These centers offer the government-recognized MS-CIT computer literacy course, successfully completed by over 20 million (2 crore) learners in the last 23 years. His innovative approach ensured the program’s success without government funding, leveraging local participation and e-learning systems to reach even remote tribal settlements.

2. National and International Recognition

Inspired by MKCL’s success, several state governments—including Rajasthan, Odisha, Haryana, Bihar, and Kerala—invited Shri Sawant to implement similar programs. His initiatives have also expanded internationally to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and 180 other countries.

3. Contributions to Advanced Computing (C-DAC)

Before MKCL, Shri Sawant worked at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) from 1988 to 2000. He played a pivotal role in developing India’s first indigenous supercomputer, Param, following the U.S. embargo on supercomputing technology. This achievement instilled confidence in Indian youth and revolutionized India’s computing capabilities.

He also founded the Advanced Computing Training School (ACTS) at C-DAC, which trained 25,000 engineers in advanced computing, many of whom now lead global IT firms.

4. Academic Contributions

From 1979 to 1987, Shri Sawant taught Physics, Electronics, and Computer Science at Ferguson College, Pune. His student-centric approach and mastery of subjects earned him a reputation as a beloved professor.

5. Government and Policy Contributions

• Served on several expert committees of central and state governments and universities
• Co-authored the “Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana” as a member of the Prime Minister’s IT Task Force in 2000
• Holds positions as a member, chairman, or advisor on boards of various educational and social organizations

6. Awards and Recognitions

Shri Sawant has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Gyan Surya Award
• Rajiv Gandhi Sanganak Sarathi Award
• Sahyadri Shikshan Ratna Award
• IT Icon Award Pune’s Pride Award
• Swami Rama Humanitarian Award
• Dr. Narendra Dabholkar Memorial Award
• Yashwantrao Chavan National Award
• Sane Guruji Lifetime Achievement Award
• Maharashtra Corporate Excellence Award
• S.L. Kirloskar Business Leadership Award
• VASVIK Award for R&D
• Rotary International Lifetime Achievement Award
• Computer Society of India’s Honorary Fellowship Award

7. Focus Areas and Thought Leadership

Shri Sawant has dedicated his career to:

• Computer literacy, e-learning, e-governance, and digital empowerment
• Scientific early childhood education and constructivist school education
• Knowledge-based societal development and preservation of the Marathi language through digital technology
• AI-powered skill development for green and digital careers
• Higher education based on Mahatma Gandhi’s Nai Talim

8. Media and Public Engagement

He has delivered hundreds of lectures, written articles, and given interviews on education, skill development, and digital empowerment. Additionally, he has produced TV serials and programs on:

• Experimental schools and constructivist education
• Youth personality development
• Sustainable farming

9. Vision and Legacy

Shri Sawant’s approach blends experience, deep knowledge, and innovative thinking. His ability to propose novel ideas in education, development, governance, and empowerment (EDGE) has transformed countless lives. His passion lies in implementing visionary projects, particularly in areas previously considered unattainable.

10. Personal Background

Born in Mumbai, he completed his schooling and higher education in Nashik and pursued postgraduate studies at Pune University. Shri Sawant credits his family, teachers, colleagues, and students for his achievements and contributions.