Vincentian Physics teacher Mr.Anand Deshpande

[Raymond Rebello]

Obituary: *Professor Anand Deshpande*

(14th May 1947 – 25th April 2025)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Professor Anand Deshpande, born on 14th May 1947 in Pune, a revered educator, visionary leader, and selfless community servant, on 25th April 2025.

Professor Deshpande devoted his life to the noble cause of education, serving as a Professor of Physics in several esteemed junior colleges including Modern College, Dnyan Prabodhini Junior College, and St. Vincent Junior College, where he eventually became the Head of the Department of Physics. His mastery over the challenging subject of Physics and his ever-youthful spirit and cheerful demeanor earned him immense love and respect from generations of students.

Beyond his excellence in the classroom, Professor Deshpande displayed exemplary leadership by forming the Teachers Association of Junior Colleges at the Maharashtra district level. As President from 1982 to 1993, he worked selflessly and tirelessly for the welfare of junior college teaching staff, successfully addressing critical issues like teachers’ pay scales. His leadership was marked by integrity, determination, and a genuine commitment to uplift the teaching community.

A man of action and vision, Professor Deshpande also founded TOWER — an organization aimed at offering social services in education through renowned teachers across Maharashtra. Under his guidance, TOWER conducted almost-free crash courses covering the 11th and 12th standard Science syllabus for students from financially weaker and rural backgrounds for over a decade, lighting the lamp of knowledge in countless young lives.

Professor Deshpande’s dedication to education extended to the University level as well; he served as a Senate Member of the University of Poona from 1986 to 1988. Even after his formal retirement, he continued his mission, serving as Principal and Administrator at Ambani School and College in Nagothane (formerly IPCL) until 2014.

With his deep interest in Indian ancient medicine and Ayurveda, Professor Deshpande passionately pursued the study of Nadi Parikshanam until his final days. His profound respect for nature and traditional wisdom was beautifully exemplified through his work in conceptualising the Nakshatra Garden at Nagothane, emphasizing the importance of the vibrations of dedicated plants for each Nakshatra on individual life.

Above all, Professor Anand Deshpande was an extraordinary human being — a man whose life was a testament to unconditional love, compassion, and service. He embraced all people without discrimination, dedicating himself wholly to the welfare of his students, colleagues, and community.

Professor Deshpande leaves behind a rich legacy of knowledge, kindness, and leadership that will continue to inspire and guide countless hearts. He will be deeply missed by his family, students, colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

[prepared by his son Adwait & fwded by Mrs Gladys D'Souza]