Shikshan Maharshi • Former Sr. Corporator & Opposition Leader, TMC • President, Thane District Kabaddi Association
Born on 5 June 1951 in Balkum Pada No. 3, Shri Devram Laxman Bhoir was the sixth of seven children and grew up in a financially challenged family. His mother walked long distances daily to sell milk and fish, while his father worked at construction sites. He married Janabai at seventeen, later entering the milk business under the guidance of Late Shri Rajbali Yadav. A passionate Kabaddi player, he played regularly with his brothers and eventually competed at the national level while employed at ColourChem. Today, he and Janabai have four children—Shashikala, Sanjay, Bhushan, and Kamal— and eight grandchildren.
He led the fight against the no-development declaration around the Pankaj Textiles land. After the D.K. Jain Committee imposed restrictions without local consultation, Nana appealed to the Supreme Court. After 12 years of efforts, the Court directed the government to finalise a plan for the 100-metre chemical zone. Persistent follow-ups in the Mahasabha led to approval for ground-plus-one development.
To support women’s self-reliance, he founded the Balaji Audyogik Mandal and strengthened the Mahila Bachat Gat movement. With TMC support, over 450 women are now active in savings groups, and 1,500 women have gained employment through group-run canteens and food centres. A large annual “Haldi Kumkum” celebration unites thousands of women. Social worker Sindhutai Sakpal praised Nana’s efforts, calling them “pious work” that helps eliminate poverty
Believing every child deserves education, he prioritised TMC Schools 60, 112, and 04, ensuring personal attention to students and teachers. This resulted in 100% SSC results. As President of Vidya Prasarak Sanstha (from 2000), he transformed the institution by constructing a 3-floor building with donor support and expanding it to Pre Primary, Primary, Secondary, and Higher Secondary sections. To fulfil his dream of KG to PG education, he established Devram Laxman Bhoir Degree College in 2020. Today, over 1,400 students’ study under VPS.
Before his election as Corporator in 1986, the ward lacked sports facilities. Nana, a lifelong Kabaddi enthusiast, reserved a playground and organized tournaments. He was Vice-Captain of the Maharashtra team in 1971, later becoming Vice-President of the Maharashtra Kabaddi Association, mentoring many players.
Nana ensured space and support for senior citizens by establishing a hall in Brahmand (benefitting 500 seniors) and the “Krutharth Jyeshtha Nagrik Hall” in Dhokali (serving 700 seniors). Monthly celebrations and cultural activities help elders stay connected and active.
Shri Devram Laxman Bhoir was known for his kindness, compassion, and commitment to social upliftment. A respected social worker and Gram Sevak, he devoted his life to serving the Balkum community with sincerity and integrity. He believed deeply in the power of education to change lives and worked tirelessly for the betterment of society. His legacy of hard work, empathy, and dedication continues to inspire the institution, guiding its mission to empower students and uplift the community through learning
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