Dr Gopalrao Patil, former Rajya Sabha member & architect of ‘Latur Pattern’, passes away at 94

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Former BJP Rajya Sabha member and paediatrician Dr Gopalrao Patil, widely known as the architect of ‘Latur Pattern', died of old age in Latur on Tuesday morning. He was 94.Born on Oct 3, 1931, at Kawatha village in Omerga taluka of Dharashiv district, Patil completed his MBBS and later specialised in medical education at Osmania University, Hyderabad. He practised as a paediatrician in Latur for several decades and earned widespread goodwill for providing free medical services in the Murud region for 12 years.He was also the head of Shiv Chhatrapati Shikshan Sanstha, which runs Rajarshi Shahu Mahavidyalaya, an institution known for pioneering the ‘Latur Pattern' of coaching for Std XII students.Patil ventured into politics and contested the Lok Sabha elections twice from Latur on a BJP ticket, losing by narrow margins. He was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha and served as a member of the Upper House from 1994 to 2000.Condoling his passing, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis described Patil as a selfless servant devoted to medical service and education. "Patil had a deep concern for the development of his region. Though a paediatrician by profession, he remained tirelessly committed to establishing quality educational facilities in rural areas," Fadnavis said.The CM said under Patil's guidance, Rajarshi Shahu College earned a distinct national identity for academic excellence. Recalling his parliamentary tenure, Fadnavis said Patil served on key committees, including commerce, external affairs and railways, and set an example of selfless service in Maharashtra's socio-political landscape.