Obituary- Tarun Bharat
“Storm of a crusader” , an editorial in a well known Marathi daily “Tarun Bharat” on 1st April 2002 after sad demise of Babaji Datey.
Popularly known as Babaji Datey, Shrikrishna Dattatraya Datey passed away on Friday. In his death we have lost a dedicated, visionary and mission–driven educationalist and a social worker. He was a staunch supporter of Rashtriya Swayamsevkak Sangh (an non government organisation that promoted Indian culture , civilisation and ideology). He was a fierce nationalist , strict disciplinarian and promoter of Indian culture. He had to face opposition even from his supporters as he refused to compromise on these three issues. This hurricane named Babaji Datey slowed down and stopped this Friday. He created an aura around the name “Datey”. He will always be remembered for discipline and hard work , the values he inculcated in his students. Students used to feel proud to say that they are students of Datey College/ school. Being a student of Datey College/school was synonymous with character and discipline.
He was not only a passionate educationalist , he was also a social worker at heart. He implemented various ventures with the aim of providing employment to poor students and help them in the process of “earn and learn”. His education Society started various ventures including saw mill, printing press, ice factory, laundry, floor mill, grocery shop, vegetable shop and helped several students to earn and continue their education.
Another significant venture started by Babaji was “Mayapakhar”, an institute for orphans. He also took initiative in opening a Cooperative bank in Yavatmal. He did not stop here. He undertook and successfully completed his last ambitious project of plantation of 65,000 saplings on a barren hill near Yavatmal. Maharashtra Government conferred him with title “Vanashree”- a king of forest for this work. We, the “Tarun Bharat” family, pay him our sincere tribute .
