I think there is no greater gratification than the fulfillment of a commitment made. Way back in 1964 when I established Bharati Vidyapeeth, I promised myself that I would do my best to contribute my share to the overall development of India and particularly of Maharashtra through education. I strongly believe that education can be a very effective instrument in bringing about social transformation. Education needs to be dynamic and ever changing in its contents and form as per the changing needs and requirements of society. I strongly believe that there is a very close correlation between education and the development of society. It is the power of "Vidya" that distinguishes an individual from a non-human being. Education empowers human beings to realize and fulfill their own potential. Empowered individuals, in turn, contribute positively to the overall growth and development of society. Over the years, Bharati Vidyapeeth's colleges, schools and other institutions with their well-earned academic excellence have made available to the students, education and training of high quality. Also our priority is to make education accessible to the students of deprived sections of society. I am very happy that Bharati Vidyapeeth University which is an important component of Bharati Vidyapeeth, has established its reputation in a short span of 21 years as a center of high quality education and research.

I am delighted that Bharati Vidyapeeth has embarked on a new journey with the "Rabindranath Tagore School of Excellence". The school is inspired by, and follows, the educational ideals of the Nobel laureate Shri Rabindranath Tagore in which he had envisioned an education that was deeply rooted in one's immediate surroundings but connected to the cultures of the wider world, and individualized to the personality of the child.

We have also prepared a blue print for future development of Bharati Vidyapeeth and it makes us aware that we still have a long way to go

Access to Primary and Pre- Primary education are absolute essentials for a child for transforming itself into a full fledged social being. Good quality education should be easily accessible to all without any prejudice to economic or social status. Education is also essential for the all sided development of down-trodden, suppressed and exploited people especially women. Bharati Vidyapeeth started functioning with starting Certificate examinations in English and Mathematics for the school going children. The schools of Bharati Vidyapeeth develop students right from Pre- Primary to higher secondary classes and encourage them to go for higher education. These 90 units spread over 9 districts of Maharashtra, include a few cosmopolitan and international schools as well as the schools in Interior areas and some of them exclusively for girls and the tribal children. The regional differences are not reflected in the facilities and infrastructure in both these socially polar destinations.

The main purpose of education is to produce responsible and competent citizens. In a civilized society, each generation is expected to contribute its share for the betterment of society beneficial for the next generation. It is the educated people who can do this. An educational organization like Bharati Vidyapeeth has a tremendous social responsibility in this regard.

I am glad that our new school, the "Rabindranath Tagore School of Excellence", which is based on the teaching ideals of the Nobel laureate Shri Rabindranath Tagore, will carry the baton of education and help transform many a child into a better human being.