. Ashish Jaiswal**, in the presence of senior government officials and other dignitaries.

Those present on the occasion included District Collector Avishyant Panda, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Suhas Gade, Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh, Municipal Council President Pranoti Nimbhorkar, Assistant Collector M. Arun, Dr. Ajay Doke and Additional Collector Nitin Gawande. Pendharkar is a law college student and is simultaneously gaining practical experience in the legal profession through his practice at the Chandrapur court. While pursuing his legal education and professional career, he has continued to actively contribute to social, cultural and educational initiatives. He is currently associated with **Jagrut Yuva Manch, Aheri; [Adigram] Adivasi Gramin Sahitya Bahuuddeshiya Sanskrutik Shikshan Mandal, Chandrapur; and Zhadipatti Lokkala Mandal, Gadchiroli**, serving as president of these organisations and spearheading various initiatives. Through these organisations, Pendharkar has been working to bring together youth, students, artists and citizens from tribal, rural, Naxal-affected and geographically remote areas and build a sustained movement for social awareness and constructive community engagement. His work has particularly focused on motivating young people towards socially constructive activities, preserving and promoting local folk art and cultural traditions, providing platforms for artists, and supporting students through various educational initiatives. The government has recognised this multifaceted contribution, undertaken alongside his legal education and professional practice, by honouring him with the District Youth Award. After receiving the award, Pendharkar said that the honour was not merely a personal achievement but a new source of motivation to continue his work. He particularly acknowledged the significant role played by Zhadipatti folk theatre in shaping his personality and social outlook.

> “Zhadipatti theatre is not merely a platform for entertainment; it is an institution that has shaped generations of artists. This theatre shaped me, connected me with society and inspired me to work for the community. For me, this theatre is like a mother. It has given identity, values and direction to countless people, and it has played a very important role in my life and my journey of social work,” Pendharkar said.

Meanwhile, Pendharkar has decided to utilise the entire ₹10,000 cash component of the award for social, cultural and educational activities-

“This award is not just a personal honour. It is an honour for everyone who has believed in my work and supported me throughout this journey. The award has further increased my responsibility towards society. Therefore, the entire amount received with this award will be reinvested in social, cultural and educational initiatives,” he said. His decision has been widely appreciated. His resolve to channel the recognition received for working in difficult and remote areas back into community-oriented initiatives is being viewed as an encouraging example for young people Pendharkar’s journey—balancing legal education and court practice with sustained social, cultural and educational engagement—has emerged as an example of how young people can contribute meaningfully to society while pursuing their professional careers.