Late Balasaheb Devram Wagh alias Bhau

Being an environmentalist, utilizing his deep expertise and micro-level knowledge in geography and agriculture, he preserved more than a hundred varieties of the rarest tree species. Taking a step towards a safer environment, he initiated the idea of ‘Eco-friendly Ganesha’ almost a decade ago. This initiative has encouraged millions of other people to shift to eco-friendly practices and has significantly reduced the pollution of water bodies.

Owning a deep sense of inclination for the arts, he established the ‘Kala Academy,’ where he promoted Indian classical music among the youth and encouraged other art forms by inviting experts from all around the nation. Numerous experimental workshops for singing, drawing, painting, and sculpture were conducted, fostering creativity and artistic expression.

Inspired by the teachings and guidance of the late Padma Shri Awardee Karmaveer Kakasaheb Wagh, Shri. Balasaheb Wagh dedicated himself to establishing and elevating educational institutions to new heights of reputation and integrity. While serving as a Trustee, Vice-President, and President of K K Wagh Education Society since 1970, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of schools (CBSE & State Board) and colleges spanning diverse fields, including Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Fine Art, Performing Art, as well as traditional Arts, Science, Commerce, and Computer Science. He significantly contributed to the accreditation of Engineering Colleges and Polytechnics, consistently striving to enhance both quality and quantity by attracting proficient faculty and introducing new branches and disciplines. Shri. Balasaheb Wagh was a radical pioneer who walked the extra mile to ensure girls get into mainstream development. Being an alchemist in his approach, he strived for spreading the mark of K K Wagh across the globe with world class education system. His continuous efforts resulted in the establishment of nine campuses and thirty different institutes by 2022. Due to his rich experience in agriculture and love for nature, all campuses of K K Wagh Education Society metamorphosed into lush greenery in the form of rare varieties of floral biodiversity.

Shri Balasaheb Wagh played a prime role in the establishment of the Association of Managements of Unaided Engineering, Polytechnics and Agriculture & Agriculture Allied Colleges in Maharashtra. Due to his work and commitment, he was elected unopposed as President of these three state-level Associations for 16 to 17 years. Through this, he brought around 700 unaided Professional institutes in the State of Maharashtra under the umbrella of these associations and worked relentlessly to solve their problems.

On the occasion of his 80th Birthday, then Chief Minister of Maharashtra felicitated and acclaimed Shri. Balasaheb Wagh as the ‘Sage’ and conferred upon him the title of the ‘Torch-Bearer’ for illuminating the lives of several thousand people through education. He received numerous prestigious awards including Krushi Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar, Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Puraskar, Edupreneurs Award, Nashik Bhushan Puraskar, Samajratna, and Pitru Puraskar, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the social, agricultural and educational fields.

A prominent name in the fraternity who strived for the betterment of people, Shri. Balasaheb Wagh was a true Gandhian. He was very soft-spoken and wore the crown of simplicity, ensured that he wears and eats only local, believing in the concept of a self-sufficient village. A man of very simple living and high thinking, dedicated his life towards improving basics and worked tirelessly for 65 years to bring a difference in the lives of rural people. An ordinary man with an extraordinary zeal to serve society has reformed a million lives and engraved a permanent place in the hearts of every single soul he touched! A beacon of inspiration, he lived a vibrant and active life for 89 years, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.