India’s sugar industry is undergoing a transformation, with a new generation of leaders being nurtured to drive the cooperative sugar sector forward. Behind this quiet revolution is 78-year-old Parasharam Govind Medhe, affectionately known as P G Medhe, who has earned the title of the ‘guru’ behind the ‘Super 50’—a group of 50 successful candidates selected for the Managing Director (MD) panel for cooperative sugar factories.
Much like the well-known ‘Super 30’ initiative in Bihar, which offers free coaching and resources to underprivileged students preparing for IIT entrance exams, P G Medhe’s initiative has focused on providing free, high-quality training for the MD exam in the sugar industry. His dedication to the cause has helped mold future leaders who will be responsible for managing some of India’s most important sugar mills.
P G Medhe’s career in the sugar industry spans over four decades, during which he has played an instrumental role in shaping the fortunes of multiple cooperative sugar mills. Beginning his career in 1964 as a Class-II officer at the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation, Medhe soon transitioned into the sugar industry in 1980, where he served as the Managing Director of United Co. Op. Distillery. His journey from grassroots involvement to industry leadership is a witness to his unparalleled knowledge of the sugar sector.
Medhe’s expertise extends beyond national boundaries. In the 1980s, he represented India at the World Effluent Treatment Seminar in West Germany and has studied the distillery industry in several European countries. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious National Excellence Award in 1999, the Best Managing Director Award for 2002-03, and the Kolhapur Bhushan Award for his contributions to the sugar industry.
Additionally, Medhe has been deeply involved in multiple associations and committees, shaping policies related to sugar production, distillation, and environmental practices. His influence can be seen in his extensive roles in organizations such as the All India Distilleries Association, the Maharashtra Co-op Sugar Factories Managing Directors Association, and the Central Excise Regional Advisory Committee. He also penned around 100 articles for ChiniMandi, covering important aspects of the sugar industry.
In 2022, Medhe embarked on a new mission—preparing candidates for the Cooperative Sugar Factory MD panel exam. Out of 325 candidates who appeared for the written exam, 73 were selected for the oral exam, with 50 candidates ultimately passing and making it to the MD panel. But what sets these 50 candidates apart is not just their success in the exam, but the unique mentorship they received from Medhe.
What’s remarkable about this initiative is that it was carried out entirely without financial gain. Medhe, driven by a desire to contribute selflessly to the sector that has given him so much, provided free coaching for the aspiring MDs. This involved both offline and online sessions, conducted purely as a social service, with no commercial motives involved.
Medhe’s commitment to his students went beyond mere lectures. He personally prepared over 725 pages of detailed notes covering all aspects of sugar factory operations, from administration and finance to agriculture, engineering, production, and more. These notes also included important government policies, industry regulations, and international sugar market scenarios. The vast array of topics was carefully curated to ensure the candidates had a holistic understanding of the sugar industry.
Reflecting on his work with the candidates, Medhe shared, “My mission has always been to pass on my knowledge of the sugar sector to the next generation. I wanted to ensure that everything I had accumulated over the years didn’t remain with me. I wanted to die empty, knowing I had shared everything with those entering the industry.”
His efforts were focused not just on clearing exams but on nurturing professional management tools that could sustain and grow the cooperative sugar sector. Medhe’s vision was clear: to ensure the cooperative sugar industry was run by leaders who were not only capable of handling the day-to-day operations but also equipped with the knowledge to innovate and drive sustainability.
One of the standout success stories from this initiative is Vishwajit Shinde, Chief Chemist at the Shree Datta Shetkari S.S.K. Ltd. Shinde, who secured the top rank in the Maharashtra MD exam, credited his success to Medhe’s meticulous coaching and mentorship. Shinde recalled, “Medhe sir’s support was invaluable. His notes, his coaching sessions, and his personal guidance shaped our preparation. His only goal was to ensure that the most deserving candidates made it to the MD panel. He is more than a mentor—he is a friend, philosopher, and guide to all of us.”
This is not the first time he has mentored candidates for the exams; earlier, in 2015, he also extended his support to the then candidates by guiding them to success in the exam.
PG Medhe’s selfless efforts have laid the groundwork for a new generation of leaders in the cooperative sugar industry. His influence has helped shape not only the careers of the 50 successful candidates but also the future of sugar factories across Maharashtra and beyond. As these new MDs will step into their roles, they carry with them not just technical expertise but also the vision and commitment to apply professional management practices to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sugar industry.
In an era where corporate governance and professional management are crucial for the survival of industries, Medhe’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a catalyst for change. His dedication to the cooperative sector has created a ripple effect, inspiring future leaders to combine traditional knowledge with modern management practices, ensuring a bright future for the sugar industry.
As Medhe himself puts it, “I have no doubt that these new Managing Directors will apply the tools I have shared with them and lead the cooperative sugar sector to new heights.” With the “Super 50” now in place, the future of the Indian sugar industry looks poised for transformation, thanks to the efforts of a man who has devoted his life to shaping its future.
