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India.com
37 minutes ago
- Business
- India.com
10 Incredible Facts About Pune City That Everyone Should Know!
The eastern Oxford stands among India's thriving metropolitan areas because of its deep historical heritage. The western Indian state of Maharashtra now contains Pune as it developed from a small Maratha fortification site into a thriving city which efficiently unites classic Indian customs with contemporary innovations. The following list contains ten significant facts that make Pune City so fascinating. 1. Historical Significance: The Seat of the Maratha Empire Pune serves as an important historical site because during the time of the Maratha Empire it served as their central power. In the early part of the 18th century the Maratha Empire founder Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj selected Pune to operate as his main military headquarters. The city's transformation to administrative and cultural capital happened when Pune fell under Peshwa rule which lasted up until the prime ministers governed the Maratha rulers. Shaniwar Wada represents the peak of historical glory through its establishment in 1732. Before its demise in 1828 the Peshwa rulers had their authority based in this location. 2. The 'Oxford of the East' Educational institutions in Pune have made the city earn its reputation as 'Oxford of the East.' Among India's top educational institutions are located in Pune which features the University of Pune (now Savitribai Phule Pune University) together with Fergusson College along with Symbiosis International University. Pune has built 300 educational facilities which draw participating students from India and international locations leading to its status as an Eastern Oxford style city. 3. A Hub for the IT and Automotive Industries Pune has established itself into a primary location for both information technology (IT) and automotive industries during the past several decades. Numerous IT parks operate in the city including Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park based in Hinjawadi that hosts major tech companies including Infosys TCS and IBM. The automobile sector has made Pune earned its nickname as the 'Detroit of India'. Tata Motors together with Mercedes-Benz and Bajaj Auto maintain substantial business operations throughout the city. 4. Cultural Diversity and Festivals Cultural intermingling thrives in Pune because the city attracts people from various regional backgrounds with multiple traditions along with multiple spoken languages. Residents in Pune speak Marathi as their primary language although migration from all areas of India combined with an increasing foreign community also calls the city home. The multicultural population of the city translates into numerous exciting annual celebrations. The famous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi brings extreme devotion from the people of Pune during its big annual celebration. Pune celebrates all major festivals equally including Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Navratri which symbolize its open-minded population. 5. Gateway to the Western Ghats Pune functions as a main entrance to the Sahyadri range foothills because it gives direct access to the Western Ghats which hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Citizens from Pune base their weekend excursions at natural attractions such as Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar because of the easy access these sites provide. Several beautiful locations surrounding Pune provide stunning sightseeing and hiking routes combined with peaceful lakes which attract population groups interested in nature discovery along with adventure lovers. 6. Military Importance and Cantonment Areas Throughout history Pune has developed into a military hotspot. Pune maintains its military importance through several defense institutions because the British built their cantonment in the city during colonial times. The Khadakwasla location of National Defence Academy holds a prominent position as India's premier military training center. Indian defense infrastructure maintains its presence through the College of Military Engineering and the Armed Forces Medical College situated in the city. 7. Rich Culinary Heritage The culinary landscape of Pune unites classic Maharashtrian tastes with international food elements. People commonly identify Pune through its original Maharashtrian food specialties including misal pav and puran poli and vada pav. The widespread street food markets on FC Road and Budhwar Peth provide visitors with many options of traditional local cuisine. Plans in Pune benefit all types of eaters since its diverse cultural environment supports various international dishes and traditional Maharashtrian tastes. 8. Progressive Social Movements The location of Pune stands as a leading position for many progressive social movements within India. During the British colonial era Bal Gangadhar Tilak along with other leaders fought for freedom from British rule in this strategic city center. The city of Pune currently serves as a central location where activists sustain feminist and environmental and LGBTQ+ rights campaigns. Pune stands out as one of India's largest cities to hold the annual Pride Parade which demonstrates the city's advance-minded people. 9. Architectural Marvels and Historical Landmarks Pune maintains a beautiful collection of architectural heritage because it embraces historical sites from different time periods. The Aga Khan Palace stands as a 19th-century architectural masterpiece that additionally served as a crucial independence movement base in 1892. The reconstructed parts of the Lal Mahal present visitors with valuable historical evidence about the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The city houses three notable attractions: the Parvati Hill Temple, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple and the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum which contains numerous Indian artifacts. 10. Thriving Arts and Entertainment Scene The city of Pune presents an active arts and entertainment fabric which converts it into a major cultural destination. Several performance spaces alongside artistic exhibition spaces and music performance venues exist throughout the city. At the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) in Pune filmmakers find a comprehensive collection of valuable movies alongside cinematic historical artifacts. Pune also hosts the annual Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) and the Serendipity Arts Festival, drawing artists and audiences from around the world. To Sum Up With Pune seamlessly connects its historic origins to its advancing interests into the modern age. Since its time as the birthplace of the Maratha Empire Pune has evolved into an educational industrial leadership role while holding true to its authentic origins. All residents categories including readers of history and students and professionals and visitors can find attractions in Pune. Indian history and culture come to life through its engaging atmosphere together with modern technological advances that have established it as an energetic metropolitan area.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A mehfil of ghazals, songs and thumris with Pratibha Singh Baghel in Hyderabad
A musical treat awaits ghazal lovers in Hyderabad, as singer Pratibha Singh Baghel brings her concert Dastaan-E-Ghazal to the city. She will be joined by her ensemble of accomplished musicians: Deepak Pandit on violin and music arrangement, Prashant Sonagra on tabla, Atul Raninga on keyboard, Swaranjay Dhumal on handsonic, and Rahul Dev and Susant Singh on bass and electric guitar. Pratibha is set to present a rich repertoire of ghazals, thumris, and other melodic compositions. Soulful journey The two-hour-and-fifteen-minute concert includes iconic ghazals popularised by legends such as Begum Akhtar and Jagjit Singh, along with original compositions by Pratibha herself — including her favourites Mere Humnafaz Mere Humnawa and Mujhe Dost Banaake Dagaa Na De. 'I'm excited to be back in Hyderabad for a show,' says Pratibha, who last performed in the city two years ago. After Hyderabad, Dastaan-E-Ghazal heads to Pune on June 28, with a similar set list and the addition of a few Marathi songs. 'The city does influence the selection,' says Pratibha. 'Hyderabad has a rich musical culture, so we curate accordingly.' Known for her versatility across ghazals, thumris and Bollywood playback, Pratibha says, 'I don't try too hard — I just connect to the emotion of the song and give it what it needs.' Up next, she is collaborating with the Vienna Symphony on a ghazal album. Pratibha Singh Baghel performs as part of Dastaan-E-Ghazal at Shilapakala Vedika on June 21; 7 pm onwards
United News of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- United News of India
RSS has evolved into a respected global outfit: Maha Guv
Mumbai, June 20 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which was founded in 1925, has evolved into a respected global organisation, with branches across many countries, according to a statement issued here on Friday. The Governor was speaking on the occasion of a book release ceremony in Raj Bhavan titled 'Why Are We in the RSS...?' written by author, ideologue and RSS pracharak Ramesh Patange. Countering what he termed as the false narrative that the RSS is an upper caste organisation, Governor Radhakrishnan asserted that RSS has always embodied inclusivity, rooted in the core values of Sanatana Dharma — equality, service, and unity. Complimenting Patange for bringing out a book on RSS in the organisation's centenary year, the Governor praised Patange for dispelling through well-researched evidence, historical facts, and reasoned arguments, the politically motivated myth that the RSS is an upper-caste organisation. He further noted that RSS volunteers have consistently risen to serve the nation during times of crisis—whether during earthquakes, floods, droughts, or railway accidents across the country. Reflecting on the organisation's journey, the Governor acknowledged that the RSS has faced numerous challenges over the past 100 years, including two bans — one following the tragic assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Yet, he said, the dedication of thousands of swayamsevaks and pracharaks has ensured that the organisation remains strong and vibrant. He also commended RSS workers for fostering emotional integration between the northeastern states and the rest of the country. The Governor pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, himself a former pracharak, exemplifies the spirit of selfless service inspired by the RSS. He said under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India not only provided free Covid-19 vaccinations to its citizens but also extended support to other nations through vaccine exports. Dr Ashwin Ranjaniker, translator of Patange's original Marathi book 'Aamhi Sanghat Ka Aahot?...', secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Narnaware and invitees were present. 'Saptahik Vivek' has published the book on the occasion of the centenary year of the RSS. The book has a foreword by RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat. UNI AAA PRS
Hans India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Mumbaikars want only Mahayuti flag to fly over Mumbai: Maha Minister
Maharashtra BJP chief and state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule slammed Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, saying that Mumbaikars want only the BJP-Mahayuti flag to fly over Mumbai and in the upcoming BMC elections, they will seal it with their verdict. In sharp response to Thackeray's outburst against the BJP and the Mahayuti at a rally on Thursday on the occasion of the party's anniversary, Bawankule said that his speech was nothing but the "frustration of someone spewing helplessness out of fear of defeat". "When public support wanes, the shouting increases. That's exactly what he did. While claiming 'Shiv Sena hasn't ended', you've not only lost the 'Sena' yourself, but by abandoning the two pillars of 'Shiv' and 'Hindutva', Uddhavji, you've bowed at Sonia's feet. It's easy to make personal allegations against respected Modiji, Amitbhai, and Devendraji, but when these leaders were touring across the country and state, Uddhavji was delivering online speeches from Matoshree. The people of Maharashtra have seen this,' said Bawankule. 'Those who say 'Mumbai is ours' should first explain what they've done for the Marathi people in Mumbai. Even when in power at the municipal corporation, did they do anything for the slums, water schemes, education, or healthcare?' the minister asked, referring to Thackeray-led Shiv Sena's inaction during its over two-decade rule in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation. 'Mumbaikars know that the Coastal Road, Metro, Cluster Redevelopment, and Slum Rehabilitation schemes happened because of Devendraji's initiatives. Keep shouting that Mumbai is yours, but if development, safety, and dignity are desired, Mumbaikars want only the BJP-Mahayuti flag to fly over Mumbai,' he claimed. He took a dig at Thackeray, saying, 'Uddhavji, keep spewing venom like this, keep mocking and taunting. Your future life will be spent in this. Public service and welfare require passion in the heart, which you lack. The people of Maharashtra have already realised this. Now, in the upcoming elections, the public will seal it with their verdict.' Thackeray in his speech on Thursday targeted the BJP and alleged that it was trying to prevent the Marathi Manoos from coming together in Mumbai. He accused the BJP of imposing Hindi in schools for Classes 1 to 5. He also took a swipe at the prime minister, saying the "country needs a prime minister, and Modi was just the BJP's PM".
Indian Express
an hour ago
- General
- Indian Express
CBSE's mother tongue push leaves private schools in a bind — Kendriya Vidyalayas may show the way forward
A recent CBSE circular directing schools to introduce mother tongue instruction in primary classes has left institutions in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai — which serve mobile, multilingual populations — in a bind. But a proposal under consideration for Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), run by the Centre, may offer a way forward, officials told The Indian Express. In a circular issued to all its affiliated schools last month, the CBSE asked them to map students' mother tongues and stated that, from pre-primary to Class 2, teaching should be in the child's mother tongue or a familiar regional language. It also directed schools to realign their curriculum and teaching materials by the end of the summer break, with implementation to begin in July. Over 30,000 schools are affiliated with the CBSE. Kendriya Vidyalayas or KVs — 1,256 centrally run schools with around 13.56 lakh students — are also affiliated with the CBSE and primarily serve children of central government employees who are frequently transferred, including defence personnel and public sector employees. As a result, these schools have students from a wide range of linguistic backgrounds, a CBSE official pointed out. To implement the directive, the KVs are considering splitting classes into different sections based on the medium of instruction. For instance, in a KV located in Maharashtra, where Hindi and Marathi are the predominant languages, teaching could be conducted in separate sections according to language preference. Currently, the medium of instruction in KVs is bilingual — Hindi and English. In addition, English and Hindi are taught as subjects in the primary classes, while Hindi, English, and Sanskrit are subjects from Classes 6 to 8. This means that the sanctioned posts for language teachers in KVs are for Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. To enable teaching in the mother tongue, teachers will need to be allocated based on the findings of the language mapping exercise. A senior official in the Ministry of Education said that KVs already have a provision to arrange instruction in the regional language or mother tongue if at least 15 students in a class opt for it. Acknowledging that implementation may be particularly challenging in schools outside predominantly Hindi-speaking regions, a senior official in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) said the first step would be to conduct a language mapping exercise and seek parental consent. Depending on requirements, contractual teachers may be appointed. In schools with multiple sections, it may be possible to offer instruction in one language in one section and a different language in another, the official said. CBSE officials noted that 200–300 schools, especially in metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai, are likely to face difficulties due to the presence of multiple languages in a single classroom. In such cases, schools may have to divide students into sections based on language preference. Schools may also opt to teach in the local or regional language, the official added. At the primary level, students in Classes 1 and 2 are taught two languages and mathematics. With the new circular in place, mathematics will also need to be taught in the mother tongue or a familiar regional language. 'The schools will have to develop a system that works for them. We've told them that if they need more time, they can formulate a strategy and inform us,' the official said. The circular also acknowledged that some schools may need more time to transition and stated that additional time would be provided to ensure adequate resources, appropriate teacher deployment, and curriculum adjustments. For Classes 3 to 5, the circular stated that students may continue to learn in their mother tongue or a familiar regional language (R1), or be offered the option to study in a different medium (R2). In effect, this means that schools may begin English-medium instruction from Class 3 onwards, a CBSE official confirmed. The CBSE's push for mother tongue instruction aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, both of which recommend the use of the home language as the primary medium of instruction until at least the age of 8. The NCFSE states: 'Since children learn concepts most rapidly and deeply in their home language, the primary medium of instruction would optimally be the child's home language/ mother tongue/ familiar language.'
