Shri Pancham Khemraj Mahavidyalaya

Shri Pancham Khemraj Mahavidyalaya, Arts, Science & Commerce College is run by South Ratnagiri District Shikshan Prasark Mandal,Sawantwadi. The establishment & the success of the institution exemplifies the dictum "Udyamena hi sidhyante karyani namanorathi ".All things attain fruitarian by sustained Endeavour & never by wish full thinking. In 1950's & 60's Konkan, especially south Konkan was cut off from national activities just like education & industrial development, hence remained stagnant & unprogressive .To overcome this barrier, it was essential to establish an institution where higher education would be make available. A great mind think alike & as a result of such group thinking of about 30 Head Masters of High Schools, educationists & social workers from all talukas of south Ratnagiri this Mahavidyalaya came into existence. While the first meeting mooted the matter was held in Aug, 1960, the actual starting of the college took place on 17th June, 1961. On the opening day, the college commonsense it's educational activity with exactly 100 students on its roll in P. D. Arts and Science classes. the college was named after Shri Pancham Khemraj alias Shrimant Bapusaheb Maharaj (K.C.S.I) father of Founder President Late Rajesaheb H.H.Raja Bahaddur Shrimant Raje Bhonsle .For housing College, Founder President Late Rajesaheb donated 5.75 acres of land studded with mango ,jackfruit & teak plantation. He also gave Rs 75,000 /- as the nucleus of the funds as refundable deposit without interest. He arranged for the proper College furniture, renovated the lecture halls and laboratories & stocked the library with useful toners Major His Highness Late Raja Bahaddur Shrimant Khemraj Sawant Bhonsle alias Bapusaheb Maharaj (K.C.S.I) took great interest in education & helped many students with stipend. He also allowed needy & poor students to stay in the palace & fostered their school careers .He tried to start primary school in almost every village in his state & made education free in his regime. Eminent Malarialogists like Ross & Strickland has acknowledged his contribution to the eradication of malaria in the state. The Mahavidyalaya is a humble tribute to the memory of that saint soul to whom Rashtrapita Mahatma Gandhi Called "Ram Raja"