In a notable event in Pune, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award at an event in Maharashtra's Pune. The award, constituted by Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983, honours the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak.

All eyes were on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar as they shared the dais. Despite the backdrop of the Opposition uniting under the 'I.N.D.I.A' banner to challenge the Narendra Modi-led government, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the recent split within NCP with Ajit Pawar joining the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra, both leaders refrained from making direct political statements on the current state of the country or the state. The Opposition has also been actively protesting against the BJP-led government at both the state and central levels, focusing on the situation in Manipur.

After being conferred the Lokmanya Tilak national award by the Tilak Smarak Trust, Modi highlighted Tilak’s vision of creating a modern India and his understanding of the capabilities of the youth. “Tilak had recognised the capability of Veer Savarkar and encouraged him to go abroad, get educated, and then work for the freedom of the country,” Modi said.

Tilak, the PM added, believed in nation-building through conserving and promoting the culture of the country along with promoting Swadeshi and education in the freedom struggle. “Tilak had inspired Sardar Vallabhai Patel during his visit to Ahmedabad. Thus, Patel managed to install the statue of Tilak in the Victoria Garden built by the British despite facing opposition. This statue was dedicated to the nation by Mahatma Gandhi,” PM Modi said. “Now, if the name of a road in the name of a foreigner is changed to that of our leader, a lot of noise is created,” he added.

“The jump of the Indian economy to the fifth largest in the world is all because of the contribution of citizens. The country has excelled in all sectors. There is a confidence that we can do it,” he said.

PM Modi praised Tilak's efforts to promote unity through festivals and acknowledged his contribution to journalism. He expressed gratitude for receiving an award in Tilak's name, emphasizing the added responsibility it brings.

On his part, Sharad Pawar said that Pune has a lot of significance as it was the birthplace of Maratha warrior Shivaji and due to the work of Lokmanya Tilak, who was based in the city. “Tilak had launched an attack on the British through his newspaper. He believed that journalism should not be under any pressure. He himself followed it,” Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar praised Tilak and Gandhi, mentioning previous recipients of the award. PM Modi announced the donation of the cash award to the Namami Gange project. Other dignitaries present included Governor Ramesh Bais, CM Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, among others.

During his visit to Pune, Prime Minister Modi flagged off metro trains to mark the inauguration of completed sections of Pune Metro. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects, including the waste-to-energy plant under Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) developed at a cost of about Rs 300 crores.

PM Modi handed over more than 1,280 houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by PCMC and more than 2,650 PMAY houses constructed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. He also laid the foundation stone for around 1,190 PMAY houses to be constructed by the PCMC and more than 6,400 houses to be built by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority.

The newly inaugurated sections of the Pune Metro aim to improve connectivity to key locations in the city, including Shivaji Nagar, Civil Court, Pune Municipal Corporation office, Pune RTO, and Pune Railway Station. This initiative aligns with PM Modi's vision of providing modern and eco-friendly mass rapid urban transport systems across the country, while the housing projects support the mission of achieving housing for all.

Image source: India Today