Shree Rajarambapu Patil, born on 1st August 1920 in a small village in Satara district, was a visionary leader dedicated to the upliftment of rural society. After completing his law graduation from Kolhapur at the age of 25, he devoted himself to improving educational opportunities for rural students. In 1945, he founded the Kasegaon Education Society, establishing Azad Vidyalaya and Sarvodaya Vasatigrah, a free hostel for underprivileged students from nearby villages. His commitment to social development extended beyond education, as he championed the cooperative movement to transform the lives of farmers.Recognising the potential of cooperative ventures, he established the Walwa Co-operative Sugar Factory (now Rajarambapu Co-operative Sugar Factory), a milk cooperative society (Rajarambapu Patil Sahakari Dudh Sangh Ltd.), the Walwa Co-operative Bank to address farmers’ financial needs, and the Walwa Co-operative Spinning Mill, showcasing his dedication to holistic rural development. Rajarambapu Patil Sahakari Dudh Sangh Ltd., started in 1975, was a cornerstone of his vision. It aimed for 100% farmer involvement, ensuring fair remuneration, boosting milk production, and fostering economic growth. Initially progressing at a steady pace, it gained remarkable momentum post-1985, expanding its operations to Mumbai in 1993 with the advent of the open market system.

As a leader of the masses, affectionately known as “Lokneta,” Rajarambapu Patil used politics as a tool for social betterment. Serving as a minister in the Maharashtra Government from 1962 to 1970 and again in 1978, he worked tirelessly in the fields of education, cooperative industries, irrigation, and infrastructure development. His transformative vision and relentless efforts have left behind a legacy of empowerment, progress, and inspiration for generations to come.