DY Patil Dies: Padma Shri Awardee and Former Governor Passes Away at 90
Eminent educationist, philanthropist, and former Governor of Tripura, Bihar, and West Bengal, Padma Shri Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao (D. Y.) Patil, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Kolhapur at the age of 90. He died due to age-related health complications.
- Read in
- हिंदी
Padma Shri awardee, veteran educationist and former Governor Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao (D. Y.) Patil passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness. Widely regarded as one of India's leading institution builders, Dr. Patil leaves behind a legacy spanning education, healthcare and public service, having founded one of the country's largest educational networks and served as Governor of Tripura, Bihar and West Bengal. Tributes poured in from political leaders, academicians and former students following news of his demise, according to a report.
DY Patil - A Pioneer in Education
Dr. Patil was best known for establishing the D. Y. Patil Group, which grew into a vast network of educational institutions across India. Over the decades, the group expanded to include schools, engineering colleges, medical colleges, universities and research institutions, providing higher education opportunities to thousands of students. His contribution to education earned him the Padma Shri in 1991, recognising his work in social service and institution building. Sudarshan Reddy Dies: BRS Leader and Former MLA Passes Away at 52 Due to Cardiac Arrest.
Distinguished Public Career
Apart from his contributions to education, Dr. Patil had a notable career in public life. He served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly before being appointed Governor of Tripura in 2009. He later served as Governor of Bihar and also held the additional charge of Governor of West Bengal. During his gubernatorial tenure, he was associated with initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education and promoting social welfare.
Tributes Pour In
Leaders from across the political spectrum expressed condolences, remembering Dr. Patil as a visionary educationist and philanthropist whose institutions transformed access to quality education. Several universities and educational institutions founded by him also paid tribute, acknowledging his role in shaping generations of students and professionals. Raj K Purohit Dies: Former Maharashtra Minister Passes Away at 71 in Mumbai Following Prolonged Illness.
Legacy Beyond Classrooms
Born on October 22, 1935, in Ambap village of Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, Dr. Patil rose from humble beginnings to become one of India's most respected educationists.
Beyond education, his institutions expanded into healthcare and sports infrastructure, reflecting his belief in holistic development and public service. The D. Y. Patil name today is associated with universities, medical colleges, hospitals and sports facilities in several parts of the country.
End of an Era
Dr. Patil's passing marks the end of a distinguished career that bridged public service and education. His contributions helped reshape India's private higher education landscape while influencing countless students through institutions that continue to operate across the country.
His final rites are expected to be held in his hometown of Kolhapur, with family members, political leaders, educationists and well-wishers expected to pay their last respects.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 12:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
