The suave, polished and humble gentleman was born into a Middleclass service oriented family from Wai, Maharashtra had his education in Pune, completing M.Sc. Physics with major in Electronics. Pursuing higher education he obtained a Masters in Business Administration with International Finance as Major from University of Tampa, Florida USA.
The Patriotism in him brought him back to the Country and set up packaging and Engineering Units in Kolhapur namely Pratap Packaging Products and Miinu Aautomec Pvt. Ltd. Manufacturing Packaging Materials and Automobile & Engineering components of International quality, thereby providing employment to the locals and empowering many women.
The dedication and vision shown by him in his professional activity brought him the coveted Committee Membership in the Federation of Corrugated Box Manufacturers of India. More important his Dynamism and Leadership qualities were acknowledged by the Indian Institute of Packaging by inviting him as a faculty Member.
International fame graced him when he was included in the who’s who of Professionals of USA in 1998 and a prestigious appointment by the American Biographical Institute as the Research Board of Advisors from 2003. He is also included in Asia/Pacific Who’s Who in 2001.
Pratap as he is popularly known became Rotarian in 1980; it has been a success in service. He has perfect attendance to his credit as of date. He has held every possible post at club and District level in Rotary with Merit. He was GSE Team Leader in the year 1994-95 to exchange with RI District 7500, New Jersey, USA.
Realizing the invaluable service Rotary Foundation offers to mankind, Pratap donated generously to Rotary Foundation and became a PHF and 2nd level Major Donor. Moreover he is the Rotary Foundation’s ‘Benefactor’ and Bequest Society Member.’
Pratap set many new and first time records as a District Governor in 2001-02, due to his total commitment for “Mankind is our Business “he was adjudged Distinguished Governor by RI President Richard King at Barcelona, Spain Convention. His efforts to Banish Polio in the year 2001 – 02 brought him the coveted RI Foundation ‘Bronze Medal’. Acknowledging his initiatives, The Chairman of The Rotary Foundation PRIP James Lacy appointed him as ‘Assistant Zonal Coordinator’ – Zone 6A for 2003-05 terms for ‘Polio Plus Partners Task Force’.
Pratap’s continued involvement and mission in life to serve mankind has been appreciated by The Rotary Foundation with the prestigious Rotary Foundation’s “Citation for Meritorious Service Award” (1998-99) and “Distinguished Service Award” (2003-04). Centennial Year (2004-05), RI President Glenn Estess and Board of Directors have confirmed the highest Award of Rotary International “Service above Self” (2004-05) for his outstanding service to Rotary Ideals for last 26 years. President Glenn Estess sent him as his representative to the District Conference of 3210 in 2004-05.
Importantly, Pratap signifies consistent commitment and dedication to Rotary as a way of life, which is recognized by RI President Glenn Estess by appointing him as Regional Rotary International Membership Coordinator (RRIMC) for Zone 6A for 2004-05.
His work as RRIMC of Zone 6A has been recognized by RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar and Pratap was asked to continue for 2005-06 as RRIMC of Zone 6A. RI
President for 2006-07 Bill Boyd also continued him as RRIMC for zone 6A for the third term, which itself speaks about his dedication for Membership Development in Southern India. Because of his many initiatives and motivation, Membership in the region has net gain and growth and Zone 6 A has became number 1 in RI for last year. This has happened first time in India.
Major Awards & Events in distinguished Rotary and Social career:
- Prestigious Award from RI viz. “Four Avenues” for Service Citation for Individual Rotarian.
- Attended RI Conventions at Singapore (1999).
- In 2003, under TRF MG, lade the 12 doctors team to Uganda (RID 9200) under Medical Care Project, 810 surgeries like Polio Corrective, Cataract, Dental etc. performed by the team.
- Participated in Chicago Convention (2005) and addressed as panel member in the “Membership Seminar” and was also “Sergeant At Arms” in this Centennial Convention.
- In the Copenhagen Convention (2006), he participated as Discussion Facilitator and Panel Member for Membership Retention workshop.
- He was Discussion Facilitator for Polio Plus Secession and Panel Member for “Starting New Club Secession during Salt Lake City Convention in June 2007.
- Vice Chairman and Life Member of Indian Red Cross Society and Board Member Kolhapur Chamber of Commerce & Industries.
- Vice Chairman, Rotary Samaj Seva Kendra run by R.C. Kolhapur.
- Executive Committee Member, Swyam Matimand School.
- Chairman, Physiotherapy Center of Rotary Samaj Seva Kendra.
- Board Member, Shree Rajashree Shahu Blood Bank.
Somewhere during all this he met the charming and beautiful Anne Gayatri, who herself is an MSc (Chemistry) with distinction and the blissful knot was happily tied. Together they have a daughter Minu - BE in Electronics, MS in Computer Science & Engineering and MBA from USA, married and settled in USA.
The Rotary Leader is a keen sportsman with Friendship and Photography as hobbies and traveled worldwide.
|
