About

Chairman - Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Cooperative Sugar Factory Ltd.
Trustee - Sanjivani Rural Education Society (Sanjivani University)
Director - Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative (IFFCO)
Director - Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation
Director - Ahmednagar District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd.
Chairman - Kopargaon Industrial Cooperative Society (Estate) Ltd.

Vivek Kolhe – A Leader with a Vision

A leader who connects with the youth, with a vast and strong public outreach, fighting for the rights of the people, and leaving a mark on society – Vivek Kolhe’s journey began during his student days. While active in the student movement, he always played the role of a bridge between college management and students. At times he put forth issues with calm persuasion, and at times with his assertive style, always making sincere efforts to deliver justice.

While pursuing Civil Engineering at K. K. Wagh Engineering College, he was elected as General Secretary during his third and fourth year. Through this platform, he raised a strong voice for student issues and became their true representative. With a resolve to dedicate himself to social development and to carry forward the Kolhe family’s principle of “service as duty,” he shouldered the responsibility of community development work.

For the first time in Kopargaon city, he started a BPO Call Center, creating employment opportunities for many youths. Later, he was elected as a Director of Ahmednagar District Central Cooperative Bank, marking the beginning of his political journey. Recognizing his management skills and leadership abilities, he was entrusted with the Chairmanship of the Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Cooperative Sugar Factory. Believing that the sluggish cooperative movement must accelerate, he introduced computerization and set a new direction.

Under his guidance, the foundation of Sanjivani Yuva Pratishthan was laid, inspiring thousands of youths to work towards social unity, health, youth empowerment, environment, and agriculture. In healthcare, during the COVID-19 crisis, he started the Sanjivani Dedicated COVID Health Care Center, providing free treatment to hundreds of patients.

Through initiatives such as blood donation camps, free ambulance service, free mobile clinics, tree plantation drives, fort cleanliness campaigns, and flood relief efforts, his work gained recognition across Maharashtra. Similarly, by organizing mass community marriages for all religions, he helped countless underprivileged families build their futures.

Carrying forward the guiding principle of “Service is Duty” with the same devotion and sincerity, Vivek Kolhe continues to expand this legacy of service and leadership.

In the post-independence era, as educational reforms were taking place across Maharashtra, education began to flow like a silent yet powerful wave. Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil had already started his mission to spread education, and through his efforts, the great tree of Rayat Shikshan Sanstha began to flourish. Inspired by his ideals, Late Shankarraoji Kolhe worked tirelessly to establish and sustain several schools and colleges under the Rayat Education Society.

Later, through relentless hard work, he founded the Sanjivani Rural Education Society, with a firm belief that the quality of education available in cities like Pune and Mumbai must also reach the rural heartland. Under his guidance, lakhs of students were nurtured and shaped. This legacy of education was then carried forward ably by the second generation, and today, the third generation is strengthening and expanding it further. Recognizing the reputation and quality of the institution, it was recently accorded the status of a Rural University.

Just as the passion for flying high must be in one’s blood, true dedication to social service must also be inherited naturally. This legacy was passed on by Late Shankarraoji Kolhe and the Kolhe family. Vivek Kolhe’s mother, Mrs. Snehalata Kolhe, the first woman MLA of Kopargaon Assembly Constituency, has worked extensively in social service and women’s empowerment. Nurtured by her values, Vivek Kolhe has imbibed the same spirit of service with sincerity and commitment.

Today, he carries this legacy forward as:

  • Chairman – Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Cooperative Sugar Factory

  • Youngest Director – Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO), the world’s largest cooperative organization

  • Chairman – Kopargaon Industrial Estate Cooperative Society

  • Director – Ahmednagar District Central Cooperative Bank

  • Youngest Director – Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation

Under his leadership, these institutions are reaching new heights. With a progressive vision and strong connection with the common people, Vivek Kolhe is upholding the social legacy of Late Shankarraoji Kolhe and leaving a remarkable imprint through his own work.

Awards


Honored with the “Promising Young Leader” award by Navbharat and Navrashtra Group.

In recognition of Vivek Kolhe’s dedicated and progressive working style, the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, acknowledged his contribution, and the industry group received the National Level Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.