Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the national memorial at Bhidewada, the historic site where Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule established the first school for girls in India.
The ceremony is scheduled for August 16 in Pune, marking a significant event in the city’s cultural history. The event will also signal the start of the election campaign for the ruling coalition in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections.
The Prime Minister's visit is expected to include the inauguration and foundation laying of several major infrastructure projects, including the Swargate to District Court underground metro line, the Swargate-Katraj route, and the extended metro routes to Wagholi and Chandni Chowk.
The Pune Municipal Corporation is preparing for these events following recent directives from the state government.
The Bhidewada, located on approximately 2.75 gunthas (about 3,025 square feet) of land on Shivaji Road, had fallen into disrepair. While the decision to build a memorial was made several times, the acquisition was delayed due to legal battles initiated by tenants.
The High Court ordered the acquisition with appropriate compensation, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court. Following this, the Pune Municipal Corporation took possession of the site in December 2023 after demolishing the existing structure. The project is expected to cost ₹7.26 crore.
Details of the Memorial:
A historically appropriate external design
A basement parking area for two-wheelers
A three-story building
Statues of Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule
Audio-visual exhibits on their work
A library and training rooms for women empowerment programs