History
Waradkar High School, Katta. This institution is one of the oldest institution in Sindhudurga District. It was established in 1926 with the much-needed vision, foresight and initiative of Dr Vithal Kanoji Waradkar, fondly addressed as Kakasaheb, a doctor by profession and social worker.
While moving around as doctor in Katta Panchkroshi, he realised that the necessity of basic education facilities. Therefore, he with his meagre saving as well as financial help from his few friends, started New English School in the year 1926. He donated his own land for the purpose and to begin with constructed 05 makeshift mud classrooms. Later on in 1948, New English School was renamed as Waradkar High School. Since Dr kaka Saheb had good command over English language, he himself used to teach english subject. In 1948, with Dr Kakasaheb's initiative, Old Students Association was formed and later on Katta Panchkroshi Shikshan Prasarak Mandal came into existence. In 1957, Waradkar high school was put under Katta Panchkroshi Shikshan Prasarak Mandal. The constitution of the school was first made in 1957 and was revised with few changes in 1964.
In 1965, Waradkar high school was fortunate to have its brand new 16 room double storeyed building. Laying of cornerstone of the building was carried out by then Maharashtra CM Vasantrao Naik. Later, over the period, school was visited by many imminent dignitaries including late Yashwantrao Chavan, Vasant Dada Patil, SK Patil, Dr Dhundiraj Vinod and others.
It is our proud privilege and honour to mention that the father of our constitution great Dr BR Ambedkar had stayed in our school building in 1929 when he had come to Katta in connection with court case. It is indeed a remarkable feat in the history of the school.
Contribution of Popular Teacher and Administrator SV alias Prof. Sharad Vithal Waradkar
Another visionary who contributed immensely in further progress of the Waradkar High School was his son late Prof Sharad Waradkar, fondly called as SV. He too, by acknowledging, honouring and responding to Dr kakasaheb's call, resigned his lucrative high-profile job in Mumbai at Sachivalaya (Secretariat) and joined Waradkar high school as principal as well as secretary of KPSPM in 1962. He, while performing the dual role of principal as well as secretary KPSPM, worked tirelessly with aim for all-round improvement, development and progress. He along with the school committee members and staff, organised number of events including musical concerts with aim of generating funds for construction of new school building. He invited and organised musical concerts of famous marathi musician late Vasant Desai in Katta, Malvan and Mumbai. In addition, being a prolific writer himself, SV wrote few family dramas and presented them for the local as well as for people of adjoining areas with view to generate more funds for school building project. With his dedication and perseverance, he ensured that new school building was completed in the year 1966. Today same building is proudly accommodating students of Waradkar High school and other two institutions.
Dr. Dadasaheb alias Chandrakant Waradkar
Prof. Sharad Waradkar had to move out of Katta to Kolhapur due to health reasons and therefore, reins of KPSPM were handed over to his elder brother Dr Dadasaheb Waradkar.
Dr. Dadasaheb alias Chandrakant Waradkar was a well-established medical practitioner as well as active social worker himself. He was active in politics and had been Sabhapati of Malvan Nagarpalika. Due to his efforts and initiative, two more institutions namely Dr Dadasaheb Waradkar Junior college in June 2006 and Waradkar English Medium School in July 2008 were started. These two additional institutions have opened more opportunities for the children in the Katta Panchkroshi.
In the year 1996, the mantle of president was again donned by Prof Sharad Waradkar. In 2001 Dr Ulhas Waradkar took over the charge of President. Under his leadership, KPSPM had scaled many heights.
Presently KPSPM is headed by young, dynamic and energetic president Mr Ajayraj Sharad Waradkar.
