‘Aapulki Chi Diwali’ Initiative Brings Festive Cheer to 15,000 Families in Pune
Balewadi, 17 October: In a massive pre-Diwali outreach event held on Friday, the ‘Aapulki Chi Diwali Marathvadyasathi’ initiative successfully distributed essential grocery kits to 15,000 underprivileged families, bringing festive relief to the underprivileged community. This year was quite special as the festive relief called ‘Diwali Saranjam’ will be provided to the underprivileged migrants from Marathwada residing in the area.
The grand distribution drive, which took place at the Highstreet Ground in Balewadi, was organized under the leadership of former corporator Amol Balwadkar. The event was graced by several prominent BJP leaders, including Cabinet Ministers Chandrakant Patil and Raosaheb Danve, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol and BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate.
This year’s event marked the tenth anniversary of the social initiative, which has become a vital source of support for its beneficiaries. What started in 2015 by benefiting 3,000 families has now expanded fivefold. For a decade, this program has been a consistent annual support for families from the drought-affected Marathwada region who have settled in Pune neighborhoods like Baner, Balewadi, and Sus-Mhalunge.
With an average family size of three to four members, the drive is estimated to have positively impacted 45,000 to 50,000 individuals.
Each ‘Diwali kit’ was a comprehensive package of household essentials, weighing approximately 14-15 kilograms. It included staples like lentils, rice, sugar, semolina, cooking oil, and ghee, along with festive items like ‘ubtan’ and incense sticks necessary for Diwali celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, organizer Amol Balwadkar expressed the core sentiment behind the drive. “Sharing the joy of Diwali with everyone, especially by running this initiative for the needy families of Marathwada, is what true kinship is all about,” Balwadkar stated.
He highlighted that the severe drought conditions in Marathwada have created dire circumstances for farmer families, placing immense economic strain on migrant workers in Pune. The initiative was designed to offer a helping hand, ensuring that the festival brings a moment of joy and solidarity to those grappling with these harsh realities.
The ‘Aapulki Chi Diwali’ drive successfully fostered a spirit of social solidarity, ensuring a more prosperous and happy Diwali for thousands of families, and reaffirming its commitment to the community it has served for ten years.
