“Vedh Aswasth Manacha – The Voice of Maharashtra, The Voice of the Common Man” Conference Organized

Pune: “Outsiders have come and disrupted Pune’s culture, while the administration turns a blind eye. The biggest concern for Pune is the growing grip of narcotics, with even school children getting involved. A collective fight against this issue is necessary. The responsibility of planning for a ‘Bright Future for Pune’ lies with its citizens. As Pune expands geographically, change can be brought about through awareness and the unification of righteous forces.” These were the key points highlighted by various dignitaries at the “Vedh Aswasth Manacha” conference.

The event, “Vedh Aswasth Manacha – The Voice of Maharashtra, The Voice of the Common Man,” was organized by Parag Thakur, Shirish Mohite, Uday Jagtap, and the citizens of Pune at Dr. Neetu Mandke Auditorium on Tilak Road. The panel featured senior political leader Madhav Bhandari, former mayor Ankush Kakade, social activist Suryakant Pathak, Circle 1 Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, and speaker Ganesh Shinde.

Concerns Over Pune’s Declining Social Structure

Madhav Bhandari remarked, “Regardless of party affiliations, leaders and workers must maintain decorum in their speech. Unfortunately, in today’s times, many people speak irresponsibly all day long. The real issue for Pune is the increasing influence of narcotics, with school children being drawn into this dangerous trap. There is an urgent need to unite the heads of private educational institutions and autonomous universities to combat this crisis.”

Ankush Kakade questioned, “Has Pune’s development led to true happiness and satisfaction? Comparing Pune from 15-20 years ago to today, there is a stark contrast. While progress has been made, the social fabric has deteriorated, and we are all responsible for it. Every political party that has been in power had an opportunity to make a difference. However, today’s reality is that political parties are filled with loudmouths, and there is no discipline among workers. To bring change across all sectors, the active participation of Pune’s citizens is essential.”

Suryakant Pathak raised concerns about law enforcement, asking, “Does the fear of the police still exist? Pune’s culture has been eroded due to the influx of outsiders, yet the administration continues to ignore the problems arising from this. The power of righteousness is weakening while negative influences are growing stronger. We need to empower the righteous forces to restore balance.”

DCP Sandeep Singh Gill discussed the evolving nature of crime in Pune, stating, “Financial fraud cases have increased, with cyber frauds particularly targeting senior citizens and educated individuals. Incidents of burglary have become more frequent, occurring in broad daylight as well as at night. Parents must become better friends to their children. Today, parents are preoccupied with mobile phones, neglecting their children. School students have been found carrying weapons like sickles and sharp knives in their bags. Parents and teachers must conduct regular inspections and monitor the company their children keep. If we want a brighter Pune, its citizens must take the responsibility of planning for it.”

Need for Constructive Discourse & Cultural Preservation

Ganesh Shinde emphasized, “It is up to speakers and audiences to decide how much focus should be given to historical narratives. In recent times, many people have been engaging in discussions about great personalities. Speakers often get carried away by applause, which should be controlled. Instead, there must be a collective effort to pass on positive values to future generations.”

A Call for Reflection and Action

In his opening address, Uday Jagtap shared, “Today, people have to think carefully before they speak. The current situation is deeply troubling, and the voice of the common man has been suppressed. This conference aims to find the root cause of a lost Pune, a dying Pune, and a disappearing culture. It is crucial to think about what we are leaving behind for the next generation.”

Closing the session, Shirish Mohite announced that a dedicated event focusing on Pune’s educational sector will be held in the next two months.