Pune : Member of Parliament Sunetra Pawar has called upon citizens and local representatives to build a mass movement through the newly launched ‘Mukhyamantri Samruddha Panchayat Raj’ campaign. Speaking at an event in Baramati, she highlighted how previous initiatives like the Sant Gadge Maharaj Cleanliness Mission and the Nirmal Gram Yojana transformed the face of rural Maharashtra. She urged villages to participate actively in this new campaign to take the state to unprecedented heights of development.
Honoring 25 Years of Social Awareness : The event was organized to honor President’s Award-winning artists from Kambleshwar and officials who have made outstanding contributions to the Panchayat Raj system. For the past 25 years, these individuals have worked tirelessly on social issues such as de-addiction, the eradication of superstition, environmental conservation, and the ‘Beti Bachao’ (Save the Girl Child) initiative. The ceremony was presided over by Padma Shri Popatrao Pawar, Chairman of the Model Village Programme (Maharashtra).
From Street Plays to Global Recognition: MP Sunetra Pawar noted that the state’s rural campaigns have not only built infrastructure but have also nurtured talent. She cited the cast of the popular web series ‘Chandal Chowkadi Chya Karamati’ as a prime example. Their journey, which began 25 years ago with street plays in Kambleshwar village, has now gained international acclaim. She expressed pride in the fact that they conducted awareness programs across Maharashtra under the ‘Sunetratai Pawar Kalamanch’ banner.
Maharashtra: A Pioneer in Social Schemes: In his presidential address, Padma Shri Popatrao Pawar described Maharashtra as a “laboratory for social experiments.” He noted that several central government schemes—including the Employment Guarantee Scheme, Jalyukt Shivar, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana—were inspired by successful models developed in Maharashtra. He credited this success to the synergy between social organizations, administrative officers, and political leadership. He particularly lauded MP Sunetra Pawar for setting a benchmark in cleanliness starting from Katewadi village.
Cultural Highlights and Coordination : The highlight of the event was a powerful street play titled ‘Gram Sabha’, performed by the Kambleshwar art troupe, which received a standing ovation. The ceremony was organized by the Chandal Chowkadi Chya Karamati Fan Club, Baramati. Key attendees included Someshwar Factory Chairman Purushottam Jagtap, Baramati Municipal President Sachin Satav, and various administrative officials. The program was moderated by Dnyaneshwar Jagtap, with an introductory speech by Karan Khalate and a vote of thanks by Sachin Khalate.
