Pune, September 18: Pune is a city known for its rich history, educational legacy, festivals and cultural diversity, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said while inaugurating the 38th edition of the Pune Festival on Friday.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at the Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Swargate, Radhakrishnan said Pune has made significant contributions to the country's social, cultural and intellectual development.
He also highlighted the city's role in the freedom movement and as an important centre for knowledge and exchange of ideas.
He said development should not be viewed only in terms of infrastructure, technology and economic growth. Preserving culture, languages, traditions and art is equally important. According to him, modern cities need to retain their cultural identity while balancing tradition with development.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said Pune has a special place in Maharashtra's history and cultural life. He described the city as an important centre for both industry and culture and said efforts are being made to promote Maharashtra's cultural tourism at the global level.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said Pune's cultural identity has now expanded beyond the city. She described the Pune Festival as a platform that connects Pune's traditions and culture with the wider world and assured government support for the festival.
Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the Pune Festival provides an important platform to showcase Maharashtra's and India's cultural identity. He stressed the need to preserve history and traditions while adapting to modern times.
Actor and MP Hema Malini said cultural festivals provide artists with opportunities to showcase music, dance and theatre. She also called for greater participation by well-known personalities in cultural programmes to encourage artists.
The inaugural ceremony featured a Ganesh Vandana performed by senior dance guru Sharvari Jamenis along with 10 students. Students from 20 countries studying at Symbiosis University also participated in the programme.
A total of 23 international students and 15 Indian students presented a cultural performance based on the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, highlighting the idea of the world as one family. This year's Pune Festival was dedicated to the memory of its founder and former MP, the late Suresh Kalmadi.
Veteran actor Mohan Joshi was honoured with the newly instituted Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. The award has been introduced in memory of Kalmadi, who founded the Pune Festival.
The Pune Festival Awards were also presented to veteran filmmaker Kiran Shantaram, senior playwright and director Atul Pethe, former president of the Indian Women's Hockey Federation Arnavaz Damania, and Flying Officer Nidhi Sudhir Agarwal.
Pune Festival chairman Krishna Kumar Goel, Meera Suresh Kalmadi and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration. The programme was hosted by Rahul Solapurkar and Sameera Gujar.