Eighty and going strong

PUNE, June 23: The year was 1918. The ideals of swadeshi and national education propounded by Lokmanya Tilak set K G Bhopatkar thinking abou...

PUNE, June 23: The year was 1918. The ideals of swadeshi and national education propounded by Lokmanya Tilak set K G Bhopatkar thinking about how best he could help the cause. He hit upon the idea of starting a commercial training programme to guide potential entrepreneurs. At a time when training schools in this discipline were unheard of, the idea of the Deccan Institute of Commerce DIC took concrete shape on June 1, that year at his residence in Morobadada wada in Budhwar peth with only three students. Today 80 years on, Bhopatkar8217;s dream of facilitating commercial education specially suited to the needs of those who aspire to take up commercial or allied fields finds fulfillment in the institute housed in a two-floor building in Budhwar Peth. This legacy was carried ahead by Shankarrao Dhupkar, who had been educated under the guidance of the founder.

The DIC imparts training in courses like government Diploma in Co-operation and Accountancy, Diploma in Commerce and training for those wishing to appear for their B Com and M Com degrees externally. With a view to imparting practical training to those aspiring to join banks, the institute started a training course in 1960 which continued successfully for 25 years.

8220;In 1969 when the DIC celebrated its golden jubilee, in commemorations of the event, a branch of the institute was set up in Mumbai,8221; says Vasantrao Risbud, principal and secretary of the institute. The Mumbai branch functioned successfully for 12 years before it was wound up. 8220;We have plans of reviving our Mumbai connection,8221; says Risbud. Their future plans include a branch in Nigdi, the building for which is nearing completion. 8220;The institute there will conduct techno-commercial courses like videography, scooter mechanics and computer training,8221; says Risbud.

The Deccan Institute of Commerce Quarterly is a newsletter published by Risbud which highlights the latest developments and news along with article Risbud himself has been associated with the institute from 1949 when inspired by the ideals set by Bhopatkar and Dhupkar he set out to serving it in various capacities with dedication. Risbud has been instrumental in introducing various activities such as competitive sports events, elocution, debates and dramatics. He has also authored a textbook on economic and commercial geography. Such was the respect that Risbud earned in dedication and integrity that even after his retirement he was summoned back to the institute. The DIC stands testimony to the enterprise and integrity it has inspired in all those who have served it. Eighty years and it8217;s still going strong.