Pune: Minister Atul Save Says Bhide Wada National Memorial 90% Complete, Work to Finish Next Year to Commemorate Mahatma Phule’s 200th Birth Anniversary

Pune, 13th May 2026: Minister of Other Backward Communities (OBC) Welfare Atul Save on Wednesday said the work on the Bhide Wada National Memorial would be completed within the next one year as part of the state government’s efforts to commemorate the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule.

Save made the announcement during an inspection visit to the memorial site in Pune on Wednesday. Senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajit Nair, Superintending Engineer Bipin Shinde, Nilesh Girme, Bhide Wada National Memorial Committee chairman Ajay Khedekar and PMPML chairman-cum-corporator Prashant Doke, were present during the visit.

Speaking on the occasion, Save said the state government had initiated the memorial project after discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar with the aim of preserving and showcasing the work of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule.

He said the memorial work being executed through the Pune Municipal Corporation was progressing rapidly and around 90 per cent of the project had already been completed. Save expressed satisfaction over the pace of work and directed officials to expedite the remaining development works.

Officials said the memorial would feature several modern facilities showcasing the lives and contributions of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule. The project will include theme-based audio-video presentations, holographic displays and exhibitions highlighting the work of the two social reformers.

The memorial will also house busts of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule along with information galleries dedicated to their social reform movements.

According to officials, facilities such as a skill development centre for girls and women, a guidance centre and a computer training centre will also be developed within the premises. An amphitheatre is also being constructed as part of the project.