Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar/Latur: Former Rajya Sabha member Dr Gopalrao Patil, widely known as the architect of the ‘Latur Pattern’ of education, passed away at the age of 94 in Latur on April 21.
Dr Patil, a renowned paediatrician and educationist, breathed his last following age-related illness. He was known for his significant contributions to healthcare, education, and public service in Maharashtra.
Born in 1931 in Kawatha village, he pursued an MBBS and later specialised in medical education at Osmania University. He practised as a paediatrician in Latur for several decades and earned widespread respect for offering free medical services in rural areas for years.
Dr Patil played a pivotal role in shaping the ‘Latur Pattern’, a highly effective coaching model for Class 12 students that gained national recognition for improving academic performance. He was also associated with the Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, which runs Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya—an institution known for academic excellence.
In politics, he was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1994 to 2000. During his tenure, he contributed to key parliamentary committees, including commerce, external affairs, and railways.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute to Dr Patil, describing him as a selfless leader dedicated to improving rural education and healthcare, and credited him for giving Latur a distinct identity in academic excellence.
Dr Patil’s passing marks the end of an era for Marathwada, with many remembering him as a visionary who bridged medicine, education, and public service, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
