Fadnavis inaugurates Santpeeth, major infrastructure projects in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Indian Express

15 hours ago

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's (PCMC) newly developed Santpeeth — dedicated to promoting the teachings of revered saints like Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj — will serve as a powerful medium to take their universal and timeless philosophy to the global stage, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony of several key development projects across the city.
'Sant literature is deeply rooted in our culture. But with the Santpeeth, PCMC has succeeded in presenting these teachings in a modern, structured and inclusive manner. The initiative will not only preserve our spiritual heritage but also inspire future generations across linguistic and geographical boundaries,' Fadnavis said.
Located near Wadmukhwadi on the Pune-Alandi Palakhi Marg, the newly inaugurated Santpeeth houses an auditorium, art gallery and a magnificent sculpture depicting the legendary meeting between Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Namdev Maharaj.
The inauguration also saw the launch of several civic infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, sewage treatment plants, and bridges.
Noting the city's rapid urban growth, the CM said Pimpri-Chinchwad was emerging as a hub of modern urban governance. 'Today's inaugurated projects — from STPs that will ensure not a single drop of untreated water enters the city's rivers, to advanced sports facilities and inclusive development initiatives — demonstrate PCMC's commitment to balanced growth,' he said.
The Santpeeth also integrates academic learning with spiritual knowledge. 'Students here are taught the teachings of saints in four languages — Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi and English — alongside the CBSE curriculum,' Fadnavis said. 'Through this, we ensure both cultural depth and academic rigour.'
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched two digital initiatives of the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate — 'Jyeshthanubandh', a dedicated mobile app for senior citizens, and 'Traffic Buddy', a WhatsApp-based grievance redressal system for traffic issues.
'These innovations reflect an empathetic approach to policing,' Fadnavis said. 'It's essential that senior citizens feel someone has their back — and this app delivers just that.'
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh welcomed the dignitaries and shared details of all the inaugurated and launched projects. 'Pimpri Chinchwad, situated between the sacred towns of Dehu and Alandi, has evolved from a cluster of villages into a smart city in a short span. With the Santpeeth, we aim to carry forward the timeless teachings of saints through a blend of tradition and technology. The newly unveiled sculpture and murals not only preserve the legacy of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Namdev but also make it accessible and inspiring for future generations. Alongside this spiritual commitment, our civic projects — from green infrastructure and Olympic-level sports facilities to disability surveys — reflect our holistic, inclusive approach to urban development.'
Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil delivered the vote of thanks. The event was graced by MP Shrirang Barne, MLCs Srikant Bharatiya, Uma Khapre and Amit Gorkhe, and MLAs Mahesh Landge and Shankar Jagtap, along with Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, and senior civic officials. Renowned scholar Dr Sadanand More was also present.
MLA Mahesh Landge expressed pride in the establishment of the Santpeeth, stating that it would be a cultural milestone for the city.