Pravin Tarde Joins Pune Journalists to Help 300 Students from Rain-Hit Marathwada

Pune, 8th November 2025: Every year, the government conducts Panchnama — the official survey to assess crop damage. But this year, the tragedy runs deeper: not only have farmers lost their crops, but in many parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha, the very land they cultivate has been washed away by heavy rains and floods. “When the land itself is gone, what Panchnama will you do?” asked actor and filmmaker Pravin Tarde, questioning the government’s preparedness to handle this new kind of devastation.

Tarde was speaking on Friday at an event organized by the Pune Union of Workimg Journalists (PUWJ) to extend financial assistance to 300 students from rain-hit farming families in Marathwada and Vidarbha. The event, held in collaboration with Shivar Foundation, saw the distribution of cheques to students affected by the natural calamity.

The program was presided over by PUWJ President Brijmohan Patil, General Secretary Mangesh Falle, filmmaker Kailas Vani, and Vinayak Hegana of Shivar Foundation in attendance.

“How will Panchnama be done when land is gone?”

In an emotional address, Tarde said he was deeply moved by television reports showing farmlands eroded and homes destroyed across rural Maharashtra. “We stopped shooting our film when we saw the plight of the farmers. We decided that helping them was more important than completing our schedule,” he said. “But then came a question — when the land itself has eroded, how will officials do the Panchnama?”

Tarde suggested that students from affected families should study and later become officers who redefine how Panchnama is done. “Panchnama should not just count the handful of grain left on the field; it should reflect the farmer’s truth,” he said. “If the Panchnama is done correctly, farmers will receive fair compensation at the right time.”

A Message of Hope and Responsibility

Tarde urged the youth not to give up despite the crisis. “The government has promised loan waivers by June 30. It will take the right steps in due course. Until then, students should not lose courage,” he said. “Pune became big because rural students came here to study and work. The city needs you now. Study hard, become officers, and give justice to those who feed the nation.”

He compared the resilience of farmers to that of women who rebuild life from nothing. “Even if the soil is scraped off, a woman will make the land fertile again. Students must show the same spirit,” he added.

Filmmakers and Journalists Join Hands

Filmmaker Kailas Vani emphasized the link between agriculture and stability. “If Baliraja (the farmer) stands strong, agriculture will thrive,” he said. “This year, the rains have created a situation of ‘wet drought’. Many farmer families have suffered immensely. We decided to set aside profits from our upcoming films to support students from these families.”

The initiative marks a rare collaboration between journalists, filmmakers, and social organizations to provide direct relief for rural students. Narendra Sathe, executive member of the PUWJ, introduced the program, while Secretary Tanishka Dongre proposed the vote of thanks.