37th Pune Festival Celebrates Communal Harmony and Commemorates Contributions of Visionaries

Strategic Insights -

The 37th Pune Festival, a platform that embodies communal harmony and cultural expressions, was inaugurated on Friday evening with the presence of former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, among other dignitaries. Shinde praised the festival's ability to foster unity and inclusivity, crediting its former MP Suresh Kalmadi for making it a broad and inclusive platform. The festival, jointly organized by the Pune Festival Committee, citizens of Pune, and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, will run from August 27 to September 6, offering a rich feast of literary, artistic, and cultural programs for enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 37th Pune Festival showcases the city's cultural heritage and promotes communal harmony.
  • The festival was initiated by former MP Suresh Kalmadi and has grown in stature for 37 years consecutively.
  • Distinguished personalities with long-standing contributions in various fields were honored with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' and the 'Pune Festival Award.'
  • Recipients of the Pune Festival Award included actress Amruta Khanvilkar, veteran playwright Dr. Satish Alekar, cricketer Kedar Jadhav, Maharashtra Kesari title winner Prithviraj Mohol, farmer and agritourism promoter Dnyandev Kamthe, and entrepreneur Supriya Badwe.
  • The festival included spectacular performances like melodious shehnai recitals, Bharatanatyam dance, Garba and Folk Arts, Mallakhamb demonstrations, and tribal folk dances.
  • The main sponsors of the 37th Pune Festival are the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and the Kohinoor Group, with Panchshil and Suma Shilp as co-sponsors.
  • Educational visionaries who built institutions from nothing were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • The pinnacle of the inaugural ceremony was the announcement of the honorable 'Lifetime Achievement' and 'Pune Festival Award' to deserving individuals and institutions.

Statistics:

  • The festival will run from August 27 to September 6.
  • The festival is being organized by the Pune Festival Committee, citizens of Pune, and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.
  • The main sponsors of the festival are the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and the Kohinoor Group, with Panchshil and Suma Shilp as co-sponsors.
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award was received by Dr. Shivajirao Kadam, Chancellor of Bharati Vidyapeeth, and Dr. P. A. Inamdar, Chancellor of P. A. Inamdar University.
  • The Pune Festival Award was received by actress Amruta Khanvilkar, veteran playwright Dr. Satish Alekar, cricketer Kedar Jadhav, Maharashtra Kesari title winner Prithviraj Mohol, farmer and agritourism promoter Dnyandev Kamthe, and entrepreneur Supriya Badwe.

Sources:

  • Indian National Press (Bombay) Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com