30 PMC Employees Felicitated for Exemplary Service at Pune’s Kartavya Ratna Puraskar 2025
Pune, 10th October 2025: Pune came together to celebrate dedication, resilience, and selfless service at the Kartavya Ratna Puraskar 2025, presented by NECC & Vencobb in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) at the prestigious Bharatratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Kalamandir. This landmark event, the first of its kind of such magnitude, paid tribute to the city’s unsung heroes — the PMC employees whose tireless commitment sustains the cleanliness, efficiency, and spirit of Pune.
The initiative was conceptualized and executed by Rakesh Malhotra (Prisma Media & Entertainment LLP) and Shruti Bengre (Merakianz Media House), in association with MIT-ADT University, Suhana, and Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd., with Avkarika serving as the community film partner.
The evening commenced with a soulful Ganesh Vandana performed by Sharvari Jamenis, creating a devotional and celebratory ambience. The inauguration was led by B. K. Singh of Roadways Solution Pvt. Ltd. and Naushad Shaikh of Velocity Consultancy. B. K. Singh delivered an inspiring speech that touched everyone’s heart, drawing tears and applause from the audience. His words of encouragement and admiration for the unsung heroes of Pune left a lasting impression, reminding everyone of the power of dedication, service, and perseverance.
The audience was further moved by the address of Ex-Additional Commissioner of PMC, D. S. Molak, who reflected on Pune’s journey toward civic excellence. Shri Molak highlighted innovative initiatives, including monthly mega meetings, structured Swachh Survekshan reviews, the formation of Mohalla and Apex Committees, and direct engagement between senior officials and field-level staff. He emphasized the critical role of empathy, communication, and human connection in governance, even in the age of technology, while crediting his colleagues, family, and every PMC employee for their collective contributions. He also made a heartfelt appeal to all citizens, urging everyone to treat every Safai worker with respect, greet them with a smile, and acknowledge their invaluable contribution to keeping the city clean and functional.
A special mention was made for Mahadev Jadhav, the first PMC worker to be honoured as Brand Ambassador for Cleanliness, who continues to inspire citizens through songs and awareness initiatives. His commitment received a standing ovation.
Adding a touch of magic and engagement to the evening, a mesmerizing performance by illusionist Amit Kalantari captivated the audience and left everyone spellbound. The act not only entertained but also brought joy and excitement to the city’s unsung heroes, making the celebration even more memorable.
The Kartavya Ratna Puraskar 2025 honours individuals who have gone above and beyond their duties, embodying perseverance, integrity, and selflessness. This year, thirty exemplary employees were felicitated for their outstanding contributions across sanitation, health inspection, engineering, and administration.
The awardees were: Dnyaneshwar Molak (Former Additional Commissioner, PMC), Mr. Mahadev Jadhav (Former Safai Sevak and PMC Brand Ambassador for Cleanliness), Imammuddin Inamdar (Chief Health Inspector), Ashish Kolge (Deputy Engineer – Mechanical), Kamlesh Shevate (Deputy Engineer), Mahendra Sawant (Senior Health Inspector), Rahul Rajgolkar (Senior Health Inspector), Navnath Shelar (Health Inspector), Sushma Munde (Health Inspector), Pradeepkumar Raut (Health Inspector), Priti Bhandge (Health Inspector), Kiran Mandekar (Health Inspector), Rahat Kokani (Sanitation Inspector), Chetan Rajendra Dhade (Safai Sevak), Santosh Shantaram Umap (Safai Sevak), Nagesh Chavatmahal (Safai Sevak), Kamalakar Malhari Suryawanshi (Safai Sevak), Anil Ramesh Bhagwane (Safai Sevak), Gopal Kabir Adsul (Mukadam), Vilas Ramchandra Thorat (Safai Sevak), Kailas Vishwanath Dolare (Safai Sevak), Rajashri Phasge (Safai Sevak), Mr. Bhimrao Kranti (JCB Operator), Vaijnath Gaikwad (Mukadam), Narendra Dixit (Mukadam), Dattatray Jagtap (Safai Sevak), Bayda Gaikwad (Swachh Seva Sanstha), Samina Saleem Mulani (Swachh Seva Sanstha), Avanta Shendge (Swachh Seva Sanstha), Kiran Thorat (Swachh Seva Sanstha).
Each awardee’s journey reflected resilience, dedication, and personal sacrifice, leaving a profound impact on the audience and inspiring colleagues, citizens, and future generations alike.
Another highlight of the evening was Avkarika, a community film presentation that beautifully captured the struggles, pride, and humanity of Pune’s civic workers.
The event was graced by noted celebrities including Pushkar Jog, Mugdha Godse, Pooja Chopra, Smita Gondkar, Pallavi Patil, Shiv Chordia, and Resham Tipnis, who felicitated the awardees and lauded their contributions. Special recognition was also extended to the PMC support team, whose meticulous efforts ensured the seamless execution of the event.
The Kartavya Ratna Puraskar 2025 stands not merely as an award but as a movement to honour civic service and humanize public work. It fosters dignity in labour, encourages citizens to value the often-unseen contributions of municipal employees, and reinforces the belief that true achievement lies in commitment, purpose, and selfless service. By bringing together officials, citizens, and artists on a single platform, the initiative celebrates both service and society, sending a lasting message of respect, pride, and social awareness.
Presented by: NECC & Vencobb
Associate Sponsors: MIT-ADT University, Suhana, Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd.
Community Film Partner: Avkarika
Event by: Merakianz Media House
Concept by: Prisma Media & Entertainment LLP
