Dr. Bapuji Salunkhe alias Govindrao Dnyanojirao Salunkhe, the great visionary educationalist founded Shri Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha, Kolhapur in 1954 which is catering to the education needs of students belonging to 11 districts of the State of Maharashtra. Presently, it is functioning through its 330 educational and cultural centers which include 170 high schools, 8 training colleges, 18 arts, commerce and science colleges, 66 junior colleges, 3 B. Ed. colleges, one law college, multipurpose high schools, 19 hostels, and one asharamashala (residential school). Most of these education centers are situated in the rural, backward, hilly, drought-hit and remote parts of the state of Maharashtra. Nearly, more than two lakhs of students are receiving their lessons in the Sanstha’s different centres. All these centres of the Sanstha are manned with well-qualified, experienced and dedicated faculty, administrative and menial staff.
Dr. Bapuji’s dedicated work; great service to the downtrodden and poor communities of the society is rewarded by the Government of Maharashtra by awarding him with the title “Dalit Mitra”. Shivaji University, Kolhapur conferred on him the degree of D.Litt. The people awarded him with the title “Shikshanmaharshi” for his yeoman’s efforts a pioneering work in the field of education.
Swami Vivekananda is a role model of India Culture. He is a representative of truth, character, glory, sacrifice, devotion, generosity, anticipation and hard work. This education trust works respecting the philosophy and teachings of the great Saint Shri Swami Vivekananda. So this institution is named after him. It is Shri Swami Vivekananda Shikshan Sanstha, Kolhapur (Maharashtra), India.