Mr. Mahadevarao Chimanaji Apte
Founder of Anandashram Sanstha (1845-1894)
THE VISIONARY
A Life Dedicated to Sanskrit
Mr. Mahadevarao Chimanaji Apte (1845-1894) was a renowned High Court Advocate whose vision and generosity led to the establishment of Anandashram Sanstha, the first institute in Pune dedicated to Sanskrit studies.
His uniqueness lies in his extraordinary decision to donate his entire property to create a trust for the elevation of Sanskrit studies, making him the first individual in Maharashtra, apart from the Parsi community, to establish such a significant educational trust.
Bronze bust of Mr. Mahadevarao Chimanaji Apte at Anandashram Sanstha
Historical portrait of Mr. Mahadevarao Chimanaji Apte
THE LEGACY
A Lasting Impact
At the end of his life, Mr. Apte made the profound decision to formally renounce worldly affairs, but not before ensuring his vision for Anandashram was secured. He obtained permission from the British Government for his Samadhi below the Shrisachchidananda temple, which he had established within the institution.
His nephew, Mr. Hari Narayan Apte, a renowned social reformer, novelist, and Sanskrit scholar, was appointed to carry forward the trust's mission, ensuring the founder's vision would endure through generations.
FOUNDING VISION
The Founder's Will
In his will, Mr. Mahadevarao carefully outlined the objectives and purpose of the institution
Core Objectives
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Publication and Preservation
To publish books in Sanskrit on all subjects of Hindu religion and Indian culture, and to collect, store and preserve manuscripts in Sanskrit, making them available to future scholars and researchers.
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Sacred Space
To build and maintain a temple of Shrisachchidananda Shivashankara on the second floor of the library building.
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Education Support
Provide lodging and boarding to students coming to Pune for their studies. While students can pursue any discipline, they must maintain exemplary character.
Additional Provisions
- Learned sadhus and sanyasis should be allowed to stay for three days.
- The executive running the institute should be well-educated and of extremely good character.
- The responsibility of construction was assigned to Rao Bahadur Dadasaheb Kanitkar, then Municipal Corporation, Pune.