Gyandev Yashwantrao Patil, the former Governor of Tripura, Bihar, and West Bengal, died on Tuesday in Kolhapur in western Maharashtra after a period of ill health. He was 90.
Dr. Gyandev Yashwantrao Patil, one of India’s foremost educationists, was a senior leader of the Congress party.
Born on October 22, 1935, in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, Gyandev came from a farming family. He completed his undergraduate studies at Rajaram College in Kolhapur and earned a degree in law from Shivaji University.
Although trained as a lawyer, his greatest contribution was not within the courts. Patil was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of private higher education in Maharashtra.
The 'D. Y. Patil Group', founded in 1983, manages more than 160 educational institutions, deemed universities, and notable sports and medical infrastructure facilities in Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Kolhapur.
In recognition of his contribution to education and social service, Dr. Patil was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest honors.
Leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been expressing their condolences over his demise.
