CM Fadnavis Pledges to Accelerate Pune’s Development Agenda During Book Festival Visit
CM Fadnavis Pledges to Accelerate Pune’s Development Agenda During Book Festival Visit
PUNE: On his first visit to the city as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis announced that Pune’s development agenda would gain significant momentum in the coming days. The CM was in Pune to inaugurate the Pune Book Festival at Fergusson College Grounds, where he praised the city’s cultural heritage and the festival’s role in promoting a reading culture.
“In the last two and a half years, we have set Pune’s development agenda. In the coming days, it will pick up speed,” Fadnavis said upon his arrival at the Pune airport.
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Commending the Pune Book Festival, he remarked, “Pune is the cultural capital of the state, and this important event reflects its ethos. I was here for the festival last year and was impressed by the overwhelming response it garnered. It motivated me to accept the invitation again this year.”
At the festival’s inauguration, Fadnavis addressed the audience with a blend of humor and insight. “Pramod Mahajan once said that a wise man should not attend the same function twice, as repeating past remarks might appear redundant, and changing one’s words could raise questions about principles. Yet, the significance of this event inspired me to return. I said last year, mee punha yein (I will be back), and here I am.”
Fadnavis humorously added a light-hearted grievance, noting that a food festival was being held nearby. “You invite me for the book festival, but there’s a food festival right in front, and I’m not taken there. Next time, ensure I get to attend both,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Highlighting the importance of expanding the reach of such events, the CM emphasized, “This new culture of silence through book reading should not remain confined to Pune. It should spread to other cities as well. Puneites have set a remarkable example by showcasing their enthusiasm for knowledge and reading through this festival.”
The Pune Book Festival continues to solidify the city’s status as Maharashtra’s cultural capital, with this year’s edition drawing avid readers and knowledge seekers from across the region.
