​Thane: For the past five years, the Acharya Atre Katta has been undertaking an inspiring initiative to identify and recognise social organisations that work selflessly for underprivileged and special-needs communities. Through this initiative, the Katta has so far honoured 40 social organisations across Maharashtra with the ‘Gratitude Award’, while also extending financial support to strengthen their work.

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As part of this initiative, Jagruti Palak Sanstha, Thane, which has been working continuously and selflessly for the past 25 years for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Thane region, was specially honoured on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Hinduhṛdayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Hall.

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A ₹1 lakh Gratitude Fund and a memento were presented to the organisation, sponsored by Mr. Sanjay Acharya and Mrs. Archana Acharya. The honour was accepted on behalf of the organisation by its present president, Mr. Satish Dhurat.

The felicitation was based on the spirit of “Salute to service and financial strength to social work.” After accepting the honour, Mr. Satish Dhurat gave the gathering detailed information about the organisation’s work. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken by Jagruti Palak Sanstha to provide adults with intellectual disabilities not merely with support, but also with opportunities to live with dignity, safety, independence and a sense of belonging.

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Founded through the vision and dedicated efforts of Mrs. Shamshree Bhosale, the organisation has, over the past two-and-a-half decades, provided valuable support to numerous families. The recognition by Acharya Atre Katta was therefore seen not merely as an honour for an organisation, but also as a tribute to compassion, social commitment and selfless service.

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The programme was attended by prominent Thane personality Mr. Vilas Thuse, founder of Jagruti Palak Sanstha Mrs. Shamshree Bhosale, social well-wisher Mr. Pravin Deshpande, activists from Kshamata Sanstha, sponsors Dr. Rishikesh Vaidya and Dr. Riya Vaidya, Mr. Sanjay Acharya and Mrs. Archana Acharya, along with Acharya Atre Katta founding and executive committee members Mrs. Sampada Wagle and Mrs. Shila Wagle.

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Members of the Rashmi Senior Citizens Association, along with several socially conscious citizens from Thane and surrounding areas, were also present in large numbers.

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The Acharya Atre Katta’s initiative of standing behind organisations that work selflessly for society and providing them with both financial and moral support is proving to be an inspiring contribution to the social sector. The programme also highlighted the importance of recognising and encouraging organisations whose dedicated efforts bring dignity, hope and meaningful change to the lives of vulnerable sections of society.