Deshbhakt Padmashri Dr. Ratnappanna Kumbhar contributed dedicatedly to social development throughout his life. He had recognized that education is the cornerstone of holistic social progress. Accordingly, he left no stone unturned to transform society through quality education, keeping future needs in mind.

Historical Background
In 1933, Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj of Kolhapur State established 'Sykes Law College'. Ratnappanna Kumbhar, after completing his B.A. with Special English from Rajaram College, enrolled as a student in the very first batch of this Law College.

Following the merger of Kolhapur State into the Indian Union in 1949, the Bombay Government operated the college for two years but subsequently decided to close it. Realizing that the closure would be a great loss to students and society, Ratnappanna Kumbhar led a group of visionary educationists to find a way to sustain the institution. They restructured the constitution of the former 'The Council of Legal Education' and established 'The Council of Education, Kolhapur' in 1951.

Establishment and Growth
The institution was officially registered on February 26, 1951. Deshbhakt Ratnappanna Kumbhar, an alumnus of the Law College and then Member of Parliament, was elected as the President, while Chhatrapati Shri Shahaji Maharaj became the Chief Patron. The Law College was renamed 'Shahaji Law College' and was formally taken over by the Council on June 10, 1951. In 1960, the then Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan permanently allotted the 'Tofkhana' building premises to the Council. Today, Shahaji Law College stands as one of the most prestigious law institutions in Maharashtra.

Expanding Horizons
Anticipating the growing demand for industrial and commercial education, the Council started the 'Commerce College' in 1957. Now known as the Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar College of Commerce (DRKCC), it has played a pivotal role in the development of the trade and commerce sector and is recognized as a premier institution in the state.

In 1971, the Council pioneered the first Night College in Western Maharashtra to provide educational opportunities to students who remained deprived of daytime education due to employment or other constraints. Having successfully completed its Golden Jubilee, the Night College has shaped the bright futures of thousands of students. Expanding into the healthcare sector, the Council also established the Parvatidevi Kumbhar College of Nursing in 2023.

Our Legacy and Vision
Under the visionary leadership and educational philosophy of Deshbhakt Ratnappanna Kumbhar, the Council attained its glory which is ably and effectively being carried forward by the present president of the Council Hon.Sou. Rajanitai Vishwanath Magdum, Deshbhakt Ratnappanna Kumbhar’s daughter, the secretary, Hon. Dr. Vishwanath Magdum, Vice-president, Hon. Dr. Prasad Magdum, Directors – Hon. Adv. Vaibhav Pedanekar and Hon. Adv. Amit Badkar. Under the dynamic and sensibly sensitive leadership of the office bearers, Council of Education has set a benchmark in Maharashtra’s educational landscape through contemporary, high-quality education, innovative initiatives, and strong ethical values.

With a focus on Law, Commerce, Arts, and Medicine, the Council provides top-tier facilities and excellence in teaching. Known for its robust infrastructure, distinguished faculty, and transparent management, the Council of Education has carved a unique identity for itself within the Shivaji University jurisdiction and across Maharashtra.