Pune: The much-awaited Kalagram at Pu. La. Deshpande Garden, developed to provide a platform for artists, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol in Pune.
The inauguration marked the completion of another phase in the development of the 50-acre space on Sinhagad Road, a project initiated through the efforts of MLA Madhuri Misal.
Present at the ceremony were key dignitaries, including Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, Deepak Misal, Dhiraj Ghate, Karan Misal, Shrikant Jagtap, and Kiran Thakur, while architect Tirtha Misal was honored for her contributions to the project.
Minister Mohol praised the transformation Pune is undergoing under the Modi government's initiatives, contrasting it with the previous Congress regime.
"Earlier, there were just foundation stone-laying ceremonies. Now, real projects like the metro and river improvement are taking shape, changing the city's landscape," he remarked.
He also emphasized Pune's rich cultural heritage, noting that Kalagram will serve as an invaluable platform for artists to showcase their talent.
The Kalagram site, spread across a large portion of Pu. La. Deshpande Garden, features 30 stalls built in a traditional village architectural style.
The space includes an amphitheater for performances, state-specific counters selling local crafts, a library, and food stalls offering culinary delights from across India.
Additionally, open platforms for workshops and demonstrations of rural arts and crafts will be available, offering Punekars a unique cultural experience.
MLA Madhuri Misal also shared future plans for the space, including the development of a dedicated area called Pu. La. Deshpande Katta, which will celebrate the life and work of the legendary artist Pu. La. Deshpande through artistic and literary presentations.
"This addition completes the dream of developing the entire 50 acres, and we are excited to provide a permanent cultural hub for Pune's artists," Misal stated.
The introductory remarks at the event were made by Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, and the event was hosted by Milind Kulkarni.