LOOKING FORWARD

For the past 75 years and more, Pune’s legacy has been one of thought leadership. In the next 75 years, Pune needs to identify those strengths. Now that the requirements in education, policies and others are changing, Pune needs to regain its status as a thought leader. Institutions need to offer holistic education in line with the National Education Policy. The offerings must not be skewed towards just STEM, but also towards humanities and social sciences. Pune should ultimately become a global city for knowledge

Bhushan Patwardhan | national research professor, AYUSH, Savitribai Phule Pune University

What I would love for this city’s future is for it to retain its special culture and also grow into a prosperous metropolis over the years, out of Mumbai’s shadows. With its strong base of education, manufacturing industry and software or IT talent pool, Pune deserves to grow into a top commercial centre in India. What is needed is world class infrastructure. A unique prosperous metro with a special soul that is rich in culture is my vision for my Pune

Sulajja Firodia Motwani | founder and CEO, Kinetic Green

The city has and will continue to have good educational institutions, as well as new activities like shopping malls in the next 75 years. But I fear about basic infrastructure not matching up with all this. I have lived in Pune for 72 years now. Pune had a wonderful opportunity for growth and development after the floods on July 12, 1961. Then municipal commissioner S G Barve had proposed a master plan for the city, to spare 100 feet on either side of the river bank where there would be no construction.

Satish Alekar | actor, playwright

I want Pune to be the cultural capital of the world, not just Maharashtra. I wish traffic becomes more organised and we move to electric transport and have small concert halls and more green areas in every ward to showcase art and talent. Some things, like Vaishali, Roopali, Chitale and Shreyas, that have been there since my childhood should not change. Seems like a dream, but I am an optimist

Rahul Deshpande | vocalist, composer, actor

How do you wish or predict for a city that already is so liveable and lovable; has commendable history and its residents are constantly making history. The bond and concern amongst its citizens is legendary as shown by collective responses in every crisis, including the recent pandemic. My only prayer is that as we grow larger, we should preserve our small-town proximity culture and stay as inclusive as always

Pradeep Bhargava | former president, MCCIA