Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday, 18 September 2026, inaugurated the 38th Pune Festival at Shri Ganesh Kala Krida Rangmanch in Pune, calling on the nation to never forget its history or the sacrifices of its heroes. The annual cultural event, one of Maharashtra's most prominent, brought together participants from across India and abroad.

Heritage and Development Must Go Together

Radhakrishnan emphasised that the vision of Viksit Bharat extends beyond economic growth and infrastructure — it must also nurture an inclusive society rooted in civilisational heritage. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guiding principle of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (Development as well as Heritage), he said modernity and technological advancement need not come at the cost of traditions and cultural values.

'Development must go hand in hand with preservation of heritage,' Radhakrishnan said, underscoring the need for India to remain grounded in its civilisational legacy even as it aspires to become a developed nation.

Tributes to Maharashtra's Icons

The Vice President recalled the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stating that his contribution to the preservation of Hindu Dharma and India's civilisational heritage must always be remembered. He also paid tribute to Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, and Babasaheb B. R. Ambedkar — figures whose reform and resistance movements shaped modern Maharashtra and, by extension, modern India.

Radhakrishnan also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, noting that Tamil literary works have been preserved at the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur owing to the efforts of Maratha rulers — a point that underscores centuries of cross-regional cultural exchange.

Global Spirit at the Festival

Appreciating Pune's growing cosmopolitan character, the Vice President lauded a performance by international students during the inauguration. He noted that students from around 20 countries participated in the Traditional Ganesh Worship programme, describing it as a vivid expression of the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' — the world is one family.

Radhakrishnan observed that the Pune Festival has played a meaningful role in promoting cultural exchange, tourism, local talent, and national integration.

Pune's Rise as a Cultural and Economic Hub

The Vice President acknowledged Pune's emergence as a major national centre of education, industry, sports, information technology, automobile manufacturing, tourism, and horticulture — all while retaining a distinct cultural identity. He credited the Pune Festival with contributing significantly to the city's recognition as a 'City of Festivals', and appreciated the vision of its founder, the late Suresh Kalmadi.

As the festival enters its fourth decade, the Vice President's address signals the Centre's intent to position large-scale cultural events as instruments of soft power and national cohesion alongside the country's economic ambitions.