Punit Balan Group to Build Free Study Room and Library for Needy Students in Pune

Pune, 26th July 2025: In a heartening initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged students, the Punit Balan Group has announced the construction of a well-equipped, free study room and library in Pune, specifically designed for students who cannot afford commercial study spaces. The foundation stone for the project was laid by Punit Balan, President of the Punit Balan Group, at a special ceremony held on Saturday.

The upcoming two-storey facility, spanning 7,500 sq. ft., will be located within the premises of the Shri Vruddheshwar-Siddheshwar Temple Devasthan Trust in Pune. It will be in the name of Shobha Rasiksheth Dhariwal, symbolizing a legacy of education and public service.

“Although a student’s financial condition may be poor, their intellectual potential is not. Through this study room and library, we are lighting a lamp on their educational journey,” said Punit Balan, expressing hope that this initiative will shape future citizens who contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.

The project addresses a critical need in Pune, which is widely regarded as a major educational hub of Maharashtra. Thousands of students migrate to the city from rural and semi-urban regions of the state to pursue higher studies. However, many struggle to afford the exorbitant fees charged by commercial study rooms and libraries.

The Punit Balan Group, known for its extensive philanthropic work in education, sports, healthcare, and spiritual sectors, has extended its reach beyond Pune, with ongoing initiatives even in Kashmir. This new facility adds another impactful chapter to the group’s ongoing efforts in social upliftment.

Present at the foundation ceremony were Architect Shirish Kembhavi, Hanumantrao Bahirat-Patil (President, Shri Vriddheshwar-Siddheshwar Temple Devasthan Trust), Sudhir Durge (Secretary), Shashikant Bhosale (Treasurer), Sanjay Satpute (Trustee), and Lala Gaikwad of Vriddheshwar Chowpatty.

The study room and library will offer free access to students from economically weaker sections, especially those from remote regions of Maharashtra. With quiet reading areas, resource materials, and a conducive learning environment, the space is envisioned as a launchpad for academic excellence among students who need it most.