In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the volunteers of Ganeshotsav have emerged as a unique symbol of dedication and service to society. At a time when many were hesitant to step out onto the streets, the Ganeshotsav volunteers were seen actively working to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. These volunteers, who may include city officials, mayors, and even government ministers, play a crucial role in organizing and managing the festivities.
In Pune, the Ganeshotsav celebrations organized by the Pune Parivar have recognized the outstanding work of their volunteers by honoring them with various awards. Recently, the Lokmanya Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar was awarded to Shrikant Shete, the President of Kasba Ganpati Mandal. The award ceremony took place at the Lady Ramabai Hall of the Sap College, where notable contributions to the festival were acknowledged. The volunteers were also honored with the „Ideal Ganeshotsav Volunteer“ award, with Mohole presenting the awards. Among the dignitaries present were Police Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Anna Thorat, Vijay Kuvalkar, Hemant Rasne, Mahesh Suryavanshi, Punit Balan, Pune Parivar President Dr. Pratap Pardeshi, Operations Director Vinayak Ghate, Vice President Shirish Mohite, and Prakash Dhamdere.
The volunteers of Parimandal 1 were also recognized for their service, with Police Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Singh Gill receiving the Lokmanya Ganesh Seva Award. Additionally, Amit Palskar, Sachin Pawar, Ravindra Pathare, Harshad Navale, and Ankush Jadhav were honored with the Ideal Ganeshotsav Volunteer award.
Ranjan Kumar Sharma emphasized that the Ganeshotsav is not just a religious festival but a celebration of social, cultural, and Indian heritage. He urged Ganpati Mandals to promote social harmony and raise awareness against discrimination and drug abuse, especially towards women. He highlighted the festival’s significance in uniting people from all walks of life and fostering a sense of community.
Punit Balan expressed that while the perspective of Ganesh Mandal volunteers may vary, those who stand out in times of crisis are the true heroes of the festival. The volunteers work tirelessly not just during the ten-day festival but throughout the year. To support and empower these volunteers, the Punit Balan Group has allocated three crore rupees for their training and entrepreneurship initiatives.
In conclusion, the Ganeshotsav volunteers have exemplified selflessness, dedication, and community spirit during these challenging times. Their unwavering commitment to serving society and preserving cultural traditions is truly commendable. As we navigate through the pandemic, let us recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of these volunteers who continue to make a positive impact on our communities.