VP Radhakrishnan Opens 38th Pune Festival, Honours Actor Mohan Joshi

Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 38th Pune Festival at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Pune, using the occasion to call for development to move in step with the preservation of India's heritage.

Maharashtra Governor Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Sunetra Pawar, Minister for Higher and Technical Education Shri Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Cultural Affairs Shri Ashish Shelar, MPs Smt. Hema Malini and Dr. Medha Kulkarni, and former Union Home Minister Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde were among those present.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice-President said the nation must never forget its history and the sacrifices of its heroes. He recalled the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that his role in preserving Hindu Dharma and India's civilisational heritage must always be remembered. He also pointed to the historical and cultural ties between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, noting that Tamil literary works were preserved at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur through the efforts of Maratha leaders.

He paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule and Babasaheb B. R. Ambedkar.

Lauding Pune's international character, the Vice-President praised the participation of international students at the inauguration session, noting that students from around 20 countries took part in a Traditional Ganesh Worship programme. He described it as a manifestation of the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

He said Pune had grown into a major centre of education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism and horticulture while retaining its cultural identity, and credited the Pune Festival with contributing to the city's reputation as a "City of Festivals." He appreciated the vision of the festival's founder, the late Shri Suresh Kalmadi.

Highlighting the festival's focus on young and emerging artists, the Vice-President mentioned programmes such as Ugavate Tare and Indradhanu, and commended the Mahila Mahotsav for giving women artists a platform.

Emphasising the need to stay rooted in civilisational heritage, he referred to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi," saying modernity and technological progress need not come at the cost of traditions and cultural values. The vision of Viksit Bharat, he added, covers not only economic growth and infrastructure but also an inclusive and equitable society rooted in heritage. Festivals such as the Pune Festival, he said, can promote cultural exchange, tourism, local talent and national integration.

Concluding his address, the Vice-President prayed to Lord Ganesha for continued unity, harmony and service, and expressed the hope that the festival would keep celebrating India's composite culture, inspire young talent, empower women, promote tourism and strengthen national integration.

He also presented the Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor Shri Mohan Joshi, recognising his contribution to Indian cinema and the performing arts.