A Profile in Perspective

               Inspiration is what keeps us going on in life. And it takes an extraordinary person like Late Prof. Shriram Pujari to inspire and motivate ordinary mortals like us. Late Prof. Shriram Shankar Pujari was born on 25th July 1925, at Panmanglur in Akkalkot taluka of Solapur district. Hailing from a poor family, his childhood was humble and nondescript. Attending the school in his native place, he completed his education upto 4th standard. After that he relocated to Pune and continued his studies. Financial constraints compelled him to work at odd jobs while pursuing his education. But diligence, the will to learn more and a frugal lifestyle saw him through school and college. He completed his graduation in Marathi (B.A. Marathi). Impressed by his sincerity and devotion many good Samaritans like famous Poet Girish, Senapati Bapat, Justice Tarkunde, Justice Shikhare and Prof. Potdar helped him to complete his studies. After completing his graduation Prof. Pujari took up teaching as his profession. From 1945 to 1958 he worked as a teacher at New English school Pune and Haribhai Devkaran Prashala Solapur. He worked as Professor at Sangameshwar College from 1959 to 1966, after which he successfully handled the responsibility of Head OF Department (Marathi) at Solapur College, Solapur. He worked in this capacity upto 1985. Prof. Pujari was an eminent linguist and scholar. His contribution as Editor of the Marathi Encyclopedia is invaluable. He held this post for 10 years. He was also a well-known music critic and worked as member of selection committee of All India Radio's music department. He gave insightful lectures on Dr. Kumar Gandharva's vocal style at functions organized by Madhya Pradesh Government in Bhopal. He also waxed eloquent on various aspects of music at programmes organized on behalf of Human Resources Development Ministry, Delhi. He undertook tours to Europe and USA to popularize and promote Indian Classical music and the Marathi Language. Prof. Pujari played a pivotal role in making the Shri Hirachand Nemchand Library, the Esteemed institution that it is today. After working as executive board member of library (which was established in 1953) he became its chairman in 1983.when he took up the job at the top, the library was not in good financial shape. Moreover it owned dues to the tune of Rs 2000.00. But Prof. Pujari determined to change things around and started work in earnest. He succeeded in popularizing the concept of reading as a good form of recreation. The moot point is, today the library is housed in a splendid mansion in the heart of city with bank deposits exceeding Rs 1.00 crores and 41 lacs. The library also houses an amphitheatre where various cultural programmes are conducted. This amphitheatre is a platform built by Prof. Pujari to give the cultural movement a boost. In 1980, friends and students of Prof. Pujari came together and founded The Shriram Pujari Foundation (Pratisthan). The foundation's mission is to help and assist meritorious students who are in need of genuine financial support. For the last 25 years the Foundation is assiduously working towards his end. Numerous students have become successful professionals like doctors, engineers, advocates, thanks to timely support and encouragement they received from the Foundation. In this way as an all rounder in various fields like literature, music, cultural, reading, social service, excellent speaker and critic, he carved an eminent image in the society. In short he carried out several activities single handedly.