Mr Vidyadhar Shukla

To whomsoever it may concern

18/08/2019, Pune

It was a high-level meeting at Shantilal Muttha Foundation where Sachin presented the compilation of feedback from more than 30000 teachers trained in Mulyavardhan Program (the value-based education program). For the last five years, I am a consultant in the foundation. I was surprised because while working as Deputy Director, Maharashtra State Council for Educational Research and Training, MSCERT ' and coordinating statewide training of lacs of teachers under San/ Shiksha Abhiyan (the nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, MHRD" for universalization of education), for about ten years we were never able to make such compilation. We tried manually and could do it in a limited way. There I got to know Sachin Mohite the new research head who created that informative and very attractive compilation. I could see his clarity, confidence, and fluency in English. In the next three years, I also came to know that he never misunderstood our arguments (in fact had a welcoming attitude) and I could witness his readiness to accommodate suggestions. I experienced his comfort in cross-cultural interactions. He can summarize any discussion neatly and precisely I was also impressed at the multipurpose Mulyavardhan App developed by a team under his leadership. I always wished to have such app in the Government system. Even today, when he makes presentations in Government institutes as a part of his present job, officers are impressed and request him for technical help.

Apart from compilations of voluminous open-ended feedback, he has done a baseline study in Goa for Mulyavardhan Program, which was challenging as it is heavily related to the affective domain. He has completed very interesting 'Time on Task' study for students from the primary grades. Interestingly, I also participated in a similar study undertaken by Government (MSCERT) in 100 schools. His curiosity, critical attitude, mastery over technology, enthusiasm to practice new ideas and also accepting /overcoming failures have made him quite suitable for heading the Research department in our foundation. Additionally, he is ambitious and likes to take charge of every situation he is involved in. Thereby he has developed good leadership qualities.

Sachin is very meticulous in his work and ready to make all the efforts when he undertakes some task. I have seen him work overnight when the situation demands. At the same time, he is not satisfied with completion only and strives to do something creative and different in his busy schedule, and even when he is under pressure.

Many a time, it is witnessed that personalities in research and technology domain are alienated from social issues and engrossed in their work, but Sachin is definitely an exception. He is sensitive to social issues and active in resolving some of the problems of socially deprived classes. A few years back, I was very much impressed to read about 'Hole in the wall' project by Sugata Mitra, the TED "'Prize winner. I am very much happy to see Sachin involved in similar activities through Samidha the multipurpose institute. Samidha means twigs of a specific plant which are used to maintain sacred fire; thus, it is a symbol of sacrifice. I appreciate Sachin as he aspires to keep up a similar attitude.

I don't say Sachin has achieved perfection (and in fact, nobody is perfect), but He is the person who cares and spares time for the advancement of humanity creatively, meticulously and with research zeal. I wish him to remain imperfect, unsatisfied forever; and strive to be on the path of perfection. All the best Sachin!

Vidyadhar Shukla,

Ex-Deputy Director,

Maharashtra State Council for Educational Research and Training

Headed Evaluation Section; Served as Training Head for Sary Shiksha Abhiyan; Principal of State Audio Visual Institute; Involved in many research activities; Deputed for DPEr, the World Bank assisted project for Universalization of Education; Coordinated development of curriculum and training content at the primary school level; Had been a consultant to UNICEF project on Child-Friendly School; Core team member, Shantilal Muttha Foundation, Pune for last five years

Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training, Pune, India "1 Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, Delhi, India " Technology, Education and Development; $1 Million Award to leaders wishing global change I" District Primary Education Program, World Bank project for Universalization of Education in India, 1991 v United Nations Children's Fund (formerly United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund)