The passing of Padma Shri Dr D. Y. Patil, former Governor of Bihar and West Bengal and one of India’s most respected educationists, has drawn tributes from political leaders across the country. Leaders from different parties remembered his contributions to education, healthcare and public service, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.
Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu led the tributes, recalling his long association with Dr Patil and praising his lifelong commitment to nation-building through education.
Expressing his condolences, Prabhu said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr D. Y. Patil, former Governor and a distinguished educationist whose vision transformed the lives of countless students through his immense contribution to education and nation-building.”
Remembering their personal bond, he added that Dr Patil’s kindness, humility and dedication to public service would always remain unforgettable, saying his guidance had inspired everyone who had the opportunity to know him.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also paid homage, calling Dr Patil a visionary institution builder who left a lasting mark on India’s education and healthcare sectors.
In his tribute, Saha wrote, “Eminent educationist, former Governor of Tripura and Bihar, Padma Shri Dr D. Y. Patil passed away at the age of 90. A visionary institution builder, philanthropist and respected public figure, he left an enduring legacy through his immense contributions to education, healthcare and public service.”
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the news as heartbreaking and remembered Dr Patil as a visionary whose work would continue to inspire future generations.
“The news of the demise of Padma Shri Dr D. Y. Patil Ji is extremely heartbreaking,” Choudhary said, adding that his remarkable contributions to education, healthcare and social service would remain unforgettable.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the state had lost one of its greatest education pioneers whose institutions reshaped higher education across the country.
Paying tribute, Shinde wrote, “The great educationist, former Governor and Padma Shri Dr D. Y. Patil, whose visionary efforts transformed the face of education, society and healthcare in Maharashtra, has left an indelible void in the entire state and the academic world upon his passing.”
He further noted that Dr Patil’s emphasis on academic excellence and holistic education created new benchmarks for higher learning and helped shape thousands of students into professionals serving the nation.
Dr D. Y. Patil passed away at the age of 90 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. During his distinguished public life, he served as Governor, philanthropist and institution builder while establishing several renowned educational institutions across India. Awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, he was widely recognised for expanding access to quality education and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
His demise marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian education, with leaders across the political spectrum acknowledging that his legacy will continue through the institutions and lives he helped shape.
