Mansingrao Naik : January 22, 2025
Intro
Loknete Fattesingrao Naik (Appa) was a beacon of the cooperative movement, a leader who dedicated his life to the service of society. With his exemplary leadership, he strove to bring justice to the common people through reforms in the cooperative, agricultural, and industrial sectors. His efforts provided employment to the unemployed, uplifting numerous families. Through the Vishwas Industrial Group, he contributed immensely to the educational, social, industrial, and cultural development of Shirala and Shahuwadi talukas.
On this solemn occasion of his death anniversary, we remember his extraordinary contributions. Despite opposition, Appa established a new tradition by ensuring unopposed elections in cooperative institutions, uniting all stakeholders for the continuous development of cooperatives.
Early Life and Legacy
Born on October 24, 1929, Fattesingrao was the son of freedom fighter Anandrao Naik. He carried forward the legacy of his father and uncle, Vishwasrao Naik, in social service. After completing his 11th-grade education, he assisted underground freedom fighters and became an active member of the Indian National Congress in 1942. Following the demise of Vishwasrao Naik, his father Anandrao Naik took over the sugar factory’s operations, and Fattesingrao joined him in public service.
In 1972, Appa was elected Sarpanch of Chikhli Gram Panchayat. From 1968 to 1974, he participated in the Chandoli dam movement and assumed the chairmanship of Vishwas Sugar Factory in 1978. During challenging times, he worked tirelessly with the government to revitalize the factory, leading it toward consistent progress.
Transformative Projects and Contributions
In 1986, Appa founded the Water Council to advocate for the northern part of Shirala taluka’s right to water from the Chandoli dam for agricultural purposes. He served as a member of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in 1989 and undertook an international tour in 1991 to study modern agricultural techniques. Recognizing the importance of sugarcane development, he initiated irrigation schemes, conducted farmer awareness programs, and established numerous cooperative institutions, including:
- 10 Lift Irrigation Projects
- Urban Credit Societies
- Women’s Cooperative Societies
- Pracheeti Cooperative Agricultural Processing Society
- Colleges and Schools
Through Vishwas Industrial Group, he implemented several educational and social initiatives. In 1991, he founded the Vishwas Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, which today stands as a significant educational institution.
Social and Cultural Initiatives
Appa’s contributions were not limited to education and agriculture. He supported a range of community-oriented programs, such as:
- Science exhibitions to encourage rural students
- Literary events like South Maharashtra Literary Conferences to enrich cultural knowledge
- State-level sports competitions, wrestling tournaments, and agricultural exhibitions
- Financial aid for governmental livestock preservation camps and surgeries for critical illnesses
- Disaster relief for earthquake and drought victims
He also honored outstanding students and individuals through awards like the Anandarao Naik Merit Award and organized cultural programs to preserve traditions.
Political Journey and Recognition
Despite political challenges, Appa emerged as a steady and visionary leader. He secured power in cooperative institutions such as the District Council, Panchayat Samiti, societies, and market committees. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Award on August 19, 1995, and the Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi Award on November 19, 1995.
Visionary Leadership
Appa’s vision for Shirala’s northern region culminated in the implementation of the Wakarude Budruk project, realized through the legislative efforts of his son, Mansingrao Naik, who served twice as an MLA. Loknete Fattesingrao Naik’s unwavering dedication to the upliftment of the common people continues to inspire future generations.
Let us commemorate his exceptional service and farsightedness, which remain etched in our memories forever.
