Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan opened the 38th Pune Festival on 18 September 2026 at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Pune. Senior government figures including Maharashtra’s Governor, Deputy Chief Minister and cultural ministers attended the event. The Vice President used the occasion to speak about India’s historical legacy, cultural heritage and the role of festivals in national life.
What was said and announced
The Vice President stressed that Indians must remember their history and the sacrifices of historical figures. He specifically recalled the contributions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to preserving Hindu Dharma and India’s civilisational heritage. He also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule and B. R. Ambedkar.
He noted that Pune has grown as a centre for education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism and horticulture while maintaining its cultural character. The Vice President praised the Pune Festival for helping establish Pune as a “City of Festivals” and commended its founder, the late Suresh Kalmadi.
He highlighted specific festival programmes aimed at young artists, including Ugavate Tare and Indradhanu. He also recognised the Mahila Mahotsav for giving women performers opportunities to display their work.
The Vice President presented the Founder Suresh Kalmadi Pune Festival Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor Mohan Joshi in recognition of his work in Indian cinema and performing arts.
He emphasised that development and technological progress should advance alongside the preservation of India’s traditions and cultural values, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage Both).
What this means for you
If you are interested in Indian culture, heritage or the performing arts, the Pune Festival provides a platform to experience traditional and contemporary art forms. The festival’s emphasis on young and emerging artists, as well as women performers, means there are opportunities for new talent to gain visibility. For students and those curious about India’s historical figures and their legacies, such events serve as spaces to engage with the nation’s past and values.