Vinayak V Patwardhan, past-president, MMS, passes away

Popularly known as Bapusaheb, for many, Patwardhan was a father figure who inspired enthusiasm and optimism.

Born on 8 November 1927, Patwardhan graduated in science from Ramnarain Ruia College, Bombay University, and started business activities in 1950.

His two companies, Prabhat Agency and Mangala Art Printers, catered to nationalised banks, educational institutions, insurance companies, and the Maharashtra state for the production of textbooks. He also printed ballot papers for assembly elections.

Over the years, both the companies have won several awards for excellence in printing from the Maharashtra Mudran Parishad (MMP).

Patwardhan was an active member in the printing fraternity not just in Mumbai, but across the country. He was president of Mumbai Mudrak Sangh for six consecutive years from 1975 to 1980.

He was also president of Maharashtra Mudran Parishad for three consecutive years. During his tenure, he worked towards promoting education, and chaired the committee for the development of the technical institute at Panvel, helping it to gain momentum.

Patwardhan was a member of the Minimum Wages Committee twice for the printing industry, appointed by the government of Maharashtra. It was on his formula that the present wage structure is calculated. He was also president of the Maharashtra Text Book Printers & Binders Association.

Patwardhan was twice elected as vice-president of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP). He also headed the Finance & Taxation Committee of AIFMP as chairman for thirteen years. He represented AIFMP as member of the Taxation and Company Law Committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.

Beside his work for the printing industry, Patwardhan was also actively involved in social services.

He was president of Parshuram Education Society, a foremost educational institution in Chiplun, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra for 10 years, and was also president of Shrideo Krishneshwar Fund, a religious institution from Chiplun. He was also chairman of Wadala Industrial Estates Federation.

He was instrumental in starting the ICU unit in Dhanwantari Rugnalaya & Research Centre, a charitable hospital.

Patwardhan was an avid lover of music, dramatics and sports and travelled widely.

He was honoured by the Marathi Vyapari Mitra Mandal and Business Express, in association with Federation of Associations of Maharashtra, in recognition of being a successful entrepreneur and social worker and for his efforts made for the print industry. His interview was telecast twice on Doordarshan, on 17 November 1998 and on 30 December 2008.

On the occasion of Printers’ Day in 2009, Patwardhan was conferred the MMS Lifetime Achievement Award.