Former Raigad MP Ramsheth Thakur has been selected for the Sharadratna Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sharad Pratibhashali Cultural Foundation, Maharashtra, in recognition of his long-standing work in the social sector.
The award will be presented at a ceremony at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai on Wednesday, October 7, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sharad Pawar, president of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha and a Rajya Sabha member. Pawar was re-elected president of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha for the 2026–29 term and began a fresh Rajya Sabha term in April 2026.
The programme, scheduled from 3 pm to 8 pm, will include the award presentation along with cultural performances. Other award recipients are also expected to be honoured during the event.
Among those expected to attend are Pratibha Pawar, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, MNS president Raj Thackeray, Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Patil, Minister for Employment Guarantee Scheme, Horticulture and Kharebhumi Development Bharat Gogawale, MP Supriya Sule, actor and social worker Nana Patekar, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, MP Dr Amol Kolhe, MP Suresh Mhatre, MLA Rohit Pawar and Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil.
The foundation’s announcement places the award in the context of Thakur’s work in social and educational initiatives. It said he has drawn inspiration from the philosophy of Karmaveer Dr Bhaurao Patil, founder of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha, and has supported schools, colleges and other constructive initiatives in Raigad and other parts of Maharashtra.
Thakur has also been associated with educational initiatives through his work with institutions connected to the Rayat Shikshan Sanstha. The organisation currently lists him among its supporters and benefactors, including for educational initiatives in the region.
The Sharad Pratibhashali Cultural Foundation said the lifetime achievement honour is intended to recognise Thakur’s contribution to social service and philanthropy.
Foundation founder-president Rajaram Shelar and other office-bearers have appealed to the public to attend the ceremony. The foundation has also said the programme will feature cultural participation alongside the awards. A recent announcement by the organisation stated that artists from across Maharashtra would participate in the cultural programme.
