Patkar-Varde College stands as the cornerstone of my academic journey, where transformative experiences and unwavering support from dedicated teachers shaped my aspirations and career path. After joining this College, my interest and curiosity in Chemistry grew substantially. My teachers not only taught the subject but also kindled in my interest in research and led to my decision to pursue a doctorate. In addition to the academic knowledge, my teachers taught me the value of being good people. The then Head of Department, Dr. A. G. Gadre, readily supported me when I wanted to undertake a research project to participate at an inter-collegiate competition at Ramnarain Ruia College during my MSc. With his help and guidance, I won the 3 rd prize in the competition. Dr. Gadre also helped me financially by paying 50% of the registration fees for all the symposia I wanted to attend. Today, I stand as a testament to the enduring impact of Patkar-Varde College. I, too, am committed to contributing meaningfully to the field of Chemistry, as I was inspired to do by the unwavering faith the College showed in me.

After my matriculation (in 1964) my family and I were thrilled to hear that a new College was being started in Goregaon. As I lived in Goregaon back then, the proximity of this College made it my most obvious choice. My memories of those years are of having spent my academic time in the company of stalwarts like Prof. A. N. Kothare (Principal) who also taught us Chemistry, Prof. Palekar (Physics), Prof. Gole (English) who made learning so much fun and relevant, and whose interests transcended their own chosen disciplines. Our Mathematics Professors Iyengar, Padukone, Dandwate, and (Mrs.) Samarth were also extremely knowledgeable and had such an impact on my life that I kept up the association with them even after my graduation. Having studied with them all helped to mould me as a teacher. Looking back, I feel that my undergraduate years spent in Patkar College paved the path for my future.