At 100, he's going back to college

Not to study; but the former civil engineer will be felicitated at his college alumni meet on December 19

Not to study; but the former civil engineer will be felicitated at his college alumni meet on December 19

The 155-year-old College of Engineering Pune (COEP) is inviting Keshav Shivram Joglekar, a 'young' 100-year-old student, for the alumni meet scheduled to be held on December 19.

Joglekar, who will be turning 101 on January 22, 2010, is delighted to attend the alumni meet at COEP. He will be felicitated for his achievements and also to wish him good health by COEP Alumni Association on the occasion.

Joglekar comes from a family of engineers. Joglekar's son Sadashiv and grandson Abhay are also engineers, and are the past students of the college's mechanical and civil wing respectively.

Speaking to MiD DAY Joglekar said, "It's really wonderful to go to my college after a long gap of 78 years, but I feel sorry that none of my classmates are alive to meet me."

Sound health
Joglekar maintains good health and his memory is as sharp as ever. He still keeps himself busy in preparing land valuation work reports. At this age, his calculating ability and handwriting is just amazing. He is also a founder member of Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association (AESA).

Recalling his college days, Joglekar said, "Competition was equally tough during those days as well. I was one of the 30 candidates selected of open merit in which, hundreds of aspirants applied from various parts of the then Bombay Presidency."

Joglekar was working as a civil engineer at V R Ranade & Sons from 1934-46 on a salary of Rs 60 per month. He has made significant contribution in re-modelling the railway yard at Coimbatore and Pollachy (South India).

Besides, he was involved in designing and construction of four buildings on Vincent Road (now Dr Ambedkar Road). After 1948, he returned to Pune and did several ownership housing schemes and bungalows at Prabhat Road. The famous Chandrakiran building in Limayewadi and Pushpamangal Apartments were his creations.
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Dr Anil Sahastrabuddhe, director of COEP, said, "Joglekar is the pride of our institute. Our alumni meet would be a tribute to his life and work." While, Pramod Mandke, executive director, COEP, said, "Joglekar has set an example before us on how life can be lived king size."

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