Pune : On 26th January, the prestigious ‘Padma Vibhushan’ the second highest civilian award was bestowed upon Hon’ble Maharashtra Bhushan Shiv Shahir Babasaheb Purandare. To recognize this honour, Punyadham Ashram felicitated Babasaheb on 30th January 2019.
On Baba Saheb’s arrival at Punyadham Ashram, he was given a ‘Salutation’(salami) by the students of Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Military School, Phulgaon. After seeking blessings of Shree Sai Baba & Shree Siddheshwar Mahadev, all proceeded towards the newly built ‘Community Kitchen’ (adjacent to the magnificent Krishna Avtaar Sanskritik Bhavan).
On this momentous day, Babasaheb inaugurated the newly built kitchen in the august presence of Maa Krishna Kashyap, Chairperson, Sadananda Shetty, President, Amrut Purandare (Babasaheb’s son), Lt Gen & Mrs. B.T. Pandit (Retd), Punyadham Ashram senior citizens, library students and other guests. This kitchen will be utilized for big gatherings at the ashram from time to time.
It was now the time for the much awaited felicitation ceremony when the youngest Trustee, Ganesh Kamathe welcomed the distinguished guests & all present. After the lamp lighting ceremony, ‘anchor’ Ramesh Grover, started with the proceedings. Maa & President Sadananda Shetty then honoured Hon’ble Babasaheb Purandare with the customary ‘Puneri Pagdi’, shawl & coconut.
Amrut Purandare expressed his happiness and gratitude for conferring so much respect and love upon his father- not only by the President of India but also from Maa and all at Punyadham, who are so close to Babasaheb’s heart. President Sadanand Shetty said how blessed they all felt with the glorious presence of such a noble and illustrious personality among them. He wished Hon’ble Shri Babasaheb Purandare a healthy long life. He said, “We all pray that Baba Saheb continues inspiring millions of youth with his love for History & Culture of our great country”.
Babasaheb shared that his entire life he has been inspiring the young children and youth to respect and honour this great country of ours- Bharat! This is the reason that at the age of 97, he doesn’t feel so oldaa. While addressing the youth he stressed that we should all remain united and our strength lies in this unity. His address received a resounding applause from the audience.
“This historic day will be etched in the history of Punyadham”, concluded Maa Kashyap.
