Late Shankar Vaman alias Sonopant Dandekar, the scholar of highest degree, philosopher, strong protagonist of varkari sampradaya highly revered in Maharashtra, the great narrator of “Jnaneshwari” was the son of the soil. He perceived a need to establish a institute of Higher Education in this area that could satisfy the thirst of Higher Education of the youths of the area. After his passing away as per his desire, the people of Palghar established Sonpant Dandekar Shikshan Mandali which could cater the need of higher education of this economically, socially and culturally backward area of Maharashtra.