EID MUBARAK – Sadhu Vaswani Mission serves to 1050 needy Muslim families on May 24, 2020
, as the crescent moon appeared in the peaceful night sky and spread its silvery, cool moonlight and announced the auspicious festival of our Muslim brethren — Eid-Ul-Fitr, millions of hearts joined in a prayer.
Joining in the festivities was Sadhu Vaswani Mission.
Volunteers at the Mission headed out with love to make the evening special for over 1050 Muslim families. Dates, bananas and rose milk were distributed with a warm ‘Eid Mubarak’ on their lips.
“The police officials informed us of 930 needy Muslim families at Tadiwala Road who were looking at a bleak Eid. But God willed otherwise; He wanted to make it special, He wanted to make them feel loved,” said an official. “We started the packaging immediately. To make it significant and customised, we included 1ltr bottle of Rooh Afza Sherbat, 1ltr milk, sevaiya, sugar, dates and 6 bananas in each plus an addition of 3kg rice, 1 kg dal and 1ltr cooking oil,” he added.
“The distribution was completed in 3 hours. Starting at 5:00 pm we were done by 8:00 pm. Also the area being a containment zone, our vehicles stood at the entrance while the lane in-charges under the supervision of police authorities collected the items from us.
50 volunteers were engaged in the seva and about 7 vehicles handled the logistics. Although we had a list of 930 families, we ended up distributing kits to 1050 families” he added.
“Their joy knew no bounds! They were thrilled and overwhelmed at the gesture,” said a volunteer.
“In pandemic times, this festival brings in a ray of hope; it spread the much-needed positivity. We were all smiles!” remarked another volunteer.
When times demand social distancing, hearts were closer than ever before!
Religion, let us talk of it less and practice more
— Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani
Punyadham Ashram’s Humanitarian Service During Corona Pandemic
Pune-based Punyadham Ashram believes “Giving hands are better than praying hands!” and has always put it into practice.
As a small effort to the fight against the Corona pandemic, every little contribution makes a difference. From the beginning of the pandemic a number of goodwill activities have been conducted by the ashram.
Cloth handmade 3 ply masks with the specifications of WHO are being stitched by local women’s self-help groups, whereby Ashram provides them with the best quality cotton fabric.
They are very happy to earn a respectable livelihood and be gainfully occupied during the lockdown.
“To date more than 44,000 masks have been gifted to various Govt. & Army Hospitals – Sassoon Hospital, Pune Cantonment Hospital, Poona Hospital, Kashibai Navale Hospital, Desai Eye Hospital, AFMC, Police personnel, Leprosy Home, Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Mukul Madhav Foundation and other NGOs. 500 PPE suits and 500 KN 95 masks have also been purchased for distribution to hospitals”, says Maa Krishna Kashyap, Chairperson.
Thousands are dying of hunger and Maa Krishna feels that ‘For the hungry… Food is God!’
In the beginning more than 100 families in and around the vicinity of Kondhwa-Pisoli were gifted ration kits.
Now more rations have been procured for distribution as kits for another1000+ families to sustain them for a month.
The local Police personnel are extremely helpful in locating the most affected families and distribution of ration kits.
The condition of migrant workers is also pathetic and they are all travelling with hungry stomachs.
To relieve their suffering to some extent Maa decided to provide wholesome ‘ready-to-eat’ meal packets plus a mask to each of them.
“The distribution of these packets to reach the needy and famished migrant workers who were fortunate to travel by train, was possible only because of the selfless help from the Police Dept.”, adds Maa.
All this humanitarian service has been possible under Maa’s able guidance and unending motivation with the hard work and dedicated efforts of Punyadham residents and the staff.
“We are also extremely grateful to the valuable contribution of our well-wishers from far and wide who come forward with their unconditional support towards these noble social welfare initiatives”, says MaaS
Since the announcement of domestic flights from May 25 and train services in June, people in Pune have been wondering how they can travel to Pune railway station or Pune airport.
Pune police has partnered with City Glide auto and 130 auti rickshaw have been made available for various services you don’t have to pay extra fair but pay the fare as per meter.
Total of 350 auto are made avail to help people commute within PMC limits
All autos are running as per meter only.
Coronavirus Pune: PMC launches mobile lab for testing in containment areas –
· The civic body on Wednesday signed an MoU with the Krishna Diagnostic Centre, which has made available the fully equipped, AC mobile labroratory bus for diaognastic services.
The lab has facilities for COVID-19 sample collection , an instant X-ray machine, blood tests, blood pressure check facility, etc.
PMC has already increased testing samples per day.
It has reached over 1,000 tests per day.
The civic body has arranged clinics, testing centres at sxchools in containment areas.
SARDAR CHARANJIT SINGH SAHANIJI
PRESIDENT
GURURDWARA SRI GURU NANAK DARBAR
PUNE, CAMP
TRUSTEES
SPECIAL FELUCIATION AT HANDS OF
DIGNITARIES
SOUTHERN COMMAND
PUNE
FOR
EXPEMPLARY SERVICE COMBATING
COVID-19
KILLER VIRUS
COVID-19
Manjeet Singh Virdi
Foundation
Pune
Guruji Da Langar
Sewa
Shaina NC, Amayra Dastur and Manisha Koirala rejuvenate at Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat
Shaina NC, Amayra Dastur and Manisha Koirala rejuvenate at Mercure Goa Devaaya Retrea
Shaina NC, Amayra Dastur and Manisha Koirala recently visited Bollywood’s new getaway- Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat, an exquisite property dedicated to traditional healing to rejuvenate and escape from the city life.
Situated on the serene Divar Island on Goa’s beautiful Mandovi River, Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat offers authentic Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga treatments with international hospitality standards.
Modern medicine is mainly aimed at symptomatic treatment and removal of the causative organism or toxin by some medicine, but the traditional ancient systems correct the imbalance of different energy principles in the human body.
Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat is where the healing is done by the surroundings nature. The property has created a niche for itself by being one of its kinds in offering rejuvenating experiences to guests.
Ace fashion designer, and BJP spokesperson Shaina NC is a frequent visitor at the Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat.
Post her recent visit with Amyara Dastur and Manisha Koirala, she said “she has never felt fitter, healthier, and happier after the rejuvenating experience at the Devaaya Retreat.
She goes on to add that the traditional healing practices performed at the retreat combined with satvik meals and being surrounded by nature truly refreshes you from within. A must visit for all health enthusiasts”.
The Ayurvedic and Naturopathy remedies offer holistic healing which promotes a healthy lifestyle along with positive and wholesome approach.
The Ayurvedic treatments such as Panchkarma, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, etc. help in healing ailments such as Joint Pains, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Stress-related disorders, among others; while Naturopathy remedies help in healing ailments such as Obesity, Spondylitis, Hypertension, Abdominal Disorders, Sinusitis, etc.
Actress Manisha Koirala who also visited this premium rejuvenating retreat said, “it’s eye-opening to see how therapeutic it is to indulge in all the Ayurvedic treatments, naturopathy and holistic Yoga practices. It was absolutely refreshing to bond with nature and have great company who think the same”.
These traditional healing practices are carried out by the highly skilled doctors, vaidyas & therapists. A personalised treatment plan is made for every guest considering each patron’s condition.
Amyra Dastur, young Bollywood actress who considers Devaaya Retreat a hidden gem of Goa said, “I couldn’t be happier to have been introduced to Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat.
The traditional healing practices, therapeutic Yoga sessions, satvik meals, and naturopathy therapies; all in the lap of nature with immaculate hospitality standards make it perfect for all those who are looking for that natural healing and rejuvenating experience.”
Being located within the lap of nature and by providing natural therapies has made this retreat a prominent and known name among several celebrities.
Food Delivery Chain Biryani By Kilo donates 40,000+ meals during the coronavirus pandemic
Food Delivery Chain Biryani By Kilo donates 40,000+ meals during the coronavirus pandemic
: Biryani By Kilo [BBK] India’s most premium biryani and kebab chain, known for delivering freshly dum-cooked handi biryani, has donated 40,000+ fresh lunch meals from all the operational stores in NCR and is also donating locally to limit transportation during the pandemic.
The meals were donated to public health institutions, police forces, migrants and NGOs to help the frontline workers in their fight against the virus.
Commenting on the initiative, Biryani by Kilo Co-founder, Vishal Jindal said, “We believe that nobody should ever have to miss a meal during this challenging Covid-19 emergency. Our customers who are part of the cities we serve are at the heart of everything we do and now, more than ever, we want to make sure we care for and cherish them during this time.
.I am proud of our team for stepping up and supporting our community in such a meaningful way.”
Biryani By Kilo as a regular practice used to do food distribution on every Thursday from all their outlets. Biryani BY Kilo is currently delivering in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Mohali, Raipur, Dehradun, Kanpur & other outlets–
To support the cause further, BBK has launched a campaign “BBK Cares” wherein all the customers can further contribute & support BBK to keep giving them food to all the needy ones.
Biryani by Kilo is focusing on contactless delivery, digital payments, sanitization of delivery bags before every delivery, sanitization of kitchen every hour and in providing tamper-proof seal on every bag. BBK also screens the temperature of every member of BBK before entering the kitchen & Delivery riders.
Also, BBK is probably the only Biryani chain to make Fresh Dum Biryani individually for every order, and deliver Biryani in the same Handi in which it was Dum cooked to ensure freshness, hygiene & safety. BBK has trained its delivery experts to undertake contactless delivery.
BBK is a premium biryani chain founded in 2015 by two veterans in the hospitality business, Kaushik Roy and Vishal Jindal, and is focused on Nizami and Mughlai style biryani and other complementary products such as Kebabs, Kormas, Bread, and Desserts.
Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences Appoints Atul Donde as the Director of Events
Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences is pleased to announce the appointment of Atul Donde as their new Director of Events.
Atul brings with him a rich 11 plus years of experience in the Hospitality industry and he has done his Diploma in Hotel Management IHMES, United Kingdom.
Atul has varied experience in different industries. Starting his career with an International Fund Management company, his first Hotel assignment was with Hilton Hotel – Isle of Man in UK.
He has since worked with renowned hospitality brands like Hilton, Ramada, Marriott and Hyatt in India & abroad. Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, Atul briefly ventured into setting up a catering business capitalizing on his insights as the Associate Director of Events at Grand Hyatt Goa.
He brings with him varied experience & a wealth of knowledge.
In his new role at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences, Atul will be responsible for managing operational and administrative functions to ensure the projects are delivered efficiently along with monitoring the progress of the planning and execution of each task that has to do with any event at the hotel.
Speaking about his new role, Atul Dhonde said, “I am elated to be a part of the team at Hyatt Regency Pune. I believe my experience and sound knowledge of the industry will help me enrich the execution of events at the hotel”.
Atul takes keen interest in swimming and playing snooker in his leisure time.
DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad takes up the initiative to help intimes of COVID-19 pandemic
DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad takes up the initiative to help in times of COVID-19 pandemic
Amid widespread concern regarding the growing threat of coronavirus, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune Chinchwad is serving the community at large in times of this lockdown in the country
As our frontline warriors wage their battle with the pandemic of Coronavirus outbreak, DoubleTree by Hilton, Pune – Chinchwad isn’t far behind in delivering the light and warmth of hospitality as they distributed specially packaged packets of food to the hard-working professionals and the needy in Pimpri Chinchwad.
With limited resources and services available, the team, most of them stranded at the hotel due to the lockdown, used the opportunity to cook delicious and nutritious meals for those in the service of society.
These food packets were then distributed to our dutiful law enforcers, utility workers and the humble private guards.
The small gesture touched the hearts of many, bringing a smile to their face.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Pune – Chinchwad will keep distributing such specially prepared food packets to these people as a gesture of gratitude and kindness until the situation is under control.
Talking about this initiative, Aditya Shamsher Malla, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton, Pune – Chinchwad said, “We are truly grateful for the extraordinary work by these selfless members of the Administration in an unprecedented situation.
We will continue to support their efforts to the best of our ability.
Hospitality professionals have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the warriors in any calamity, and we deem it an honour to reach out and do our bit as a token of gratitude.”
Dive into flavorful dishes this Republic Day at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort
Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort is hosting a “Flavours of India” Sunday Brunch to add the sense of patriotism in the food, that offers a wide array of tantalizing dishes of Awadi, Punjabi, Kerala, Goan, Andhra and Tamil Nadu.
The brunch will present the mesmerising flavors of the country that will take you back to your favorite destination of the country as the Executive Chef Jerson Fernandes puts up his best spreads to commemorate this special day.
Venue: Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort
Date: 26th Jan 2020
Time: 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Enjoy a Vegan meal at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort’s Burger Festival
Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort cares about the guests’ well-being and the future of our planet and as sustainability has become huge issue and veganism is becoming increasingly popular, Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort is organizing a Vegan Burger Festival where the burger looks, cooks, and tastes like a buff patty.
The patrons can select the flavor and toppings to create their own Vegan burger.
Around the world, consumers are becoming more open to plant-based diet like the Beyond Burger for their health, the animals, and for the environment.
Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort is all set to squash the myth that vegan diets are boring, by making the burger with plant based ingredients instead of animal meat.
Not only this, but one can also enjoy the appetizing combo of one Burger and a beer throughout the festival.
So, mark your calendar to enjoy a plant based diet at Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort where everything that will be served to your table looks amazing and tastes even better.
Venue: Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort
Dates: 25th Jan to 31st Jan’20
Time: 12: 00 PM to 11: 00 PM
India Book Of Records Registered the biggest towel art
in Pune By Pune I-PHA India
Pune I-PHA India recently announced first time in pune the biggest towel art of the country.
This towel art took place at Lemon tree Premier Restaurant at pune station and it has been registered in the ” India books of record “ Recently .
Towel’s 50 feet crocodile Art been presented at venue and around 800 towels used for making the artwork.
The program was aimd to seminar on hotel business and through many businessmen were invited across the country.
The seminar was announced for the discussion on hotel industrial skills and art.
On the occassion of its 05th Anniversary Celebrations , I-PHA India had organised the Housekeeping Smart Seminar Recently at Lemon Tree Premier Pune.
The HSS meet witnessed housekeepers, facility heads from various regions of West India networking, sharing knowledge and learning at this event.
The highlight of the event was a 51 feet Towel Art that was created using around 800 towels , which was officially recognised by India Book of Records.
The event also featured a book launch by one of the core commitee members, panel discussion on 5S and a talk by eminent speaker Dr. Sudhir Andrews.
The Seminar was aimed for knowledge sharing, networking, and learning and housekeepers, facility heads and hotel management institutes from various regions of West India participated in this event.
On the occasion Shri. Kunal Mane, commitee members , said the art is been made by housekeepers and we are trying to push this artwork to its bright future.
The Association also announces its 5th anniversary on this day. So this was the perfect time to show this art to the world.
Shri. Javed Khanji alumni ftii film acting ( 1977) batch was felicitated at a Special function in the Vidhan Sabha Auditorium organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra and Madhya Pradesh Aids Awareness Committee for Aids Awareness.
Pamper your skin with the Apricot and Lemongrass Skin Refinement Treatment at The Sohum Spa, Radisson Blu Resort Goa
Life moves quickly.
A rejuvenating spa treatment helps your mind, body, and soul find the balance it requires and is also the perfect way to slow down and live each experience as it comes.
At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, you can experience this as you try their ‘Apricot and Lemongrass’ spa treatment at the Sohum Spa.
The treatment will leave you with a sense of well-being, total relaxation and rejuvenation along with a serene and beautiful setting.
Relax yourself with this skin refinement and experience the enriching; soothing benefits of this the treatment.
The thirty minute Apricot and Lemongrass spa treatment is the best way to pamper your skin.
Apricot is well-known for its anti-aging properties.
The beta carotene, minerals and other plant compounds from this fruit seep into the skin and trigger cellular renewal and maintenance.
Lemongrass perfectly complements apricot with its antiseptic and mood elevating properties, thus providing a well- being experience to the skin.
The treatment will not only leave you feeling refreshed, but leave you with supple skin and bring about a natural glow!
Visit Sohum Spa and reap the surplus benefits of the Apricot and Lemongrass spa treatment and pamper your skin to a healthy, youthful glow and buff away the layers of dead skin!
DATE: February – March, 2020
VENUE: Sohum Spa, Radisson Blu Resort Goa
COST: INR 2000
DURATION: Thirty Minutes
: As India celebrates 80 years of being a Republic, The Café at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences invites you to experience food from around the country.
Indulge in a delicious spread that brings you the best of the diverse Indian cuisine and beverages that showcase the local flavours!
The award-winning Sunday Brunch at The Café will feature multiple live stations and a showcase of authentic regional dishes along with the all-time popular favorites.
Some of the signature dishes this Sunday include Chole Bhature, assorted Chaats, flavourful curries from around the country, and an array of Indian Mithai to end your meal on a sweet note.
Head to The Café at Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences this Sunday and soak in the myriad of Indian flavours as the culinary experts take you on a culinary journey through the country!
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 2020
TIME: 12:30 Pm- 4:00 Pm
VENUE: The Café, Hyatt Regency Pune & Residences
COST: INR 1695++ onwards
A good brunch makes your day.
Aiming to provide a brunching experience like never before Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan organizes a mouth-watering brunch every Friday where the guests have a plethora of choices and a lavish buffet spread.
The extensive Brunch menu offers something for everyone and you can choose from a variety of delicious and organic appetizers; handmade pastas in your favorite sauce, decadent desserts to sweeten the palate and much more.
Drop by at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan and enjoy the charming ambience and meticulously prepared dishes by the chef and his team.
Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan
Dates: Every Friday
Time: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Sardar Charanjit Singh Sahani ji
( President, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar)
Pune camp seen felicitating
Pune BJP
MP Girish Bapat with the
Dilip Bhau Kulkarni Saman instituted by the
Patit Pawan Kamgar Sanghatana
Pune
India Book Of Records Registered the biggest towel art in Pune
By I Professional Housekeepers Association
Pune housekeeping federation association recently announced first time in pune the biggest towel art of the country.
This towel art took place at Hotel Lemon tree Premier Pune station and it has been registered in the ” India books of record ” on 18 January,2020.
Towel’s 50 feet crocodile Art been presented at venue and around 800 towels used for making the artwork.
The program was amid to seminar on hotel housekeeping, networking etc. and through many housekeepers were invited across the country.
The seminar was announced for the discussion on hotel industrial skills and art.
On the occasion Mrs. Soniya Mittal Founder member of IPHA,, said the art is been made by housekeepers and we are trying to push this artwork to its bright future.
The Association also announces its 5th anniversary on this day. So this was the perfect time to show this art to the world.
On the occasion Mr. Kunal Mane,
Assistant Executive Housekeeper.lemon Tree
Organizer, was also present.
Painting Visions Workshop for Art Enthusiasts
: For all the art and painting aficionados in Pune,Hands Full of Earth presents a Painting Visions Workshop with the artist – Ainhoa Neith.
Learn the ways of modern and ancient visionary art masters over the course of 9 days. Try your hand at Mishtechnique from the surrealist world of art.
With the exploration of optical greys and colour mixing, get habituated with brushwork, Imprimatura, Decalcomania and many more classical methods.
Mischtechnik , as well as being a powerful, venerable technique, is a fantastic way to enter into layered or glazed approaches to painting because of the inspiring ‘step-by-step’ process involved.
That said, many times the fundamental principles of the technique are often overlooked or unexplained.
The way we will approach mischtechnik is thorough explanation and exploration of the principles of optical grays & optical color mixing, through which the fundamentals may be grasped and many variations and experimental approaches can be glimpsed.
The Artist, Ainhoa Neith brings to the workshops her spirited love of art and painting. Ainhoa has dedicated herself to painting and endeavoured to create and develop and facilitate environments and events sharing this world, particularly to audiences who may never have encountered it before.
She then held group space and taught in Anam Cara Healing Centre, Belgium, and then in Bali, Indonesia.
She continues to be interested in pioneering and groundbreaking territories to expand visionary art.
Join this artists’ haven at Handsfullofearth headquarters from 3rd-11th Feb. Get more details on handsfullofearth@gmail.com.
Venue: Handsfullofearth
Lane Number 7,
Samrat Society, Kalyani Nagar.
Dates: 3rd Feb – 11th Feb 2020.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
तालमयी अनोखी मैफल…
गायन वादन यांना एकत्रितपणे संगीत म्हटले जाते. पुण्यात मधुमती संगीत विद्यालयाच्या वतीने विद्यार्थ्यांच्या कलागुणांना वाव मिळावा यासाठी वार्षिक स्नेहसंमेलनाचे आयोजन करण्यात आले. ख्यातनाम तबला वादक तालभूषण पं नचिकेत मेहेंदळे यांच्या ५० विद्यार्थ्यांनी एकल, स्वतंत्र शास्त्रोक्त तबला वादन सादर केले.
त्यात गंधार जोशी याने त्रितालात वादन करून सर्वांना जागीच खिळवले,ओंकार जोशी ,सुमेध पाथ्रुडकर, सार्थक चव्हाण यांनी तीनतालात एकल वादन केले, तसेच रूषभ खळदकर यानेही त्रितालात वादन केले, तसेच सिद्धेश्वर साठे याने १५ मात्रांच्या पंचम सवारी तालात स्वतंत्र तबला वादन करून सर्वांना जागीच खिळवून ठेवले, तसेच एकतालात सिद्धार्थ कुंभोजकर याने वादन करून पसायदानाने मैफलीची सांगता झाली.
यावेळी तन्मयी मेहेंदळे – देशपांडे यांचे गायनही झाले अवघे गरजे पंढरपूर, जय शारदे वागीश्वरी आदि गाण्यांनी मैफलीला रंगत आणली निवेदन निवेदिता मेहेंदळे यांनी केले तर संवादिनी साथ देवेंद्र पटवर्धन यांची लाभली तर प्रमुख उपस्थिती दयानंद घोटकर,प्राची घोटकर व पं. विजय दास्ताने यांची होती.
फोटो अोळ :- मधुमती संगीत विद्यालयातील विद्यार्थी संगीत मैफलीच्या वेळी प्रमुख पाहुणे पं.विजय दास्ताने आणि गायक दयानंद घोटकर यांच्या समवेत, संचालक नचिकेत मेहेंदळे, निवेदिता मेहेंदळे,प्राची घोटकर आणि तन्मयी रोहन देशपांडे.
Education system in a mess and teachers in a pathetic condition: Dr Chanakya Jha
Dr Chanakya Jha, Dean Research, ISBM Engineering College, Pune, chairman, IEEE)
“The state of Maharashtra makes a maximum contribution to nation’s GDP at 35 per cent. Yet the education system of the state continues to be in a dismal state and its teachers
are in a horrible condition.
How does one imagine the future of such a state whose younger generation is being imparting education which has no merry whatsoever ?
“It seems in last 8 to 9 years, there has been no improvement in the education state of Maharashtra.
Also, it seems those who were elected from the teachers’ constituency and become education ministers or representatives, have taken no pain to improve the state of education.
“If a child is given a wrong education, then entire generation is wrecked.
Considering this, we can say that our current education system is heading nowhere and it is our moral responsibility to speak up against this malaise.”
“Teachers are not responsible for the current mess, but are victims of the system in place. It is disconcerting to note that teachers have to virtually beg before those who run the institutes or the government for their legitimate salaries
There are thousands of teachers who do not get their monthly salaries on time which is highly shocking.
“Maharashtra is a prosperous state. It’s education system should be compared to the one in existence in Finland. The current state of education in Maharashtra is sadly sinking by the day.
“It is worth noting that neither education facilities nor merit has improved over the years. Teachers don’t get salaries on time, pregnant teachers are deprived of the special facilities and concessions meant for them, forget about PF and pensions plans for teachers. MLAs get pensions in five years, teachers don’t get pension even after decades of service. …
Teachers have been found to be working on a salary of Rs 5000 to Rs 7000 which is what a daily laborer draws… The government deserves to be condemned for keeping the education system in such an abysmal state…
“If we leave side secondary and higher secondary colleges, the state of professional colleges is in utter bad shape. The engineering colleges have assumed a criminal look…”
“What is needed is classification of the education system, but instead teachers have been classified. Teachers have been classified in 30 categories which includes fulltime teachers, contractual teachers, aided teachers, unaided teachers, old pension teachers, permanent teachers.. Govt should stop such ridiculous policies…”
“It is time to stop criminalization of education system otherwise this demon will gobble up entire nation. I have made a resolve to give teachers their pride of place for which I expect support from the entire society…”
Here’s the true state of affairs of the education system in Maharashtra.
In 2010, Maharashtra had computers only in 12 per cent schools.
By 2018, it shot up to 64.4 per cent.
Even today, one fourth of the schools do not have computer facilities and we are dreaming of digital India.
Only 35 per cent school have computer teachers.
As a result, only 19 per cent students could use computers.
In 2010, 83.1 per cent and in 2018, 88.4 per cent schools had libraries. In 2010, 62.4 per cent and in 2018, 34 per cent students were taking advantage of the facility.
In 2018, only 74.9 per cent schools had security wall. Even today, 30 per cent schools have drinking water problem.
There are more shocking facts.
In 2018, it was found in a survey of class 5 students that 66 per cent of them could not write Marathi alphabets.
And 31 per cent students could not solve math’s. It raised questions like do we approve of such an education system ? Did Chhatrapati Shivaji dream of such a nation ? Did Veer Savarkar dream of nation ? Answer is no.
Our MLAs and MPs whom we elected and expected them to improve our education system as also other living conditions have let us down in a big way.
We are far far away from setting up a robust system.
It is time we need to join hands to raise our voice against such a dismal education system.
Truefitt and Hill Opens its door in JW Marriott, Pune
2nd store in Pune, 24th across India.
Having groomed the Monarchs of Great Britain for 214 years through nine consecutive reigns, Truefitt & Hill ( T & H) continues the legacy by bringing their sophistication to the cultural capital and very well known as ‘ Oxford of the east’, city Pune.
This new venture makes this exotic place a house of luxurious experiences all under one roof for the quintessential men with impeccably crafted internationally acclaimed grooming services.
Keeping the tradition forward, the ambience of JW Marriott outlet is royal, and of the highest standards.
The classy interiors, done up with mahogany wood and chic blue wallpaper, provides a relaxing environment to the brand’s discerning patrons.
The salon is spread in an area of around 1000 sq ft ( 5 barber chairs, 1 manicure pedicure chair).
It offers services for men only, which includes Royal or Clasic Shave, Haircuts, Manicure, Pedicure, Head Massage, hand and foot massage, facial, hair grooming, hair coloring and more.
Krishna Gupta, Founder and MD of Lyods Luxuries shared his thoughts.
Photo Caption: Music Composer,Director,Producer & Singer Harry Anand with Co-star Nivedita Chandel at the launch of BURN album in Pune.
BURN released in Pune By Harry Anand
: – Music producer, director, singer, film-maker and actor HARRY ANAND was in Pune today to release and talk about his latest album “BURN.”
This video has been launched in association with Zee Music Company and the video features Harry Anand and his co-star Nivedita Chandel and is being received lovingly by the fans all across and has garnered more than 100k views already.
Speaking at the press conference Harry Anand said that, “BURN was shot in Mumbai at the Stadium Bar club and it was shot in a period of 1 day with a team of 150 crew members who assisted in the making of this music album.”
He also spoke about his last release Naach Nachaniya which features Kaviczar along with 2018 Miss Universe India – Nehal Chudasama; and his upcoming song with the Miss World India 2018 – Anukreethy Vas.
His will unveil his future project 9 On the Floor which will release in the upcoming three months.
Some of the very popular songs which Harry has given the music industry are Kaanta Laga, Kaliyon ka Chaman and Saiyaan Dil Mein, Pardesiya, Chardi jawani to name a few.
He has won 13 awards including 3 MTV Immies and has launched more than 30 artists and models in the industry. As a music director, he has worked with several big names of the music industry like Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Armaan Malik, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan amongst others.
About Harry Anand
Harry Anand is an Indian music producer, director, singer, film-maker and actor, known for his work in Nakshatra and Vodka Diaries with all menon, mahesh bhatta first punjabi film DUSHMAN, with arbaaz khan jeena is ka naam hai NIRDOSH with arbaaz khan
Nivedita Chandel is one of the most talented actresses. She made her acting debut with the film Love Ke Funday in 2016. … The actress earlier featured in several hits like Yaara, Pyaar Ho Na Jaaye and Case Bari. Nivedita Chandel will soon be featuring in a new Hindi Sufi love song called ‘Dilla Ther Jaa’. Her latest work is in the album BURN with Harry Anand.
Digital Conclave at Classic Rock Kalyaninagar
Connect. Collaborate. Cultivate
Clicks technologies along with SULA Vineyards is organizing an evening which will have the best minds from the world of Digital marketing and Technology professionals who will come and share their views on the latest trends of marketing in the real estate industry or for start ups and a talk on women entrepreneurs and leaders
SUNDOWNERs – connect, collaborate and cultivate is an excellent platform for all individuals to come and socialize and grow their business.
Few of the speakers at the panel would be Dhawal Panjwani (Head – Digital, Kohinoor Properties), Vivek Shenoy (Senior Director- Product & operations, Ziff Davis B2B) from product development & Marketing Strategies and Deeksha Ahuja (Ed tech Entrepreneur & start up consultant) from women entrepreneur & leaders- The Need Of the Hour.
Date: Saturday,18th January,2020, 4.00 to 8.00 Pm.
Venue: Classic Rock Café’, Kalyani Nagar
VST Tillers Tractors Launches Compact Tractors.
Introduces VST Shakti Gro tech – an end-to-end solution for Sugarcane farmers
Expected to result in increased productivity up to 20 %
: VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST Tillers Tractors), pioneers in manufacturing of tillers and compact tractors for over five decades, as part of its continued efforts to offer innovative solutions to agricultural sector, has launched Gro Tech – a new line of solution which aligns with the ambitious Government of Indias vision of doubling farmers income.
In the first phase Gro Tech line of solution is being offered to sugarcane farmers which is tailor made to optimize productivity and thereby boost sugarcane yield. In-addition, Gro Tech line of solution is calibrated to help sugarcane growers in saving labour, water, time and fuel.
Importantly, the initial investment needed to get the Gro Pro line of solution running on ground with all implements is expected to be 50 % lesser in comparison with Higher HP Tractor.
CEO of VST Mr. Antony Cherukara Spoke and expressed VSTs undeterred commitment towards innovative quality products and simplified systems will go a long way to help farmers in not only improving productivity but also optimizing several costs including labour, farm inputs, cultivation and harvesting. Going forward, he pointed out, VST would have crop specific focus on increasing productivity for farmers.
As part of Gro Tech solution, we are happy to offer VST Shakti Viraat MT 270, a fuel-efficient compact tractor, and is positioned as complete sugarcane mechanization solution that is projected to increases productivity up to 20% with modern method of farming.
VST SHAKTI MT 270 is built with a fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine, Power steering as optional, OIB, Smart Hydraulics, Ultra cooling radiator, 6 + 2 Sliding Mesh Gear box with automatic depth and draft control and best in class 2.1 meter turning radius assures better coverage with less fuel consumption
The mechanization solution of VST Shakti Viraat MT 270 bridges the gap between low returns from small land holdings and higher cost of labor and inputs through better use of technology and smart tools. It helps aspiring farmers to cross the threshold at ease by increasing productivity. Further, he added, GROTECH line of solution helps aspiring farmers to cross the threshold at ease by increasing productivity.
In the event, Sr Vice President Mr. Jujhar Singh Virk launched 45 HP & 50 HP products for the MH farmers & handed over keys to customers. Unique feature of this product is high power with less maintenance and informed that the product suitable for both Agri and Haulage operation.
There was special requirement of high torque 4 WD tractor for Grapes/Pomegranate growers, Today VST launched this model with high Torque engine which works with 600 litres sprayers. Unique ness of this product is High Torque and diesel saving which make this product Win- Win Tractor. VST SHAKTI MT 270 High torque comes with Dumdar Torque and Dumdar Diesel Kshmatha which will be India Ka true win win tractor. The VST SHAKTI MT 270 High torque comes with Facelift of bonnet and many more techncial and asthetic features.
Noor Mohammed Shaikh , AGM of Maharashtra expressed that the Launch of Gro tech, 27 HP High toque tractor – India Ka win win tractor and Launch of Higher HP tractor in the same platform is a moment of Celebration. Gro tech we are going to take to launch across MH through our network in coming days.
This Event has been launched by Shr. Sharad Pawar.. Mr. Pawar also visited VST Shakti Gro tech stall.
फोटो ओळी
फोटो १ – पुणे फिल्म फाउंडेशन आणि महाराष्ट्र शासन आयोजित १८ व्या पुणे आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट महोत्सवात यावर्षीचा प्रभात सर्वोत्कृष्ट आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट पुरस्कार ट्युनिशियाच्या ‘अ सन’ या चित्रपटाने पटकावला. रोख रूपये दहा लाख, मानचिन्ह व मानपत्र असे या पुरस्काराचे स्वरूप होते. या वेळी ट्युनिशियाच्या दूतावासाचे प्रथम सचिव अली मेफ्ताही यांनी हा पुरस्कार स्वीकारला. यावेळी फोटोत (डावीकडून) डॉ. जब्बार पटेल, बिश्वदीप चॅटर्जी, अली मेफ्ताही आणि विक्रम गोखले. या चित्रपटाने यावर्षी सर्वोत्कृष्ट प्रेक्षकांची पसंती पुरस्कारही पटकाविला.
फोटो २ – समीर विध्वंस दिग्दर्शित ‘आनंदी गोपाळ’ या चित्रपटाने ‘संत तुकाराम आंतरराष्ट्रीय मराठी चित्रपट’ पुरस्कारावर आपली मोहोर उमटविली. यावेळी महाराष्ट्र शासनाच्या वतीने रोख रूपये पाच लाख, मानचिन्ह व मानपत्र देऊन ‘आनंदी गोपाळ’ चित्रपटाच्या चमूला गौरविण्यात आले. यावेळी दिग्दर्शक समीर विध्वांस, अभिनेते ललित प्रभाकर सह चित्रपटाचा चमू.
फोटो ३ – पुणे फिल्म फाउंडेशन आणि महाराष्ट्र शासन आयोजित १८ व्या पुणे आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट महोत्सवात सुजय ढहाकेच्या ‘तुझ्या आईला’ या चित्रपटाने चार विविध पुरस्काराने गौरविण्यात आले. हे पुरस्कार स्वीकारता फोटोत (डावीकडून) डॉ. जब्बार पटेल, सुजय डहाके, बिश्वदीप चॅटर्जी आणि विक्रम गोखले.
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Photo Caption
Photo 1 – Ali Meftahi, First Secretary, Embassy of Tunisia accepting the ‘Government of Maharashtra Prabhat Best International Film’ award at the hands Biswdeep Chatterjee & Vikram Gokhale. Dr. Jabbar patel also seen in the picture (L)
Photo- 2 – Sameer Vidwans, Director of film ‘Anand Gopal’ along with his team accepting ‘Sant Tukaram Best International Marathi Film’ award at the hands of Vikram Gokhale, Bishwadeep Chatterjee also seen in the picture.
Photo 3 – Young film director Sujay Dahake received multiple awards at 18th PIFF. Sujay receiving one of the aeard from Bishwadeep Chatterjee & Vikram Gokhale. Dr. Jabbar patel also seen in the picture (L)
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‘आनंदी गोपाळ’ चित्रपटाला यावर्षीचा संत तुकाराम आंतरराष्ट्रीय मराठी चित्रपट पुरस्कार
– ‘तुझ्या आईला’ व ‘अ सन’ चित्रपटांना प्रेक्षकांच्या पसंतीचा (ऑडियन्स अवॉर्ड) पुरस्कारपुणे, दि. १६ जानेवारी, २०२० : पुणे फिल्म फाउंडेशन आणि महाराष्ट्र शासन आयोजित १८ व्या पुणे आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट महोत्सवाचा दिमाखदार समारोप सोहळा आज प्रभात रस्त्यावरील राष्ट्रीय चित्रपट संग्रहालय येथे पार पडला. यावेळी ‘आनंदी गोपाळ’ या चित्रपटाने यावर्षीच्या ‘संत तुकाराम आंतरराष्ट्रीय मराठी चित्रपट’ पुरस्कारावर आपली मोहोर उमटविली. तर ‘अ सन’ या ‘ट्युनिशियन चित्रपटाने ‘प्रभात सर्वोत्कृष्ट आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट पुरस्कार’ पटकावला. सदर पुरस्कारांची घोषणा महोत्सवाचे अध्यक्ष आणि संचालक डॉ. जब्बार पटेल यांनी समारोपाच्या कार्यक्रमात केली.रोख रुपये पाच लाख, सन्मानचिन्ह व सन्मानपत्र हे ‘संत तुकाराम आंतरराष्ट्रीय मराठी चित्रपट पुरस्कारा’चे तर रोख रुपये दहा लाख, सन्मानचिन्ह व सन्मानपत्र हे ‘प्रभात सर्वोत्कृष्ट आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट पुरस्कारा’चे स्वरूप आहे. हे दोन्ही पुरस्कार दरवर्षी राज्य शासनाच्या वतीने प्रदान करण्यात येतात. सुजय डहाके दिग्दर्शित ‘तुझ्या आईला’ या चित्रपटाने परिक्षकांची पसंती पुरस्कार, अखिल भारतीय चित्रपट महामंडळ सर्वोत्कृष्ट मराठी पटकथा, सिनेमेटोग्राफी(छायाचित्रण) व प्रेक्षकांच्या पसंतीचा पुरस्कार मिळाला.यावेळी प्रसिद्ध अभिनेते विक्रम गोखले, प्रसिद्ध ध्वनि दिग्दर्शक व ध्वनी डिझायनर बिश्वदीप चॅटर्जी, महोत्सवाचे सचिव रवी गुप्ता, महोत्सवाचे कलात्मक दिग्दर्शक समर नखाते, ‘पिफ’चे निवड समिती सदस्य मकरंद साठे, सतीश आळेकर, अभिजित रणदिवे, अभिजित देशपांडे, डॉ. मोहन आगाशे यांबरोबर अखिल भारतीय मराठी चित्रपट महामंडळाचे अध्यक्ष मेघराज राजेभोसले, चित्रपटांच्या परीक्षणासाठी जगभरातून आलेले परीक्षक यांबरोबरच एमआयटी-एटीडीच्या डॉ. सुनीता कराड आदि उपस्थित होते.पुणे फिल्म फाउंडेशन’ आणि महाराष्ट्र शासन यांच्या संयुक्त विद्यमाने दरवर्षी पार पडणा-या पुणे आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट महोत्सवाचे हे १८ वे वर्ष होते. ज्यामध्ये ६० देशांतील १९१ हून अधिक चित्रपटांचा आस्वाद पुण्यातील चित्रपट रसिकांना घेता आला.यावर्षी समीर विध्वांस दिग्दर्शित ‘आनंदी गोपाळ’ या चित्रपटाने ‘संत तुकाराम आंतरराष्ट्रीय मराठी चित्रपट’ पुरस्कार पटकाविला. या चित्रपटाला महाराष्ट्र शासनाच्या वतीने रोख रूपये पाच लाख, मानचिन्ह व मानपत्र देऊन गौरविण्यात आले. या पुरस्काराच्या रकमेपैकी ५० टक्के रक्कम ही दिग्दर्शक व ५० टक्के रक्कम ही निर्मात्यांना दिली जाते.याबरोबरच दरवर्षी अखिल भारतीय चित्रपट महामंडळाच्या वतीने देण्यात येणारा मराठी स्पर्धात्मक विभागातील सर्वोत्कृष्ट दिग्दर्शक पुरस्कार यावर्षी अजित वाडीकर (वाय) यांना, सर्वोत्कृष्ट अभिनेता पुरस्कार ललित प्रभाकर (आनंदी गोपाळ) यांना, सर्वोत्कृष्ट अभिनेत्रीचा पुरस्कार मुक्ता बर्वे (वाय)यांना ,सर्वोत्कृष्ट पटकथा लेखक पुरस्कार नियाज मुजावर (तुझ्या आईला) यांना तर सर्वोत्कृष्ट सिनेमेटोग्राफी पुरस्कार विजय मिश्रा (तुझ्या आईला) यांना प्रदान करण्यात आला. प्रत्येकी रोख रुपये २५ हजार, मानचिन्ह, मानपत्र असे या पुरस्कारांचे स्वरूप आहे. याशिवाय सुजय डहाके दिग्दर्शित ‘तुझ्या आईला’ व मेहडी बरसौई दिग्दर्शित ‘अ सन’ या चित्रपटाला प्रेक्षकांच्या पसंतीचा (ऑडियन्स अवॉर्ड) पुरस्कार देत गौरविण्यात आले.याबरोबरच आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपटांच्या स्पर्धात्मक विभागात मेहडी बरसौई दिग्दर्शित ‘अ सन’ या चित्रपटाला ‘प्रभात सर्वोत्कृष्ट आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट पुरकार’ देत गौरविण्यात आले. रोख रु. १० लाख मानचिन्ह व मानपत्र असे या पुरस्काराचे स्वरूप आहे. या पुरस्काराच्या रकमेपैकी ५० टक्के रक्कम ही दिग्दर्शक व ५० टक्के रक्कम ही निर्मात्यांना दिली जाते. तर याच विभागातील ‘प्रभात सर्वोत्कृष्ट चित्रपट दिग्दर्शक पुरस्काराने ‘सुपरनोवा’ चित्रपटाचे दिग्दर्शक बर्तोज कृहलिक यांना गौरविण्यात आले. रोख रुपये ५ लाख व मानचिन्ह असे या पुरस्काराचे स्वरूप आहे. आंतरराष्टीय चित्रपटांच्या स्पर्धात्मक विभागात ‘अ सन’ चित्रपटाला प्रेक्षकांच्या पसंतीचा (ऑडियन्स अवॉर्ड) पुरस्कार प्रदान करण्यात आला.यावर्षीपासून पुणे फिल्म फाउंडेशन आणि एमआयटी आर्ट, डिझाईन व टेक्नॉलॉजी विद्यापीठ यांच्या संयुक्त विद्यमाने ‘एमआयटी- एसएफटी ह्युमन स्पिरीट’ पुरस्कार सुरु करण्यात आला आहे. यावर्षी ‘मार्केट’ या चित्रपटाचे दिग्दर्शक प्रदीप कुरबाह यांना हा पुरस्कार एमआयटी-एडीटीच्या डॉ. सुनीता कराड यांच्या हस्ते देण्यात आला.आंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रपट स्पर्धा –
पटकथा लेखनाचा परीक्षक विशेष पुरस्कार – मायकल इडोव (चित्रपट – द ह्युमरिस्ट)
परिक्षक विशेष प्रमाणपत्र – चित्रपट ‘मारिघेल्ला’विद्यार्थी लघुपट पुरस्कार
बेस्ट लाईव्ह अॅक्शन लघुपट पुरस्कार – चित्रपट ‘अ पीस ऑफ होप’ – (दिग्दर्शक स्याहरेझा फाहलेवी)
बेस्ट लाईव्ह अॅक्शन लघुपट दिग्दर्शक पुरस्कार – अलीरेझा घासेमीअॅनिमेशन लघुपट पुरस्कार
सर्वोत्कृष्ट अॅनिमेशन लघुपट –
1) मझाईक्स आर्क 2) स्टीप्स ऑफ खजर
3) सर्वोत्कृष्ट दिग्दर्शन – चित्रपट स्टीप्स ऑफ खजर (दिग्दर्शक सोफिया मेलनेक)
आदिवासी लघुपट पुरस्कार-
1) चित्रपट ‘द माइटी गोंट्स ब्रिक्स ऑफ चंदागड – विप्लव शिंदे
2) चित्रपट पडकाई – दिग्दर्शक अमर मेलगीरी
3) चित्रपट रानी बेटी – दिग्दर्शक धर्मा वानखेडे
Kangan at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park brings to you an exclusive collection of their Signature Cocktails.
Enjoy the timeless standards of the cocktail playbook at Kangan.
As it is said, there is a drink for every occasion; we say that you don’t need an occasion for a cocktail.
Select from a variety of Classic Signature Cocktails at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.
Kangan is known for its delicious and flavorful North Indian dishes.
The combination of a hearty North Indian meal and a swig of one of the signature cocktails will blow your mind and keep your taste buds craving for more.
Do drop by at Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park and indulge in the Signature Collection of Cocktails!.
DATE: Ongoing
TIME: 7:00 Pm- 11:30 Pm
VENUE: Kangan, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
Indulge in a luxurious treatment at The Spa, Hyatt Pune this Valentine with Romantic Rejuvenation
: Valentine’s Day is coming up, and love is in the air. Couples massages and spa retreats are the perfect place for you and your partner to amp up the romance.
There is no better way to make that happen than by booking couples spa package for Valentine’s Day.
Relax and revive your body and soul with an indulgent pampering experience with The Spa at Hyatt Pune, Kalyani Nagar.
One of the most romantic Valentine’s Day presents you can give your partner this year is the gift of quality time together.
A 60 minutes couple massage with 30 minutes service of choice complimentary will make you feel like a haven of peace and tranquillity where the pressures of everyday life are left at the door.
Not only this but the offer also includes a 20 minutes head/ neck/shoulders teasers during Valentines Lunch with a 50% discount voucher for one service in future.
Create a memorable experience for your partner as Hyatt Pume, Kalyani Nagar invites you for a very special Breakfast in Pool.
Let your private chef cook up delicious dishes for you as you enjoy moments of togetherness as you lounge in the pool. A limited offer, do not miss to wow your special one this February.
So, let your partner know how much you love them by pampering with a collection of relaxing and rejuvenating spa experiences this Valentine’s Day at Hyatt Pune, Kalyani Nagar.
Venue: The Spa, Hyatt Pune, Kalyani Nagar
Date: 14th February, 2020
Time: 60 Minutes
Cost: INR 6000 ++ for a Couple
Sound in the movie has to compliment the script- Bishwadeep Chatterjee
‘‘While working on a film, we simulate and recreate the sounds as per the need of the story and blend it in the scenes with dialogues, background score and songs .
The sound effects in the movie have to compliment the script,’’ said the national award winning sound designer Bishwadeep Chatterjee.
He was delivering a lecture in the 18th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) organized by Pune Film Foundation and Maharashtra Government. Dr. Jabbar Patel, Director, PIFF was present among the dignitaries.
Chatterjee said that, ‘‘Our generation of sound designers experienced working with all the mediums like vacuum tube, analog magnetic platform and digital.
Today, the technical limitations are slowly getting out of the way.
So this is very interesting time for us.’’
He mentioned that in the 80s the VHS tapes came and people started preferring to watch movies at home. It was the Dolby Surround sound that played important role in bringing the audience back to theatres.
Chatterjee gave examples of the movies ‘Bajirao Mastani’, ‘Uri’ and ‘Chintu Ka Birthday’and explained how they created different sound effects.
He said that he had first read the book about Bajirao Peshwa before reading the script of the film.
‘‘To show the home background of Bajirao Peshwa in the movie, I went to the place Wai near Panchgani and recorded the Brahmin worshippers chanting Sanskrit Vedas.
We also used some old Marathi Bhajans. We used the rumbling sounds to show the aftermath of war and deliberately designed sound effects to show Bajirao’s character larger than life.
While designing for the movie ‘Chintu Ka Birthday’, we had to create the war-like environment in Iraq as per the story.
The movie is low budget and shot in closed setting.
So we created create sound effects to make it look like happening in Iraq. ’’
A list of great artists would be incomplete if Dr. Shriram Lagoo’s name is not included: Vikram Gokhale
“Dr. Shriram Lagoo was an asset to Indian theatre and if a list of great artists is prepared without mentioning the name of Dr. Lagoo then it would remain incomplete.
Honoured with the PIFF Distinguished Award at the film festival which is dedicated to Dr. Lagoo was very heart-warming and gratifying,” said national award winner veteran actor, Vikram Gokhale.
He was speaking at a Press conference organized by Pune Film Foundation and Maharashtra Government as a part of the 18th Pune International Film Foundation (PIFF) today at Deccan Rendezvous, Pune in presence of Dr. Jabbar Patel, Director, PIFF.
“Dr. Lagoo besides being famous was also an intelligent actor and I learned a lot from him.
Once while watching me perform on the stage he had told Dr. Shanta Jog that my acting prowess was natural and spontaneous.
I guess that was the biggest compliment I had ever received,” he said.
Speaking on theatre, Gokhale said, “I think theatre is the only place that can develop self-confidence among budding actors.
Theatre is different from films where you can get several takes. Theatre gives you a chance to learn more and more and makes you a good actor,” he added. He also complimented Jabbar Patel for being his positive critic since the early days of his career stating how Patel’s criticism helped him to improve.
Gokhale accordingly also pointed toward the recent controversy involving Vinayak Savarkar.
“I am a fan of Savarkar as I know what he stood for. The people who have been vilifying and belittling Savarkar should read and do some research about him first.
I also ask Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi what do they know about Savarkar and who has given them right to malign him,” Gokhale said.
He also spoke regarding the recent protest over Citizenship Amendment Act, which he said was unwanted. “I am in support of CAA.
Why should an Indian taxpayer take the burden of illegal immigrants? When it comes to such issues, I am with the PM,” he said.
Since there has been no censorship in the entertainment content shown on OTT platforms, Gokhale said that it was being misused.
“Time has come to think about what steps can be taken to stop this misuse.
But at the same time, it should be done on government level and no unauthorized or unofficial faction should get involved in it,” he said.
(L-R) Dr. Jabbar Patel and Vikram Gokhale at a Press Conference organized by Pune Film Foundation and Maharashtra Government as a part of the 18th Pune International Film Foundation (PIFF).
Chef Ho Chi Ming appointed as Specialty Chef at The Market, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park has announced the appointment of Chef Ho Chi Ming as the Specialty Chef for The Market – newly launched all day dining restaurant.
A talented and dynamic chef, Ming, comes to The Westin Pune Koregaon Park with over 11+ years of rich experience in culinary operations in the hospitality industry.
Having worked in 5-star hotels previously like Sheraton Hyderabad, Le Meridien Thimphu, Hyatt and Ista Pune, Ming has worked in the award winning restaurant Baan Tao at Ista/ Hyatt Pune.
Ming is all set to treat the guests at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park to some sumptuous, rich Asian flavors at The Market.
A pioneer in his field, he believes that creativity is key to his signature cooking style.
His love for producing high quality, innovative dishes, is driven by his passion to put his own interpretation in signature dishes.
Chef Ho Chi Ming has introduced Vietnamese and Indonesian food in Thimphu.
He loves designing new menus at different occasions to give his guests a memorable dining experience.
His spontaneity and imagination while concocting dishes is what makes him stand out in the Asian culinary scene.
Earlier last year Chef Ming also curated and designed an Asian menu for an Asian Festival at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.
Chef Ming is elated to be a part of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.
He is delighted to be on board with the team for a long culinary journey and looks forward to creating some unforgettable dining experience for guests
. His vast knowledge, experience, and passion for Asian cuisine is sure to take guests on an exotic culinary journey!
Sadhu Vaswani’s 54th Mahayagna (Anniversary) – January 15 to 17, 2020
Sadhu Vaswani lives and will continue to live, age after age. The sun and stars may become cold, the earth may vanish into nothingness. Death has not touched Sadhu Vaswani. He continues to be our Guru. But Sadhu Vaswani will continue to live for evermore!
— Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani
Sadhu Vaswani Mission is observing the 54th Mahayagna of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani. On the 16th of January, 1966, at 8.22 a.m., he entered the Unseen.
Each year, the Mission revers the Great Master through, havan, bhajans, kirtans and seva. Talks of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani are played. Rev. Dada’s talks in remembrance and longing for his Guru bring to life Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani.
Educational institutions of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission observe the Mahayagna by performing skits and carrying out seva activities. Healthcare institutions of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission offer free and concessional treatment across the medical centres.
This year, the schedule of the programme is as below:
Sadhu Vaswani’s 54th Mahayagna Programme January 15th -17th 2020
Wednesday, Jan. 15 (Makar Sankranti)
- Mystical Moments, Sadhu Vaswani’s talk, Youth Meet — 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Thursday, Jan. 16 (At Dada Kutiya)
- Prabhat Pheri — 5:30 AM
- Havan, Satsang, Sadhu Vaswani’s talk — 8 AM to 9 AM
- Satsang (Mahayagna Songs), Sadhu Vaswani’s talk and Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani’s talk — 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Vigil — 10:30 PM to 12 midnight
Friday, Jan. 17
- Service of Daridra-Narayana — 10:30 AM
- Yagna, Havan, Commencement of Akhand Path of Nuri Granth and path of Guru Granth, Kirtan, Service of Sufedposh, the disabled and the aged — 11:30 AM to 1 PM
- Dada Langar (Fellowship Meals) — 1 PM to 2 PM
- Havan, Satsang and Prayer by Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani at sacred Samadhi (Audio) (At sacred Samadhi) — 5:15 PM to 6 PM
- Deepak Yatra to Sadhu Vaswani Chowk — 6 PM to 6:30 PM
- Satsang, Sadhu Vaswani’s talk, Scenes from the life of Sadhu Vaswani — 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM
- Aarti (At sacred Samadhi) — 8:15 PM
Samar Nakhate
( Creative Director)
18th
Piff
In conversation with the
Crew
Photo Prem (Marathi Competition)
Director Gayatri Patil, Producer Mehul Shah, Cinematographer Kedar Phadke and Editor B. Mahanteshwar were present for the press conference.
were present for the press conference.
18th
Pune International Film Festival
The story of the movie is about a housewife who has camera shyness.
Mehul Shah said that the they had always thought of the movie with actor Neena Kulkarni in the central character.
Explaining the plot of the movie he said, ‘‘While attending a funeral, the housewife Maee realizes that in situations like these, people often look for a photo of the deceased.
She decides to overcome her fear for camera to get a good picture that can be put up in her remembrance.’’
Phadke said that, ‘‘As the budget of the movie was low, we cut down many expenses such as use of generator equipment and use of more lights.
To stress the lack of confidence in Maee’s mind to face camera we used some filming ideas like deliberately keeping her off-centre in most of the frames.’’
18th piff Samar Nakhate with Isteyak Khan,Director actor “Shadow of Othello” is comic take on Shakespeare’s one of the most popular plays “Othello”.
Produced under banner Vsquare films, movie Sanjay Mishra, Ipsita Chakraborty, Vikram Kochar, Tina Bhatia Ashish Shukla.
Associate director, actor and song writer of the movie Faiz Khan, associate director Jagtar Singh Kalwana and actors Abhinay Sharma and Anil Jatav were present for the press conference.
The villagers hire a passionate theatre professional and try to create the same story in a play. As they move ahead, they see the drama of Othello happening in their own lives.
Jagtar Singh Kalwana said that the movie in a way presents the conflict between rich and poor.
Faiz Khan said that the movie is shot in a village in Jharkhand.
Samar Nakhate
( Creative Director)
18th Piff in conversation
with
Supernova
Dir: Bartosz Kruhik
Poland
2019
78′
( WORLD COMPETITION:)
The story of the movie revolves around a deadly accident, the people directly related to it and general human response to situations.
Meet The Press
Day:02
18th
Piff
Movie- Y
– Dr. Ajit Wadikar, Director, Nandu Madhav, Actor, Swapneel Sojwal, Screenplay writer and Rakesh Bhilare, Cinematographer.
The film Y highlights the bane of female feticide plaguing the society. Connecting four different storylines, this is a film about social issues that includes a couple who decides to do something barbaric in the 9th month of their pregnancy.
A husband who cons his wife.
A medical professional who shuns his ethics and a woman who solely fights against all evils, mentalities and the system and eventually turns into a torchbearer.
“The hospital is the focal point of the film that goes through many levels.
In one of the stories, we have highlighted demand for female feticide, and in the other we talk about an organization that seeks to stop this evil.
Though the stories are fictional, they numb you at one level and coerce you to think,” said Dr. Ajit Wadikar, Director.
“Even though such films are often limited to the festivals, the concept re-emerges and reaches out to the community and inspires the audience,” said Actor, Nandu Madhav.
Smt. Usha Khanna
recepient of
SD Burman International award for creative music and sound
18th
edition of
Pune International Film Festival
The music director Usha Khanna has made her mark as a successful composer in this male-dominated profession.
Her journey started with the popular movie ‘Dil Deke Dekho’ (1959) which became a sensation for its music.
She has contributed in the movies like Bin Fere Hum Tere, Lal Bangla, Hum Hindustani, Aap To Aise Na The, Saajan Bina Suhagan, Sautan, AaoPyaar Karen and many more.
Meet the Press
18th
Piff
Movie- Bonsai
– Sameer Asha Patil, Director and Gaurav Ponkshe and Sanjay Shankar, Producers
The director, Sameer Asha Patil’s journey has been from a village to big city like Mumbai, which according to him was a significant transition.
“This story was born from my own experiences.
It is difficult for a villager who has lived among nature, following rural customs to adjust in a sprawling city, which is made of artificial and technical things.
We have created a different kind of bonsai society, which is artificial with our own roots making our lives colorless and dull.
I have made the movie black and white and have kept the ending colored as I wanted to convey that when love blooms, the results can still be colorful,” said Patil.
The movie is about an old man who has spent his whole life in a small village and later moves to the city at his son’s insistence even though he dislikes the idea.
When he lands into the city, he finds no connection with the artificiality and complexities of modern life and misses his village but finds solace in his granddaughter.
He decides to flee from the city before the bull festival, but his granddaughter prevents him from doing that.
He finds himself in dilemma of the love towards his village and his granddaughter and tries to adjust to this new life in the city, where he doesn’t belong.
“Cinema can’t change perception of the society, but it can lift one’s thought. We have to understand that if we want a secured future, we have to free our thinking,” said Patil.
Movie- Tujhya Aaila / Up your Mother’s
– Sujay Dahake, Director, Megha Pramanik, Producer
For Sujoy Dahake, it was a random and offbeat incident that triggered him to make this film.
“While directing the movie Shaala, I had abused a co-worker for not performing his duty.
We met again after 7 years and when he recalled the incident, I was taken aback and wondered how an insult can carry so much weight.
It was then I decided that I must talk about verbal violence through a film and accordingly the idea to make ‘Tujhya Aaila’ was born,” said Dahake.
The film revolves around a 12-year-old urban boy who gets admitted in a rural school after his family moves to a village following his father’s transfer.
Unknown to the rural culture, the boy is surprised when he is exposed to the culture of verbal abuse prevalent among his fellow-students.
While he works hard to adapt and blend in, the events around him make him question the very practice of verbal abuse that exists in society.
“The film deals with contrasting ideas, caste, culture and corporal punishment.
It has a layer of violence, but it mainly talks with feminism.
Why does verbal abuses refer only to females and not men and why abusing someone always matter?
The gravity of verbal violence can be dangerous,” Sujoy added.
Media Interactions
Day:02
18th Piff
Samar Nakhate
( Creative Director)
In conversation wirh the maker of the
Movie: A Night A Day
Prathap Joseph T., Director
The film- A Night A Day / Oru Rathri Oru Pakal deals with the subject of ‘honour crimes’ and natural disasters in the state of Kerala.
“I like the cinematic way of looking at things. Kerala had been affected with lots of calamitiesincluding incidents involving honour killings, floods and a drought.
I wanted to connect everything with the hierarchal social minds and make a film.
The title of the film implies something known and something unknown.
We’ve had 5 screenings in Kerala and have received good response from the youth,” said Prathap Joseph T., Director of the film.
The story is about a pair of lovers get into a house that was deserted in flood.
The woman has left her home because the news of the affair led into a conflict at home, while the man is not in a condition to start a life with her.
Slowly they move toward the reeds on the river where the affects of nature and human drives face each other.
NFAI Press Conferences
– PIFF Interactions with
Samar Nakhate
NFAI on Sunday, January 12, 2020
Movie- Widow of Silence
Praveen Morchhale, Director, Screenwriter, Producer
“A news report about the conditions of half-widows in Kashmir propelled me to make this film.
I went to Kashmir to interview these women and during an interaction one of them told me that ‘nobody considered them alive’.
So accordingly, I did a research on the subject and formed the stories of these women into one story,” said Praveen Morchhale, Director.
The Urdu-language drama set in conflict-ridden Kashmir, highlights the state of Aasia, a half-widow whose husband is taken by Indian police and is presumed dead.
However, without a death certificate she can neither remarry nor settle her dire financial situation.
A corrupt government clerk offers her the documents she needs, in return for agreement to sell her small plot of land to a buyer of his choosing, plus a commission and sex.
“I wanted to tell a story of distraught families, where the people who suffer the most are woman and children and had no intention of turning it into a political one.
Most of the characters in my film are non-actors who belong to the conflict-zone in Kashmir,” added Morchhale.
Vijay Tendulkar memorial lecture.
Filmmakers feel pressure to be different and original in today’s world- R. Balki
: ‘‘Today we are exposed to a lot of content.
We see more interesting, weird things happening in people’s lives.
There is a lot of pressure on filmmakers to be different and original in such a world,’’ said renowned Director R. Balki.
He was speaking today while delivering the Vijay Tendulkar Memorial Lecture at PVR Icon as a part of 18th
Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) organized by Pune Film Foundation and Maharashtra Government.
Dr. Jabbar Patel, Director, Piff interviewed Balki.
Balki recalled meeting playwright Vijay Tendulkar in his last days. ‘‘Tendulkar was the bravest writer of our times and he is rather more relevant today.
He was brave not only because he was not afraid to speak his mind, but whenever there was disturbance in the society, he didn’t let that disturb him but used it to be more creative,’’ said Balki.
Balki talked about his advertising career and some of his very well received films like ‘Cheeni Kum’, ‘Paa’ and ‘Padman’. He also mentioned that the true purpose of cinema is to give back to society.
Talking about the audience, Balki said that, ‘‘People talk about which cinema will appeal to B centre, C centre or A centre etc. I think that there is no such thing. There is only one centre and its your head.
When you start formulating things, you are creating something for the people you don’t even know. The content you make should appeal to the normal sensibility.’’
Speaking about the movie ‘Paa’, Balki said,‘‘I thought the idea of the film when I once saw Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan speaking with each other and realized that they were talking in the way very opposite to their personalities.
I thought what would happen if Abhishek plays the role of the father and Amitabh of the son.
We shot this movie without the VFX effects and most of the film was shot from the top angle to make Amitabh Bachchan look like a child.’’
PIFF Interactions held at NFAI on Saturday, January 11, 2020
Samar Nakhate, Creative Director, PIFF conducted these interactions
1). Movie- Mosaic Portrait
Wang Zijian, Producer
“We decided to make this film after a news of a 14-year-old girl being pregnant in a city in China was reported in the local newspaper.
However, newspapers in China do not have freedom, so whatever news that is printed is considered as true.
Many times, the truth behind a particular story is not revealed,” said Wang Zijian, Producer.
Synopsis:
The movie is about a sexually abused teenager called Ying. Ying’s father discovers her to be pregnant and seeks for justice in vain.
Jia, a journalist from Shenzhen, shows interest in the case and gets lost in trailing into the rebellious girl’s real life.
Zijian said that the story in the film was based on real life characters.
“It is a critical issue and we want to broadcast it so it could reach out to people.
However, we are yet to receive permission to show the film from the police and government in China.”
2). Movie- Chivti / The Remains
Samar Nakhate
( Creative Director) in conversation with
Rajkumar Tangde, Director, Kailash Sanap and Ajinath Dhakne, producers and actors including Sambhaji Tangde, Kishore Udan, Ashwini Bhalekar, Milind Shinde, Yogesh Shirsat, Vishnu Kedar, Gajendra Tangde and Narendra Bhide, Music composer.
“We wanted to tell the story in a different way and through this film we have tried to show many things from the same framework.
18th Piff
Distinguished Awardee
Vikram Gokhale
is an accomplished actor who has given a remarkable contribution to Marathi theatre and Marathi and Hindi cinema.
He was honoured with the national award for the best actor for his role in the Marathi movie,‘Anumati’ in which he depicts the role of an emotional man struggling to save his dying wife.
Some of his most appreciated performances include plays like:
Barrister, Kamala, Swami, Mahasagar, Nakalat Saare Ghadle, Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahi,
Marathi movies like :
Vazir, Mahananda, Kalat Nakalat, Maher chi Saadi, Aghaat, Natasamrat and
Hindi movies like :
Agnipath, Thoda Sa Rumani Ho Jaye, Hum Dil De ChukeSanam and many more.
He also acted in several television serials. Apart from being an actor, he is also known for his work for disabled soldiers
3). Movie- Tall Tales/ Apromesek
Dir: Atila Szasz
Hungary/2019/112’/
DCP
( WORLD COMPETITION)
Day 02:
18th
Pune International Film Fesival
Venue:
National Film Archives
Pune
SCRRENING SCHEDULE
INOX
BUND GARDEN
SCREEN 03
SUNDAY
12 JANUARY, 2020
TIME: 4.45 PM
SAMAR NAKHATE
( Creative Director)
In conversation with
Vica Kerekes, Actress
“After World War II, the times were trying and desperate and there was lots of insecurity in Europe.
The film deals with lots of secrets, as to who’s telling the truth and who’s lying and people everywhere looking for happiness,” said Vica Kerekes, who plays the lead role of Judit in the film. ‘
Tall Tales’ is the first feature film of director, Attila Szasz, which deals with a thrilling story of a con man who tries to find an opportunity during the World War II.
The man flees to Budapest, where he is given shelter by a woman and her son.
The man then has a love affair with the woman, whose husband is about to return home from the front.
“There are scenes of domestic violence as well.
I got a chance to play a very interesting character and it was an important role for me,” said Kerekes
4). Movie- Anandi Gopal
Sameer Vidwans, Director and Bhagyashree Milind and Lalit Prabhakar, Actors
5).
Movie- Tree Under the Sun
Bijukumar Damodaran, Director
“It was the toughest film that I shot as we had to shoot in extreme cold, which the people in South India have never experience.
The film deals with the people from the lower strata of the society who have no option but look for job elsewhere as the government gives them a cold shoulder.
Despite high literacy rate in Kerala the problem of caste discrimination still exists though not on a very large level, but nevertheless its creeping through certain elements,” said Bijukumar Damodaran, Director.
Synopsis :
The movie is about a Dalit family from Kerala who migrate to a lower Himalaya village in search of better living conditions.
It shows how the socially backward community in India grapples with caste discrimination in their daily life.
18th
Pune International Film Festival
Day: 01
B. P. Singh and CID team addressed the press on Friday
Mr Brijender Pal Singh ( Chairman FTII) seen here along with Dr. Jabbar Patel. ( Chairman PIFF)
(L to R)
Dayanand Shetty, Shivaji Satam, Aditya Srivastava, B.P. Singh and Dr. Jabbar Patel.
Television programs should be family – oriented- B.P. Singh
“Television programs should be family-oriented and family members from all age groups should be able to sit together and watch the soaps.
Even crime thrillers need to be transformed into watchable series and for that, the writers have to become sensitive and raw and come up with new thoughts.
To become a good story-teller, one has to merge entertainment with reality but in an upright way,” said B.P. Singh, Chairman, FTII and Director of the popular TV series, CID at a press conference organized by Pune Film Foundation as a part of the 18th Pune International Film Foundation (PIFF) today at Deccan Rendezvous, Pune.
Dr. Jabbar Patel, Director, PIFF and the actors of the CID program including Shivaji Satam, Aditya Srivastava and Dayanand Shetty were present at the conference.
“Along with time, the society changes and so does the stories and the films.
For filmmakers, whatever they learn through the camera and it is only through its lenses that you see the reality and life experiences.
Camera becomes a part of life,” B.P. Singh added.
Speaking at the conference, Shivaji Satam said, “Working with experience people pays and makes your job easy. Every actor has their own style and character whether they are on stage or in films while facing the camera.”
Aditya Srivastava said, “The late theatre director and actor, Habib Tanvir used to tell me that ‘acting is a journey and not a destination.’ It does not matter whether you are a good or a bad actor, what matters is how much you offer.”
Dayanand Shetty said, “I come from a non-acting background and it was my destiny which got me here. CID series influenced our lives in many ways.”
Day:02
18th
Piff
Media Meet
Movie- The Seed / JWLWI
Rajni Basumatary, Director and Actor.
In conversation with
Shri. Samar Nakhate
( Creative Director)
“The film deals with the insurgency that rocked Assam during the 80’s and 90’s. There were lots of tragedies that took place with families destroyed or dislocated including mine and even after 20 years the ordeal is yet to see the end. Since the women in Assam were the ones who were most affected, I was able to address their problem through this movie,” said Rajni Basumatary, Director and Actor.
The Seed is a Bodo-language Indian film which reflects the insurgency problem, excesses of security forces, insecurity among the rural masses who were tortured or killed in Assam.
“Some of the characters in the film are the victims themselves who gave a natural and powerful performance even though it was painful for them to relive the moments,” said Basumatary.
