<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">President Ram Nath Kovind has said that the land of Maharashtra is blessed. This is the land of saints, who gave positive and spiritual thoughts to the country. The Maratha Kings of Maharashtra gave direction to the country. Maharashtra also played a leading role in social work, he said. Mr Kovind was speaking after inaugurating the 125th Anniversary Celebrations of Late Smt. Laxmibai Dagdusheth Halwai Dutta Mandir Trust in Pune today.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">The President said, the Dagdusheth couple has played an important role in the service of the country through the worship of Ganapati and Dattatreya. He commended the trust which is also engaged in social work on the same lines.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">President Kovind said that integration of our social cohesion happens through social service. He expressed hope that Pune and Maharashtra will always be at the forefront in the social, political and cultural work of the country.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Speaking on the occasion, former President Pratibha Patil said, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife Laxmibai were instrumental during the freedom struggle and created a tradition of social service, which is still continued by the trust and is appreciable.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">On this occasion, Laxmibai Memorial Awards 2022 were presented to three renowned women achievers from different fields. The awardees included Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor, University of Maharashtra Health Sciences; International Bonsai expert Dr. Prajakta Kale; and Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, Chairman and Executive Director of Dr. D. Y. Patil Abhimat University, Pimpri. A coffee table book titled 'Laxmidatta' reviewing the 125 years of work of Shri Datta Mandir was released by former President Pratibha Patil. An audio-visual film on the brief history of the Dutta Mandir was also shown on the occasion.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former President Pratibha Patil, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune District Ajit Pawar and State Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil, President of the Trust Adv. Pratap Pardeshi were present on the occasion.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Lt. Gen. Dr Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd) worked as a Senior Medical Officer of the Indian Armed Forces and a noted Pediatrician. She has been awarded Param Vishishist Seva Medal, Ati-Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishishta Seva Medal for her exemplary service in the Armed Forces. Taking note of her significant contribution, Governor of Maharashtra appointed her as Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra Health Science University, Nashik.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Dr Prajakta Kale is instrumental in conservation of ancient Indian art called as Vaman Vrikshkala, which is known as Bonsai in modern world. She has created bonsai of different trees over 300 acre land at Kanhe Fata in Maval area.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Dr Bhagyashree Patil is Known for the Garden Revolution, Chairperson and Executive Director of Rise and Shine Biotech Pvt. Ltd. She is working as Pro-VC of Dr D.Y. Patil Deemed University, Pimpri. She has been instrumental in modern horticulture and providing banana saplings to farmers in rainshadow areas, at affordable cost. It has helped thousands of farmer families in creating new sources of earning. She has developed a poly house spread on 30 acre land at Theur near Pune, equipped with state- of- the-art laboratory and distribution system for exotic flowers and also developed the Banana Export Centre.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>