[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1190-E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMENDING S.P. MANDALI'S NARALKAR INSTITUTE

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Shikshana 
Prasaraka Mandali, or S.P. Mandali, for their vision and contribution 
to the Indian state of Maharashtra. S.P. Mandali, a historic education 
society in India, was established 125 years ago on May 2, 1888.
  S.P. Mandali has made significant contributions in developing and 
improving the quality of education in Maharashtra by founding and 
managing more than 40 institutions in Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Solapur, 
Chiplun, Nagothana, and other municipalities that provide education 
from kindergarten to graduate level courses.
  I am grateful for the leadership of the S.P. Mandali: President--Shri 
Bal J. Pandit, Vice President--Shri. Sushilkumar Ruia, Chairman 
(Managing Council)--Shri. A.S. Dadhe, Vice Chairman (Managing 
Council)--Shri. A.N. Mate, and Secretary--Shrimati Nanda Mane, for 
their hard work and commitment to education.
  I want to take this opportunity to specifically recognize the 
Naralkar Institute of Career Development and Research (NICDR) that was 
started by S.P. Mandali in 1986. The NICDR was established and named in 
honor of the late Principal Nanasaheb Naralkar who was a great educator 
in Pune. The NICDR is affiliated with the University of Pune and is 
recognized as a research center for the Ph.D. program in Management 
Science. NICDR in the last twenty years has created many partnerships 
with different businesses and industries in the Pune region. NICDR 
offers many computer and vocational courses that use state of the art 
equipment for hands-on-training that include software and computer 
programming. NICDR's high standard of curriculum and meticulous 
trainings sets them apart from the many other institutions in Pune.
  I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Director of NICDR, 
Dr. G.K. Shirude, his staff, and faculty for their tremendous 
contributions in improving the quality of education and empowering 
students in becoming competent managers in many fields. I would be 
remiss if I did not also recognize members of the Managing Committee of 
NICDR: Chairman--Shri. A.S. Dadhe, Members--Adv. Jayant Shaligram, 
Shri. A.N. Mate, Shri. Ajay Datar, Shri. V.V. Joshi, Prof. Seema Bapat, 
and Mrs. Jyoti S. Joshi.
  Dr. Shirude and the Managing Committee of NICDR have embarked on a 
pathway to possibly establish community colleges in Maharashtra. In the 
U.S., we have had community colleges for more than 100 years and have 
been a critical component in our education system. However, in India, 
this concept is brand new. The establishment of community colleges in 
India will provide greater access to education for the large population 
of Indians

[[Page E1191]]

who live in rural and remote locations. It will also allow for many 
individuals to receive specialized training in fields that are 
necessary or required by local industries and businesses.
  This pathway will be possible with the assistance of many 
stakeholders, including Captain Shivaji Mahadkar and Mr. Sanjay Puri. 
Captain Shivaji, a retired commando of the Indian army, a former 
General Secretary for the Sinik Cell of the Maharashtra Pradesh 
Congress Committee, and an active trustee for many educational trusts 
in Maharashtra, has worked closely with Indian universities in building 
partnerships with other institutions in Germany, United Kingdom, and 
the U.S. I thank him for his service and dedication to improving the 
quality of education in India. His collaboration with Mr. Sanjay Puri, 
founder and Chairman of the Alliance for U.S.-India Business, will be 
instrumental in advancing education in India. I know that this venture 
in education between U.S. and India will be beneficial for both sides.

                          ____________________