My Experience with Film Shootings in Film City, Goregaon

Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 7

Experiences with Film Shootings !

During my stay at SPCE Hostel, I had a remarkable opportunity to witness the magical world of filmmaking up close. One day, news spread among us hostelers that few students who had flair of acting were required for acting in the movie Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai.  The connection came through Danny Denzongpa's niece, who was also staying at our hostel. Filled with excitement, four or five of went to Film City at Goregaon. Film's director and producer, Nazir Hussain interviewed us for small roles in the movie, and to my surprise, I was selected! 

‘Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai’ is a 1981 Hindi romantic film directed by Nasir Hussain. Rishi Kapoor and Padmini Kolhapure were in lead roles.

One of the standout moments of the movie is the ever-melodious song ‘Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka’. It was composed by the R.D. Burman,  penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri, and sung by Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi.

Film City is a beautiful place surrounded by forest, trees and greeneries. Very often we used to visit  it for pleasure trips and viewing the film shoot.

Film city is a venture of Government of Maharashtra. It has been renamed as Dadasaheb Phalke Nagari. It is spread over 500 acres. Temples, jails, village, artificial lakes and falls have been constructed there for shooting purposes. It is surrounded by Arey Colony and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

One of our friends was a paying guest of Bha La Patil, a great Marathi writer, near the SPCE hostel. He used to tell us about the struggles of Rajendra Prasad, and other captivating stories from the film industry.

At Film City, the assistant director briefed us the role we had to perform. Then he showed us the place in audience to sit. We all sat in audience for the film song to be shoot in the movie. We had been directed to come in a particular dress code, grey pant and light colour shirt. Then we had rehearsal of our role in the song. On that day actual shooting did not happen. 

Next day, the shooting of the song started; Rishi Kapoor singing the song on stage, Padmini Kolhapure sitting in audience around the table and we all behind her on chairs, enthusiastically shouting "I love Kanchan!" as part of the audience scene while the song, ‘Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka’, was sung.

We were again called next day for reshoot of the song, if required. We were informed, after long waiting,  that it was not required. There was no shoot on that day. And my role was over.

As the examinations was approaching, I didn’t go for another side role there.

When I watched the movie later, eager to spot myself, I couldn't find myself in the crowd-a true case of cinematic hide-and-seek! Nevertheless, being part of the experience is a memory l'll always treasure.

I was there for three days for shooting. During this period I got chance to explore other sets in Film City. The most fascinating one was the set of movie ’Kranti’, where legendary actors like Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, and Manoj Kumar were shooting. It was a surreal experience to see these superstars up close and observe their craft.

Beyond the glamour, I gained invaluable insights into the filmmaking process. I learned how sets were constructed, how the crew worked tirelessly to bring a scene to life, and the immense collaboration involved in creating a movie.

At Film City, I learned about Jitendra and Nanda from co-actors who had worked with them. Jitendra lived in a Girgaon Chawl in Mumbai during his struggling years. He has not forgotten his old friends and helps them. He is very family-loving person who respected his heroines greatly. Nanda, the daughter of Master Vinayak, was a highly respected actress in the industry. She was a cooperative and kind-hearted woman who helped and supported her colleagues in the industry. 

Another delightful aspect was meeting and talking to side-role actors like C.S. Dubey and Mac Mohan, who would often visit Bachubhai's Mess, where we dined. Sharing stories and experiences with them added a unique flavor to my time at Film City.

Though my stint in acting was short-lived, the memories and lessons from Film City remain etched in my heart. It was more than just a film shoot. It was an adventure that opened my eyes to the magic of cinema !

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @Pune, March 27, 2025

मानव तस्करी विरुद्ध लढणाऱ्या सुनीता…

 

मानव तस्करी विरुद्ध लढणाऱ्या सुनीता…

आज ‘पुणे इंटरनेशनल सेंटर’ येथे ‘Meet A Real Life Hero’ या कार्यक्रमात उपस्थित होतो. सिंबायोसिस, MIT, आणि इतर कॉलेजचे विद्यार्थी, सामाजिक संघटनांचे कार्यकर्ते, फिल्म डॉक्युमेंट्री निर्माते, सोशल मीडिया इन्फ्लुएन्सर, परदेशी नागरिक यांच्या उपस्थितीने सभागृह पूर्णतः भरलेले होते. श्री. सुशील बोर्डे हे कार्यक्रमाचे निमंत्रक होते. 

वयाच्या १५ व्या वर्षी सामुहिक  बलत्काराच्या शिकार झालेल्या, त्यानंतरचा आयुष्याचा प्रत्येक क्षण अशा अत्याचारांना बळी पडलेल्या मुलींच्या पुनर्वसनाकरिता उपयोगात आणेल असा दृढ निर्धार केलेल्या, श्रीमती सुनिता कृष्णन, आपल्या ३७ वर्षाच्या संघर्षमय प्रवासाचा पट मांडत होत्या, तेंव्हा संपर्ण प्रेक्षागृह दिग्मूढ होऊन ऐकत होते! 

१५० मिलियन डॉलरची उलाढाल असलेल्या, ह्यूमन ट्रॅफिकिंगच्या व्यवसायात अडसर ठरू पाहणाऱ्या, सुनिता यांचेवर १७ जीवघेणे हल्ले झाले, त्यात त्यांचा उजवा कान निकामी झाला, शरीराची अनेक हाडे मोडली, बॉडी पोश्चर बदलले पण, त्या हरल्या नाहीत. अधिक निर्धाराने त्यांनी आपला संघर्ष सुरू ठेवला आहे. 

आधुनिक तंत्र ज्ञानाचा उपयोग करून, समर्प्रीत भावनेने काम करणाऱ्या आपल्या २०० सहकाऱ्यांच्या मदतीने त्यांनी आपले ‘Strategic War against human traffiking’ चे हे युद्ध सुरू ठेवले आहे. 

श्रीमती सुनीता यांनी हैदराबाद येथे ‘प्रज्वला’ फाउंडेशनची स्थापना केली. तेलंगणा राज्यातील महेश्वरम मंडल येथे पुनर्वसन केंद्राची निर्मिती केली. ३०,००० पेक्षा अधिक पिडीत मुलींची सुटका करून त्यांचे पुनर्वसन केले.

त्यांच्या कार्याची दखल घेवून त्यांना पद्मश्री पुरस्काराने गौरविण्यात आले.

I Am What I Am: A Memoir या पुस्तकातून त्यांच्या संघर्षमय जीवनाचा परिचय होतो. 

श्री सुशील बोर्डे यांना, आपले आजोबा स्वातंत्र सैनिक मा. रामराव बोर्डे यांचेकडून देशसेवेचा आणि वडिल मा. प्रतापराव बोर्डे यांचेकडून सामाज सेवेचा वारसा लाभलेला आहे. या ज्वलंत विषया संबंधी जनजागृती करण्यात महत्त्वाचे कार्य त्यांनी केले आहे, त्याबद्दल त्यांचे हार्दिक अभिनंदन!

पद्मश्री सुनीता कृष्णन यांच्या कार्यास मनःपूर्वक शुभेच्छा!

प्रा. डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे  @ पुणे, मार्च २६, २०२५

A Journey Inspired by a Mentor

Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 6

A Journey Inspired by a Mentor !

Prof. S N Nagraju was our Soil Mechanics teacher in SPCE. With smile on his face, he was always friendly with the students. 

Whenever we visited his cabin or laboratory we saw him busy with drawings spread on the table, and doing calculations on his calculator. 

Later on we came to know that he provided consultancy to the project, construction and expansion of Bombay Airport’s Airstrip. He was expert in Geotechnical Engineering, especially in designing and constructing stone columns. This technique was used under coastal soils conditions to enhance load bearing capacity and provide stability to airstrip. 

He had presented papers on stone column design and construction at prestigious international conferences, including those held in Stockholm, Sweden, and Tokyo, Japan.

He was good teacher and always doing the things at ease. He was the teacher who never took attendance in the classroom, but hardly any student would miss his lecture. He encouraged us to perform experiments in soil mechanics laboratory at our pace. 

Prof. Nagaraju often shared his experiences from the projects with us during classroom and laboratory sessions. His approachable personality and willingness to involve students in real-world applications left a profound impression on me.

Prof. Nagraju was very considerate of my circumstances. When I participated in cultural programs and sports activities, he kindly granted me an exemption from attendance requirements in laboratory work for that.

Inspired by his mentorship, I chose Geotechnical Engineering as my elective subject in the final year. 

I immersed myself in books by renowned authors like Terzaghi and Peck on that subject. Karl Terzaghi, often referred to as the "Father of Soil Mechanics," was a pioneering civil engineer and geologist who revolutionized the field of geotechnical engineering. His innovative research and practical applications transformed geotechnical engineering from a field reliant on experience to one grounded in scientific principles. 

Terzaghi's works, along with Prof. Nagaraju's guidance, fueled my passion for Geotechnical Engineering. 

At that time, under Bombay University, there were three engineering colleges: VJTI, SPCE and College of Engineering at Panaji, Goa.

In my final year, I secured the highest marks in the university in my elective subject, Geotechnical Engineering. Hearing that, Prof. Nagaraju invited me to his cabin, congratulated on my achievement, and encouraged me to pursue post graduate studies at IIT.

At the end of the final semester, I applied for admission to IIT Bombay, cleared its written test, interview and got selected.  At the time, admission to IIT required separate applications for each institute, as the GATE exam for M.Tech admissions had not yet started—it was introduced in 1982. 

While I was selected for the M.Tech program in Geotech at IIT-B, I decided not to pursue it. Instead, I joined the Public Works Department as an Assistant Engineer at Omerga subdivision in Osmanabad district. 

However, after a year, I realized that my true calling was teaching. An aspiration to become professor in engineering college! Hence, I left the PWD and joined SSBTS College of Engineering and Technology, Jalgaon on its very first day. That was the day, August 8, 1983! 

A new chapter in my journey began!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @Pune, March 26, 2025

Hon. Margaret Thatcher inaugurates SPJIMR

Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 5

Hon. Margaret Thatcher inaugurates SPJIMR  

As the next academic year began, some pressing issues in the hostel demanded immediate attention. At the request of hostel students, I took on the responsibility of Hostel General Secretary to address these challenges.

During this time, I developed cordial relations with Bhavans College students and their representatives. Our discussions often took place in the canteen, under the banyan tree in the campus, after lectures, and sometimes in their hostel late at night.

Established in 1938 by Hon. K.M. Munshi who served as a member of the Constituent Assembly and thereafter Minister for Agriculture and Food, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, has a rich legacy. Bhavan’s is located in Andheri West, Mumbai on a sprawling 45-acre campus  in the heart of the city. Initially, Andheri campus housed Sardar Patel College of Engineering and Bhavans Arts and Commerce College on it. In 1981, the prestigious S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) was inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in the Bhavan’s history. At that time, Hon. Dharamsy Khatao served as the president, and Advocate Nani Palkhivala held the position of executive chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

Hon. Khatao was a prominent figure in India’s industrial history, and was part of the Khatao Group, oldest Indian Business conglomerate.

Ad. Nani Palkhivala was a towering personality, renowned internationally for his contributions to law and economics. His association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan added immense prestige to the institution, as he was not only a legal luminary but also a passionate advocate for education and cultural values. He played a pivotal role in landmark cases such as the Kesavananda Bharati case, which established the Basic Structure Doctrine of the Indian Constitution.

The leadership of Hon. Khatao, Ad.  Nani Palakhivala, along with others played pivotal role in shaping the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s initiatives and fostering its growth.

The inauguration of the S.P. Jain Institute was graced by the presence of Hon. Margaret Thatcher, then Prime Minister of Great Britain. Known as the "Iron Lady," she was celebrated for her transformative leadership and unwavering determination.

The trustees and administrators of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, esteemed academicians and business leaders from Mumbai and beyond graced the occasion. 

The dignitaries, in their speeches, reflected a vision of academic excellence and global leadership. They also shared insights into the importance of education in fostering innovation and collaboration.

The cultural performances added a touch of Indian heritage to the prestigious gathering.

Witnessing such prominent dignitaries up close was a proud moment for all of us, and as a student representative, I had the privilege of volunteering at this historic event.

This experience brought me into contact with Members of Bhavan’s Management Committee, whose guidance and support proved invaluable during my tenure as Hostel General Secretary. 

Reflecting on these moments, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow alongside such inspiring individuals and institutions.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @ Pune, March 25, 2025

Vibrant SPCE

Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 4

Vibrant SPCE!

The Marathi Vangmay Mandal began its journey with great enthusiasm after its formation.

In its first meeting, Sanjay Deo, Pramod Sawant, and Mangesh Borase proposed that the inaugural program should be a grand one. After thorough discussion, we decided to host a Katha Kathan session by the celebrated Marathi writer, Va Pu Kale, an idea enthusiastically endorsed by Prof. R. M. Joshi. To invite Mr. Kale personally, Nitin Gadkari and I visited Sahitya Sahavas, a cooperative housing society in Kalanagar, Bandra West.

Sahitya Sahavas was home to prominent Marathi literary figures, including Shanta Shelake, Vinda Karandikar, Madhukar Toradmal, Vijaya Rajadhyaksha. Ramesh Tendulkar, the father of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was staying with his family in Ushakal Building there.

Va Pu Kale's straightforwardness and practicality shone through during our interaction. He shared humorous anecdotes from his experiences with event organizers. His background with the Bombay Municipal Corporation provided him with a unique perspective, blending humor and practicality seamlessly.

The day of the event at the Gymkhana auditorium was unforgettable. The venue was packed, and Va Pu Kale, dressed smartly in his grey safari, exuded confidence. He greeted the students warmly and began with the humorous and thought-provoking story "Pant Vaidya," which revolved around a seemingly foolish character who cleverly used this perception to his advantage. The tale was met with immense applause. After a brief pause,Mr. Kale presented "Partner," a deeply touching narrative that resonated strongly with the audience. Both stories showcased his storytelling brilliance, ensuring the program's phenomenal success.

Building on this momentum, the Mandal organized a variety of events, such as poetry readings, mono acting, and debate competitions for students. Topics like:

 "Are love marriages more successful than arranged marriages?" 

“Hit ani hot natakachi samasya: aahe kinva nahi?" sparked lively discussions and enthusiastic participation.

Responding to a request from students, we arranged a poetry reading session with Ms. Shanta Shelake, the illustrious Marathi poetess known for her contributions in Marathi literature; and her herat touching Marathi Film Songs. Her simplicity and profound artistry captivated the audience. During the program, she read her poems, guided students on the essence of poetry, and shared her inspiring journey as a poetess, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

…And we were invited to participate in youth festival program arranged by Bombay University at Ruparel College at Mahim.

Established in 1952, Ruparel College has a legacy of over 70 years in shaping young minds and fostering academic excellence. It has remained a hub for cultural activities, nurturing talent across generations. Aishwarya Rai and Urmila Matondakar are its past students!

It was an honour for us to participate in such prestigious event!

We formed a team to participate in different cultural events, worked very hard. The famous poet Ratnakar Parmekar and Prof. S F Pendase guided and supported us. We finally reached to Ruparel College.

Our team performed well in the event. Performance of our team was well acclaimed by the audience.

During the festival, I presented two of my poems:

‘Mala Baghun Gali, tu Vruthach ka Hasali?’ (मला बघून गाली, तू वृथाच का हसली?) and ‘Smashan’ (स्मशान!), both of which had been published in Saptahik Lokprabha. 

Sharing my literary work on such a platform was both an honor and an unforgettable experience.

Additionally, I performed a solo acting piece-delivering the monologue of ‘Lalya’ (लाल्या) from ‘Ashrunchi Zali Fule’ (अश्रूंची झाली फुले !), a masterpice by the great Marathi writer Vasant Kanetkar. The powerful and emotional portrayal of Lalya's character resonated deeply with the audience.

We returned like heroes to our campus!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @ Pune, March 24, 2025

Marathi Vangmay Mandal

 

एस पी सी ई ची स्पंदने: भाग ३ - मराठी वाङ्मय मंडळाची स्थापना

दुसरे सत्र जानेवारीत सुरू झाले. डिप्लोमाच्या काळात सर्व्हे आणि स्ट्रेन्थ ऑफ मटेरियलसारख्या विषयांचा सखोल अभ्यास केला असल्याने, या सत्रात ते विषय खूप सोपे वाटत होते. त्यामुळे, मी माझ्या आवडीच्या उपक्रमांमध्ये रस घेण्यास सुरुवात केली, जसे की मराठी नाटक पाहणे, कवी संमेलनांना हजेरी लावणे, कविता करणे इत्यादी. माझ्या काही कविता साप्ताहिक ‘लोकप्रभा’मध्ये प्रसिद्ध झाल्या होत्या. 

एसपीसीई वसतिगृहात राहतांना, स्थानिकांशी तसेच नीलकमल आणि बोबिनोसारख्या हॉटेलच्या मालकांशी माझे चांगले संबंध प्रस्थापित झाले होते. तसेच हॉस्टेल स्टाफशीही माझे चांगले संबंध जुळले होते. मी त्यांना अनेक उपक्रमात मदत करीत असे. महत्वाच्या घटनांचे केंद्रबिंदू  असलेल्या, रूम नंबर ५७ मधे अनेक विद्यार्थी येत व हास्य विनोदा बरोबरच अनेक गंभीर विषयांवरही चर्चा करीत. वसतिगृह प्रशासनाच्या मदतीने आम्ही आवरातून अनधिकृतरितीने जाणाऱ्या व्यक्तींची संख्या लक्षणीयरीत्या कमी केली.

एका संध्याकाळी, मेसमध्ये जेवत असतांना, कोणीतरी "फुली आणि गोळा" या मुंबई दूरदर्शनवरील एका प्रश्नमंजूषा कार्यक्रमाची माहिती दिली; कॉलेजचा चमू या कार्यक्रमात सहभागी होणार होता. आम्ही प्रा. भवानी प्रसादांच्या निवासस्थानी तो कार्यक्रम पाहायला गेलो. कार्यक्रम पाहिल्यानंतर मी माझ्या मित्रांना विचारले, "या विद्यार्थ्यांना आपल्या कॉलेजचे प्रतिनिधित्व करण्याकरिता कोणी पाठविले ?" कारण त्यांची कामगिरी खूपच निराशाजनक होती - त्यांना मराठी व्यवस्थित बोलता आले नाही आणि प्रश्नही समजले नाहीत. जेष्ठ विद्यार्थी देखील तेथे उपस्थित होते,  पण कोणीच उत्तर देऊ शकले नाही.

दुसऱ्या दिवशी सकाळी ९ वाजता, वर्ग सुरू होण्यापूर्वी आम्ही कॉलेजच्या बागेत एकत्र आलो आणि आदल्या दिवसाच्या टीव्ही कार्यक्रमावर चर्चा केली. चर्चेत अनेक विद्यार्थी सहभागी झाले. या चर्चेतून आम्हाला समजले की दूरदर्शनने कॉलेजकडे निमंत्रण पाठवले होते, जे विद्यार्थी प्रतिनिधींना दिले गेले. त्यांनी ते सर्व विद्यार्थ्यांना कळविण्याऐवजी स्वतःकडेच ठेवले. ऐनवेळी, कुठल्याही प्रकारची तयारी नसतांना दोघे जण थेट दूरदर्शन केंद्रात गेले. विद्यार्थी प्रतिनिधींनी आपली जबाबदारी योग्यरित्या पार पाडली नाही आणि त्यांची कामगिरी लज्जास्पद होती हे वस्तुनिष्ठपणे मी सर्वांसमोर मांडले. आम्ही, त्यांना बागेत बोलवून, त्यांनी अशी कृती पुन्हा न करण्याचे आश्वासन मागायचे ठरवले. परंतु, त्यांनी त्यास प्रतिसाद दिला नाही, उलटपक्षी विद्यार्थ्यांशी ते उद्धटपणे बोलले.

हे ऐकून, मी कॉलेजच्या प्रवेशद्वारा समोरील चौथऱ्यावर उभे राहून, विद्यार्थी प्रतिनिधींनी माफी मागेपर्यंत, धरणे धरून आंदोलन सुरू करण्याचे सर्वांना आवाहन केले केले. आंदोलनादरम्यान, आम्ही इतर समस्या देखील चर्चेत आणल्या, जसे की जिमखाना उपक्रम, युवा महोत्सवात सहभाग, आंतरमहाविद्यालयीन स्पर्धांचे आयोजन इत्यादी, आणि मागण्यांची यादी तयार केली. आता जवळ जवळ सर्वच विद्यार्थी प्रवेश द्वारावर जमले होते.

जेवणाच्या सुटीत, प्रा. नातू आणि प्रा. राऊळे आमच्याकडे आले. त्यांनी आमच्या मागण्या ऐकून घेतल्या आणि प्रतिनिधींशी चर्चा करण्यासाठी आत गेले. अर्ध्या तासानंतर, विद्यार्थी प्रतिनिधी, उपप्राचार्य पी. पी.वैद्य आणि प्रा. गोगटे मॅडम यांच्यासह प्रवेशद्वारावर आले. त्यांनी हात जोडून दिलगिरी व्यक्त केली. मी पुढे जाऊन त्यांच्याशी हस्तांदोलन केले आणि प्राध्यापकांचे आभार मानले. त्यानंतर मी विद्यार्थ्यांना शांततेत वर्गात परत जाण्याचे आवाहन केले.

त्यापूर्वी, वर्ग संपल्यानंतर सर्व विद्यार्थ्यांना जिमखाना हॉलमध्ये जमण्याचे आवाहन केले. मराठी वाङ्मय मंडळ स्थापन करण्याच्या प्रस्तावावर तेथे चर्चा करण्यात येईल हे सांगितले.

त्या संध्याकाळी, सर्व विद्यार्थी जिमखाना हॉलमध्ये एकत्र आले. या बैठकीत, माझी मराठी वाङ्मय मंडळाचा अध्यक्ष म्हणून आणि नितीन गडकरी (मंत्री नाही!) यांची सचिवपदावर निवड झाली. ही खूप उत्साहजनक घटना होती; मराठी संस्कृती आणि साहित्य संवर्धना करिता एका नवीन अध्यायाची सुरुवात!

प्रा. डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे @ पुणे, मार्च २१, २०२५

Marathi Vangmay Mandal

 

Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 3

Establishment of Marathi Vangmay Mandal...

The second semester started in January. Having thoroughly studied subjects like Survey and Strength of Material during my diploma, I found them easily manageable in this semester.  I was quite relaxed and began taking an interest in other activities, something I've had a flair for; like watching marathi drama, attending Kavi Sammelan, writing poems etc. Some of my poems were published in weekly ‘Lokprabha’.

Staying at the SPCE hostel, I developed good relationships with the locals, even owners of nearby hotels like Neelkamal and Bobino. I also built cordial relations with the college staff residing on campus, often helping them with various tasks. Room No. 57 was  a hub of fun and lively discussions; students often used to come over there to enjoy it. With consistent follow-up with hostel authorities, we managed to reduce the number of trespassers on the campus significantly. 

One evening, while having dinner in the mess, someone informed me about a program called "Fuli and Gola," a quiz competition on Mumbai Doordarshan, where a team from our college would represent us. Intrigued, we headed to Prof. Bhavani Prasad's residence in the hostel to watch the program. After viewing it, we returned to Room No. 57, and my immediate question to my friends was: "Who sent these students to TV program to represent our college?" The backdrop to my inquiry was their poor performance-they struggled with speaking Marathi and understanding the questions. Even with seniors present, no one had an answer.

The next morning, at around 9 a.m., before classes began, we gathered in the college garden to discuss the previous day's TV program. As we deliberated, more and more students joined us. Through discussions, we learned that Doordarshan had sent an invitation to the college, which was passed to student representatives. Instead of circulating the opportunity among students by displaying it on the notice board, they kept it to themselves. Ultimately, two of them decided to go directly to the television station. I pointed out that the representatives had failed in their duties and their performance was embarrassing.

After exchanging views, we decided to call the representatives to the garden and take their assurance that such actions wouldn't be repeated. However, to our surprise, they refused to join us, and on top of that, they spoke adamantly to the students who conveyed the message.

Determined, I moved to the college gate, stood in the porch, and declared,  “We would sit on a dharna until the representatives come to apologise”.  During this protest, we also discussed other issues, such as gymkhana activities, participation in youth festival, arranging inter-collegiate competitions, and prepared a list of demands. By lunchtime, most of the students had gathered at the gate.

At around 2 p.m., Prof. Natu and Prof. Rawale approached us. They were very friendly and understanding, as we had interacted with them often during college treks. They took note of our demands and went inside to discuss the matter with the student representatives.

After half an hour, the representatives came to the gate, accompanied by Vice Principal Papa Vaidya and Prof. Ms. Gogate Madam. With folded hands, they apologized for their actions. I stepped forward, shook hands with them, and thanked the professors for their efforts in resolving the deadlock. I also urged the students to return to their classes peacefully.

Before dispersing, I appealed all the students to gather in the Gymkhana Hall, after college hours, to constitute Marathi Vangmay Mandal in our college. Nitin Gadakari (not the minister) and I had already discussed this idea earlier, so we were prepared. 

Later that evening, all interested students gathered in the Gymkhana Hall. During the meeting, I was elected as the President of the Marathi Vangmay Mandal, while Nitin was chosen as the Secretary. It was an exciting moment, beginning of a new chapter for promoting Marathi culture and literature within our college!

Dr Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @ Pune, March 21, 2025