Purushottamrao Shankarao Pathak, a freedom fighter, was born on 13 August 1930, into a middle-class family in Nanded. He had four brothers, a sister, and both parents until his mother passed away when he was young. As a result, he experienced a challenging upbringing and had to work as a clerk after completing his 10th standard. He studied with the assistance of his friends and earned the first rank in Urdu from Osmania University. During that time, the Hyderabad State Congress Committee was operating in Nanded and Pathak collaborated with his grandfather, Haribhau Pathak, as well as individuals such as Shamrao Bodhankar, Khibikar, and Narayanarao Bhogavkar. He had a passion for drama and enjoyed listening to comedy. Later, he married Dwarkabai Panditrao Vaidya. Before his marriage, he participated in the freedom struggle alongside his friends Govardhan Sarala, Vadgaon, Bhamthan, Bhalgaon, Chandegaon, Dake Pimpalgaon, Nagan, and Gangagir Baba.
Pathak lived underground with other freedom fighters. He came in contact with freedom fighters such as Amrit Gadkari, Prabhakar Haridas, Bansilal Laddha, Keshavrao Kulkarni, and Vijayendra Kabra. They were all imprisoned from June 7 to September 17, 1948.
Pathak was recognized for his bravery, sacrifice, and courage with a certificate and copper plate. In 1972, he was commended by Dakshin Maharishi Dayanand Maharaj, Hyderabad in the Arya Sabha for his participation in the movement to protect religion, culture, and the nation. After retiring as superintendent of the Nanded Zilla Parishad education department, he continued to be involved in social work. He served as the president of the organizing and planning committee for the Phule, Shahu, and Ambedkar missions to eradicate untouchability and superstition.
Pathak passed away on 7 March 2008, at the age of 79.