The younger generation is sadly
unaware or only half aware of the life and times of Dr. Panjabrao
Deshmukh. To rectify this situation, it was decided to during the
centenary celebrations of Dr. Deshmukh to erect a spacious Memorial
for him. Among other things, the Memorial complex would also display
photographs of events and activities related to his life, his work,
his efforts towards the nurturing and expansion of the Society,
and his role as a Union Agricultural Minister, Government of India.
The Memorial complex is being constructed
under the supervision of Shri Shailendra Kolhe, architect of Amravati,
and a good part of the project has been completed. The premises
are encircled by a wall, and are well laid out with pathways. The
complex houses the main Memorial Temple, a spacious library, an
open theatre and a canteen, among other things. The inner and outer
electrification has been completed, and the beautification of the
garden area is in progress. The completed Memorial Temple admeasures
7 metres in diameter from the inside, and has a height of 9.30 metres.
The outer side has aluminum cladding and structural glazing; the
flooring is granite and the ceiling is done in plaster of Paris.
There is an open theater with tiered seating arrangements. The 'Asthi
kalash' (the urn for the ashes) of Dr. Deshmukh is placed inside.
A prism mirror arrangement enables a view of the sky. A 13 foot
high statue of Bhausaheb adorns the outside.
The interior decoration
& exhibition of the Smurti Bhavan was carried out by the
renowned artist Shri Prakash Viwasrao of Mumbai. The walls
of the first floor display photographs of Bhausaheb. Plaques
have been placed under each photograph, outlining its historical
significance. The ground floor photographs lead the viewer
through the establishment, expansion and development of Shri
Shivaji Education Society. The Smruti Bhavan has been constructed
at the cost of approximately Rs. 3 crores.