Maharashtra Day: Blue plaques for Pune heroes

“The initiative was started to highlight the role of leaders who contributed in shaping the state. The leaders who left their mark in the society should be remembered in some way so that the next generation gets to know and takes inspiration from them. The initiative of putting blue plaques is the best way to increase curiosity among citizens,” said Deepak Tilak,chairman of the committee. The committee works under the banner of Pune Aitihasik Vaastu Smriti.

Tilak said the idea of blue plaque for citizens of merit came to his father after they attended a function in London organised for the investiture of a plaque of Lokmanya Tilak in the building where the Indian leader stayed.

Among the 110 who have so far been awarded the Pune plaque are social reformers Jyotiba Phule,Ramabai Ranade,renowned circus artist Damu Dhotre,cricket legend D B Deodhar,scientist D B Limaye,social reformer Ramabai Ranade,musician Deenanath Mangeshkar,industrialist Shantanurao Kirloskar,cine legend V Shantaram and litterateur P L Deshpande.

This time too,the committee has located the building that was occupied by those who have been chosen for the honour. In case of Thackeray,efforts are are on to seek permission from the property owner to allow the plaque to be installed. The committee is trying to put a plaque of Kakasaheb Gadgil on the building that is owned by a trust.

“The initiative has been a success,though there have been instances where the present occupants fear that either their property will be declared a heritage structure or will be claimed later by others,” Tilak said.

“The blue plaque concept is a good idea to keep alive memories of personalities who have contributed to the progress of the state,” said Mayor Mohansingh Rajpal who was unaware that Bal Thackeray’s father once stayed in Pune.