Pune: Governor Radhakrishnan Praises Divyang Bhavan and PCMC Initiatives at Purple Jallosh
Pimpri, 19th January 2025: “To realize the dream of a developed India, it is essential for all of us to come together and work collectively. Recognizing the needs of every section of society and including them in the nation’s progress will ensure that India emerges as a global role model. Success is certain when we work sincerely without expecting immediate rewards,” said Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at the concluding ceremony of the ‘Purple Jallosh 2025’ festival organized by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
The three-day event, held from January 17 to 19, aimed to empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and integrate them into the mainstream of society. The event concluded with a vibrant celebration attended by dignitaries and citizens alike.
The ceremony was graced by Member of Parliament Shrirang Appa Barne, MLC Amit Gorakhe, Padma Shri Muralikant Petkar, Commissioner of Divyang Welfare Praveen Puri, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, PCMC Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh, Additional Police Commissioner Vasant Pardeshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil, Vijaykumar Khorate , Chandrakant Indalkar, Managing Director of Divyang Bhavan Foundation Omprakash Deshmukh, Chief Medical Officer of health Dr. Laxman Gophane, Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade, Chief Security Officer Uday Jarande, Chief Disaster Management Officer Omprakash Bahiwal, Special Officer Kiran Gaikwad, Assistant commissioner Tanaji Narale, Assistant Commissioner Vijay Kumar Thorat, Public Relations Officer Prafulla Puranik, Chief Executive Officer of Divyang Bhavan Paresh Gandhi, Advisor Vijay Kanhekar, Abhijit Murugkar, Manav Kamble, Dattatray Bhosle, Sangeeta Kalbhor, Rajendra Wagchoure, and representatives of Divyang organisations. Along with them, officials, employees of various departments of the Municipal Corporation, representatives of NGOs working for PwDs and citizens were present in large numbers.
Commending PCMC’s efforts, Governor Radhakrishnan said, “The initiatives taken by PCMC and Divyang Bhavan Foundation for the progress and development of PwDs are truly commendable. This festival celebrates the resilience and determination of these individuals. The purpose behind organizing Purple Jallosh is significant, and it sets an example for collective societal progress.”
MP Shrirang Barne appreciated PCMC for establishing India’s first dedicated Divyang Bhavan. He emphasized the importance of delivering central and state government schemes for PwDs to ensure justice and support for them.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, in his opening remarks, shared insights about the objectives of Purple Jallosh and the activities of Divyang Bhavan Foundation. He said, “The festival focuses on the growth and empowerment of PwDs. PCMC is proud to have launched Maharashtra’s first Divyang Bhavan, offering free consultations for 21 types of disabilities, therapies, skill development programs, and employment opportunities. Purple Jallosh also showcased the artistic talents of PwDs through literary fairs, cultural programs, and film festivals.”
The event also honored representative Manav Kamble for his contributions to the welfare of PwDs, with the award presented by Governor Radhakrishnan.
Purple Solvathon Competition Awards
As part of the festival, the Purple Solvathon competition recognized innovative ideas from engineering and architecture students. The first prize in the Engineering theme was awarded to G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering and Management, represented by Piyush Joshi and Raj Tilak Joshi. The first prize in the Architecture theme was awarded to Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture, represented by Sanjana Kulkarni, Amruta Konde, Saloni Bandal, and Srushti Adhav. Governor Radhakrishnan felicitated the winners during the ceremony.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Omprakash Deshmukh, Managing Director of Divyang Bhavan Foundation, and was anchored by Kiran Gaikwad, Special Officer at PCMC.
