Reflecting upon the educational journey of Ratnagiri district, it is noteworthy that by the end of the 19th century, the district produced luminous gems like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, Pujya Sane Guruji, Wrangler Paranjpe, Vice-Chancellor S.S. Bhandarkar, Dr. Rambhau Parulekar and S.M. Joshi who achieved great fame despite limited educational opportunities. While retrospecting the district’s educational journey, ‘Ratnagiri Education Society’ deserves a special mention.The place where the Gogate Jogalekar College is situated today was formerly the location of a European Officers’ Club. All the officers in the village used to gather there. It was so well-equipped with facilities like an indoor badminton hall, swimming pool, card room and billiards room that it surpassed even the esteemed clubs of Mumbai and Pune. Late Baburao Joshi acquired it for the college with the help of late Mr.R.P. Gogate. Today, a splendid and well-equipped college building stands here. 20th June, 1945, was the very first day of the college. Since then, the college has been evolving with the changing times and today it stands strong to truly foster the intellect of the people of Konkan region.

Recognizing the importance of vocational education, the college that implemented it even before independence, was our R.P. Gogate and R.V. Jogalekar College. The ideas that education is indispensable for socio-economic progress beyond mere job prospects and that true education should aim to produce good citizens gained importance after the independence. Today, this college in Konkan has emerged as a prestigious and renowned educational institution under the University of Mumbai. Founded in 1945 by the visionary couple -late Baburao alias J.V. Joshi and late Malatibai Joshi- the college has so far witnessed sahastrachandras (1000 moons). Stepping into the 80th year, the graph of its academic excellence has remained consistent with its legacy, driven by the dynamic positivity of its students, teachers, and administrative staff.

The college has consistently maintained a tradition of excellence in curricular and co-curricular activities such as learning, teaching, research, sports, arts and cultural activities. To date, the college has secured an ‘A’ grade in NAAC accreditation over four successive cycles. As a result, the University Grants Commission awarded the Autonomous status to the college on 31st May, 2023. As per the directives of the Maharashtra government the implementation of the new National Education Policy -2020 began in its universities and the autonomous colleges from the academic year 2023-24. The college has successfully navigated the dual challenges of the newly acquired autonomous status and the implementation of the new National Education Policy. The necessary changes will be made as per the guidelines and instructions given from time to time by the government in future.

Our college is linked with various esteemed educational and research institutes, government and non-government institutions and establishments across the state and the country. The college has entered into MoUs with some renowned institutions through which various activities, workshops and seminars are organized. Currently, several certificate and skill enhancement courses are being conducted under the PM-UShA scheme. The college also excels in research. Students actively participate in the Research Club at the college level and in the Avishkar Research Convention of the University of Mumbai and Maharashtra State. The college holds a distinct and esteemed position in the world of cultural activities . It always ranks first at the district level in the Youth Festival of University of Mumbai following the inhouse festivals such as ‘Malhar Mahotsav’ for talent hunt and ‘Zep’, the annual spectacular cultural festival held with great grandeur and enthusiasm. Also the Sports Department shines with its accomplishments at the national and international levels. It is a great pleasure to state that many recipients of the Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award conferred by Government of Maharashtra are from our college. It’s also noteworthy that the National Cadet Corps (NCC) actively participates in the parade on Republic Day.

Every year, students and citizens of Ratnagiri take advantage of several lecture series held in the college every year, including Kalidas Lecture Series, Late Sanjay Joshi Memorial Lecture Series, Dr. V.K. Bavadekar Lecture Series, Lokmanya Tilak Memorial Lecture Series, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Birth Anniversary Lecture Series, Late P.N. Deshmukh Memorial Lecture Series and Late V.S. Kanitkar Memorial Lecture Series. It is a delightful fact that ‘Sahakar’, the annual magazine of our college, which is both a significant document of the functioning of the college and a platform for budding student writers receives awards every year.

The college has three streams with twenty five departments of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes along with Ph.D. research centers in seven subjects .Very recently some new programmes like Bachelor of Performing Arts and Bachelor of Business Management have also been started.

Our alumni and parents have extended their continuous support and cooperation to us and we have a deep sense of gratitude for them all. It is my heartfelt desire that this college shines like a lighthouse illuminating the path for others, upholding excellence and leading in research.