Grand Inauguration of 50th Firodia Karandak in Pune – A Cultural Extravaganza Celebrating Half Century 

Pune, February 14, 2024: Celebrating 50 years of excellence in showcasing inter-collegiate talent, competition, and cultural heritage, Firodia Karandak is preparing for its golden milestone. The festivities will commence with a grand inauguration ceremony and a Golden Jubilee “One hour Cinema on Stage” Competition on February 14th at the Annabhau Sathe Auditorium, Satara Road in Pune.

The inaugural competition, featuring drama, music, dance, sculpture, painting, shadow play, animation, puppet shows, and more, stands as an innovative showcase of diverse arts on a single stage, bringing together students from nearly 30 colleges across Pune. The competition, as always, will comprise three stages, with the preliminary round scheduled from February 14 to 18, and the final round set for February 24 and 25.

The inauguration ceremony will witness the presence of Padmashree Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman, Kinetic Group, Dr. Jayashree Firodia, Director, Kinetic Group, Suryakant Kulkarni, Chairman, of the Firodia Karandak Tournament and Ajinkya Kulkarni, Chief Organiser of Firodia Karandak along with distinguished examiners, this year’s sponsor Mr. Puneet Balan, and a representative of HCL Foundation. Notably, activists who played pivotal roles in the first decade of the Firodia Cup competition will also be present.

“As we celebrate 50 years of Firodia Karandak, we are not just marking an anniversary; we are celebrating the enduring spirit of creativity, youth, and cultural diversity. Firodia Karandak has been a nurturer of talent and a torchbearer of cultural heritage, and this milestone edition promises to be a testament to the legacy we have built over five decades”, Padmashree Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman, Kinetic Group. 

“We are delighted to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Firodia Karandak. Every year through this event we aim to bring forward the young artistic talents of students and provide them a platform that brings about their unique and innovative concepts. Our aim is to inspire and empower the young generation of artists, and changemakers and we are proud to facilitate this through the event.” said Jayashree Firodia, Director, Kinetic Group

“In celebrating 50 years of Firodia Karandak, we honour not just a milestone, but a legacy of fostering creativity, youth empowerment, and cultural diversity.  It not only celebrates our rich artistic heritage but also underscores our enduring commitment to providing a platform for young talents to shine. Over five decades, we have witnessed the transformative power of the arts in shaping lives and fostering unity. As we embark on this golden jubilee year, we renew our dedication to nurturing creativity, fostering community, and enriching cultural landscapes.” said Suryakant Kulkarni, Chairman, Firodia Karandak

To enhance the celebration, a special exhibition has been meticulously organized, offering a comprehensive view of the competition’s 50-year history, progress, special moments, and memorable photos. The exhibition will welcome visitors from February 14 to 18 and during the finals. Additionally, a special documentary on Firodia Karandak is slated for release on March 2, coinciding with the launch of a commemorative souvenir for the golden jubilee year. On March 3, scheduled seminars featuring distinguished artists will be detailed and shared with the media in the near future.

Furthermore, a grand gathering of esteemed alumni is scheduled for March 2 and 3, featuring captivating performances by former Firodia Karandak participants. The program, primarily dedicated to the festival’s alumni, will showcase 4 to 5 different performances, adding an extra layer of significance to the celebration.

Embarking on its golden jubilee year, Firodia Karandak sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration, accentuating its brand reputation and positioning as a premier cultural institution. This event will pay homage to the institution’s rich heritage and unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, promising a memorable tribute to talent, culture, and artistic legacy.