Founder Trustee
Shri Mahabaleswar S. Deshpande
Shri Mahabaleswar S. Deshpande is a distinguished defence veteran, educationist, and social reformer with over four decades of service to the nation – first in uniform and later in the fields of education, cultural awareness, and social upliftment.
After completing his post-graduation in Physics, he began his professional journey at BARC and IIT Powai in Mumbai. At the age of 24, he joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in January 1976 and was commissioned in December the same year. Over a span of 32 years, he served with distinction at various operational air bases across the country—including Chandigarh, Pune, Jaisalmer, Assam, Srinagar, and Ambala—providing critical weather coverage and support for military aviation in high-pressure environments.
Before retiring as a Group Captain in 2008, he completed a prestigious residential postgraduate program at IIM Ahmedabad, marking the transition to his second career in the education sector.
Career in Education and Public Service
Post-retirement, Shri Deshpande took up leadership roles in several educational institutions:
- Registrar of Symbiosis’ newly opened institution in Bangalore.
- Principal of the renowned Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential School for Girls, near Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Leader of a group of educational institutions near his native village on the Karnataka–Maharashtra border.
He also served as Visiting Faculty in the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where he held the Adjunct Chair of Veer Savarkar. There, he taught subjects like Defence Economics, Military History, and Human Rights to postgraduate students, contributing to the academic study of national security and strategic affairs.
Service Through Social and Cultural Initiatives
Deeply committed to societal transformation, Shri Deshpande turned his focus towards CSR-based consultancy for educational institutions and grassroots organizations. He played a key role in organizing:
- Sainik Sanman Sammelan, an event in Pune to honour gallantry award winners and war heroes.
- Shiv Shakti Sangam, a massive gathering of nearly 2 lakh swayamsevaks from Western Maharashtra.
For over a decade, he has been actively involved in promoting Hindu unity and cultural awareness through the RSS and associated organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led large-scale relief operations in Pune, reaching thousands in need across the city.
Founder Member – Hind Punarutthan Sangh
Shri Deshpande is a founding member of Hind Punarutthan Sangh, an organization established in New Delhi, aimed at restoring India’s spiritual, cultural, and national ethos. Under his guidance, the Sangh has grown to a strong membership of over 3,000 individuals across India.
Demonstrating his belief in seva (selfless service), he has adopted three underprivileged settlements (vastis) near his residence, working towards:
- Connecting residents with civic amenities
- Promoting environmental cleanliness
- Supporting education and school enrolment
- Conducting weekly cultural heritage classes
- Distributing stationery and sports materials to local children
Legacy of Service
Shri Mahabaleswar S. Deshpande’s life reflects a rare blend of discipline, intellectual pursuit, cultural rootedness, and compassionate service. Whether in the cockpit, the classroom, or among the underprivileged, he continues to embody the spirit of nation-building through action, education, and awakening.