PUNE, Sep 18: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday called for a balanced approach to urban development, saying progress should not be judged solely by the construction of modern buildings but should also reflect the preservation of art, culture and traditions.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 38th Pune Festival at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Swargate, Radhakrishnan said India’s growth should remain connected to its cultural roots. He stressed the importance of protecting indigenous traditions instead of simply adopting foreign cultures and lifestyles.
The Vice President recalled the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, particularly his efforts towards preserving forts and promoting Tamil literature. He also highlighted Lokmanya Tilak’s role in transforming Ganeshotsav into a public movement and Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s contribution to the country through the Constitution.
Referring to the Poona Pact between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar, Radhakrishnan underlined Pune’s historical significance and its contribution to India’s social and cultural development.
He described Pune as an important educational centre that is also home to several major military institutions. Citing a cultural presentation by students from different countries at Symbiosis University, he said such initiatives reflected India’s tradition of unity in diversity.
The Vice President said the festival provides a common platform for different art forms and cultural traditions while helping artists gain greater recognition and confidence.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed hope that he would address the gathering in Marathi at next year’s event. He said he was making efforts to learn the language and noted that Pune had established a distinct identity through its information technology, automobile, education and cultural sectors.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said the cultural initiative launched by former MP Suresh Kalmadi 38 years ago had developed into a major festival connecting generations through art and culture.
Recalling her participation in the event with the late Ajit Pawar two years ago, she said his absence was being felt. She also said she would take up the matter of financial assistance for the festival with the state government.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar highlighted Maharashtra’s saint tradition and its multicultural heritage. He said the festival had consistently offered opportunities to artists and emphasised the importance of combining modernity with the preservation of history and tradition.
This year’s festival has been dedicated to the memory of its founder and former MP Suresh Kalmadi. A nine-minute film highlighting his work was screened during the inaugural ceremony.
Veteran actor Mohan Joshi received the newly instituted Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. Veteran filmmaker Kiran Shantaram, playwright and director Atul Pethe, former president of the Indian Women’s Hockey Association Arnavaz Damania and Flying Officer Nidhi Sudhir Agarwal were also honoured with Pune Festival awards.
Ranamard Shivaji Mandal and Shri Hanuman Mandal Pratishthan, which have completed 100 years of public Ganeshotsav celebrations, were also felicitated during the ceremony.
The programme opened with a shehnai performance, followed by the Maharashtra state song and Vande Mataram. Senior dance guru Sharvari Jamenis and 10 disciples presented Ganesh Vandana.
A special cultural presentation based on the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam featured 23 students from 20 countries along with 15 Indian students from Symbiosis University. Group performances inspired by Chak De India and Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje were also staged.