Pune: Novel Dahi-Handi celebrations dedicated to social cause

Jedhe Social Welfare Foundation and Indrani Balan Foundation distribute 100 bicycles to needy students

Pune: A novel bicycle Dahi-Handi celebration was held in Shukrawar Peth. The Jedhe Social Welfare Foundation and the Indrani Balan Foundation jointly organised the novel bicycle Dahi-Handi at Jedhe Mansion, Panchmukhi Maruti Mandir in Shukrawar Peth.

Children enjoyed the novel Dahi-Handi, where 100 bicycles were distributed to students from remote villages such as Karanjgaon, Brahmanwadi, Mormarewadi and Palenama in Maval taluka and to needy students from the city. The Dahi-Handi was tied at the centre and bicycles were tied on its both sides, which attracted attention of people present. Rudrang Vadyapathak (Trust) and Vajra Yuva Manch played Dhol-Tasha and received a hug applause.

Punit Balan Group President and Young Entrepreneur Punit Balan, Addl CP Pravin Patil, former State Minister Ramesh Bagwe, MPCC Vice-President Mohan Joshi, Organiser Kanhoji Dayanand Jedhe, Gaurav Borade, Rohan Kalbhor, Social Worker Shirish Mohite, Vaibhav Wagh, Umesh Sapkal, mandal workers Balraj Wadekar, Mangesh Kondhre, Jairaj Wadekar, Sahil Bhinge, Rajveer Jedhe, Sairaj Naik, Hrishikesh Zanwar and Preetam Pardeshi were present.

Yong Entrepreneur Punit Balan said, “As many as 12,000 students from Pune and Satara districts have been given bicycles through the Indrani Balan Foundation. The purpose behind the initiative is to save time for students from remote and backward areas. Thus, they can devote more time to studies and sports. We have distributed 100 bicycles through this novel Dahi-Handi. Next year, 500 bicycles will be given.”

Addl CP Pravin Patil said, “I was eager to witness the novel bicycle Dahi-Handi. I am happy to know that these mandals carry out their social responsibility. I liked the way a festival is celebrated in a constructive manner. I am pleased to see the joy on the faces of children from rural areas, who have got bicycles.”

Mohan Joshi said, “This is the only social Dahi-Handi in Pune, which works for a cause. Punit Balan’s initiative is laudable. The Jedhe Social Welfare Foundation celebrates Dahi-Handi in a novel way every year. It thinks of the welfare of needy students.”

Kanhoji Jedhe said, “We try to do something new every year. We try to support less-privileged sections of society. Last year, over 1,000 toys were given to poor children. This year, we have tried to solve the problem of students from remote areas who have to travel to school and back home.”