New Delhi: Former Governor and noted educationist Dr Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil died in Kolhapur on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. He was 90 and had been facing
age-related health complications. Reports said he died at his residence following a prolonged illness.
Popularly known as D Y Patil, he had a long career in education, politics and public service. He served as Governor of Tripura, Bihar and briefly held additional charge as Governor of West Bengal. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 for his work in social service and education.
D.Y. Patil’s work in education
Born on October 22, 1935, in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur region, Patil went on to build a large network of educational and healthcare institutions under the D Y Patil name.
The institutions offer courses in medicine, engineering, management, nursing, pharmacy and several other fields. Over the years, the group expanded across different parts of India.
For many families, particularly in Maharashtra, the D Y Patil name became closely linked with colleges and hospitals. Thousands of students have studied at institutions founded or developed under his leadership.
Reports said the D Y Patil Group now has more than 180 educational institutions and several deemed universities in India.
Political career
Patil started his public career in local politics. He was elected to the Kolhapur Municipal Council in 1957 and later served as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
He represented the Panhala constituency in the Assembly after winning elections in 1967 and 1972.
Patil was appointed Governor of Tripura in 2009. He served in the state until 2013 before taking charge as Governor of Bihar. He briefly handled the additional responsibility of West Bengal Governor in July 2014.
His tenure in public office was closely associated with education and opportunities for young people, two areas that remained central to his work outside politics too.
Padma Shri recognition
The Government of India honoured Patil with the Padma Shri in 1991. The award recognised his contribution to social work and education.
He later received honorary academic recognition, including a D Litt from Shivaji University in Kolhapur.
Patil is survived by his family. His death marks the end of a public career that stretched across education, healthcare, politics and administration for several decades.
