Pune Bandh

The protest against the removal of the statue of Dadoji Konddev resulted in the bandh called by various political parties in city.

Pune Maharashtra - Pune is a historical city and there are still many historical places of great importance existing in the city. Any damage to these places causes the direct damage to the feelings of the people resulting in the violent situation in city. Recently, city is facing such situation due to the off called by some political parties to protest against the demolition of the statue of historical character, Dadoji Konddeo- Guru of Shivaji Maharaj.

The Pune bandh called by Shiv Sena to protest against the demolition of the statue of Dadoji Konddev, considered “guru” of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, turned out violent as the protestors pelted stones at the buses and stopped the trains in various parts of the city. BJP also joined Shiv Sena in this protest. Police interfered in the matter and detained 15 Shiv Sena activist including the district president for stopping the trains.

The statue was removed from near city’s historical place Lal Mahal. The decision to demolish the statue has been taken as a result of the persistent demand from the pro-maratha outfit “Sambhaji Brigade”. The saffron alliance had given a call for bandh on 28th Dec 2010 after NCP-Congress ruled Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) removed the statue at Lal Mahal on 27th Dec 2010 in accordance of the resolution passed by the civic body to that effect.

Uddhav Thackeray alleged that NCP was giving undue importance to the organizations like Sambhaji Brigade, that objects to the reference of Konddev as Shivaji’s guru. He further added that it was NCP’s politics for the 2012 civic polls.

50 years of glory: FTII celebrates its golden jubilee this year.

Film and television institute of India has given many outstanding professionals to the Indian film industry. Recently, the grand celebration of a golden jubilee year has rekindled all those sweet memories of the past 50 glorious years and promised the same glorious repetition of history in upcoming years too. A three-day celebration was arranged at the campus on this occasion.

FTII has been attributing to the culture of Pune city from last 50 years. So, it was very blissful for a resident to witness this grand celebration. Ambika Soni, minister of information and broadcasting, evergreen actor Dev Anand and many of the alumni and faculty members rushed to the institute to celebrate this occasion.

The director of the institute, Pankaj Rag informed that there will be provisions of various scholarships for scholars doing research on film studies. Improvement of the syllabus of various courses will be the highest priority this year. They are also planning to invite some applicants from tribal areas.


20th march was the first day of the celebration. Authorities also informed that, releasing the DVD’s of films made in diploma courses and organizations of film festival every year are two new proposals which will be implemented very soon.

On this occasion, Dev Anand mentioned the potential of the institution for making good films in collaboration with Prabhat studios since 1945. He said that, the institute is like a place of worship for him and he has acquired lot of knowledge through it. Felicitation of the former staff was really a hearty event of all the celebration. Some former students of the first batch shared nostalgic notes on this occasion, which made the atmosphere quite emotional.

Ambica Soni promised governmental support for the up gradation and expansion of the institution on this occasion. She addressed students and told them to work hard to bestow this institution with grand success and worldwide repute. The city witnessed a grand anniversary of its beloved institution.

Pune Bomb Blast - Life is a challenge- accept it!

The recent Pune bomb blast in German Bakery at Koregaon Park has shown that we all need the safety cover. City is no safer now. Until date, we were very assured about the safety and security but now it is necessary to take some serious steps towards our safety.

The officials were alerted since last year about the terrorist attack and it was taken seriously in first few months after 26/11 terrorist attack at Mumbai. But afterward the security forces were loose and terrorists got the chance to peep inside.

Politics is the main disturbance to in all national priorities in India but on the other hand it is the controlling force of national happenings too. It is impossible to arrange a security system for such a wide population of the country. Therefore, here are some tips to take care of your self and people around you.

First is save the phone numbers of all emergencies. Phone numbers of doctors, ambulance, police stations, fire brigade, etc. You may need it anytime. Do not touch any unauthorized material like bag, eatables or gadgets. If you notice any susceptive material like this immediately, inform police and other authorities.

Rumors spread the atmosphere of insecurity among people so do not spread rumors. And do not pay attention to them. If you got struck in such event, try to go safer place as soon as possible.



If you get opportunity, call the police station first. Take care that you make your mobile phone on silent mode. Gather with a group take safe steps. If it seems a long time to stay trapped, save food, water and other needful things. Try to give hints to the people outside without the notice of your enemy. For example, you can convey message through your left out food, thrown away wrappers etc.

Try to pretend that you obey the orders to save your life. Become aggressive or emotional. Think in a positive way to come over through the situation. Specially take care of the children and elder people of your group.

In the case you got injured, immediately get a bandage or cloth to cover upon the wound. Try to walk to the safer place where you can wait till the lifeguards come.

Always be alert while walking in crowd. Keep watch on the happenings around you. Note the numbers of the auto rickshaw and taxi you travel through. If you find any person susceptible, inform police or other authorities as soon as possible.

Most important is, do not loose hope. Go and make a change. Take care.