Pune Citygritty

PUNE, June 16: A promenade into Pune's past it all started with a talk with the editor of a Marathi newspaper, and Avinash Sovni's passion f...

PUNE, June 16: A promenade into Pune8217;s past it all started with a talk with the editor of a Marathi newspaper, and Avinash Sovni8217;s passion for studying and re-discovering the past found space in the columns of a local daily. Those 18 write-ups, coupled with six more, have now been compiled into Haravalele Pune, that is to hit the stands soon.

8220;In these pages is the research I have been doing since the 1980s, at the Peshwa daftar, research libraries and, of course, visiting the site itself. This is just a small part of my study, which also revolves around the town planning of Pune,8221; says the author. Citing his reason for dedicating the book to Nanasaheb Peshwa, Sovni says, 8220;In this journey, I have come across innumerable instances referring to his name and work. I believe he is the true architect of the city.8221;

Reading through the pages, you walk through the alleys and lanes, roam around markets and gardens belonging to a Pune that is tucked behind some corner in the passages of time. Be it the oft-written about Shaniwar Wada, the Lal Mahal, Omkareshwar, Hirabaug, Budhwar Chowk, Lakdi Pul or Pushkarni Haud or Swargate 8211; the Puneite has a different journey mapped out for him8230;

Have a ball!
Football fans in the city are having a treat these days, as the World Cup Football has got underway in France. Nowadays, conversations always veer round to whether Brazil, with the fleet-footed Ronaldo, will actually hold the Cup, since they are tipped as the favourites! Leading hotels in the city have geared up to give their clients a taste of the sport.

Blue Diamond hosts a French food festival for the entire month in its bar, Casabella. A huge screen has been relaying all the matches. Holiday Inn plans to install a giant screen from June 27 onwards in their bar, the Carousal. The ambience will be created by putting huge cutouts and playing the national anthems of the countries playing that day. A tribute to the pace-setters in far-off France. On the sidewalks, posters of the players, caps and T-shirts have made their presence felt. As for Hotel Aurora Towers, the soccer cafe at their coffee shop The Fernery offers the coach8217;s recommendations 8211; Batistuta8217;s Favourite or Ronaldo8217;s Magic, take your pick. Three cheers for football!

The Bournvita brainstorm
The Bournvita Quiz Contest, which most of us have grown up with, will create ripples in Pune on Wednesday. The contest, hosted by quiz master, Derek O8217;Brien on Zee Television, is busy with the production of its 1998 edition. And so, 40 schools have been invited to meet at Bishop8217;s School at 11 am. It will be anchored by Severin Coates-Reid and co-ordinated by Kumkum Tandon. Each school will have two participants, one from Std VII and one from Std VIII. The four winning teams will be called to Mumbai for a television shooting for further rounds.