In a poignant speech delivered at Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) premises during the 1970s, the celebrated Marathi author Pu La Deshpande eloquently stated that Pune had bestowed upon India the foundation for democracy. “If someone were to ask me what Pune has contributed to India, I would undoubtedly say it’s the bedrock of democracy—a place where expressing opinions is paramount. In Pune, every individual possesses an opinion and an eagerness to express it.” Pu La’s words capture the essence of Pune and its ever-evolving culture.
As India joyfully commemorates 75 years of freedom from British rule, it is imperative to recount Pune’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic evolution. The city’s early industrialization propelled it ahead of its counterparts in many ways.
While the nation’s real growth story commenced after independence, Pune had already witnessed the rise of various industries prior to 1947. The roots of industrialization in Pune can be traced back to significant milestones before the dawn of independence.
In 1869, the Ammunition Factory emerged at Khadki as a small arms manufacturing unit under British governance, and in 1885, Dorabjee Pudumjee established Deccan Paper Mills. Due to Pune’s geographical limitations in terms of access to the sea, as most transportation occurred via sea routes, there were inherent challenges in further expanding businesses.
However, the true industrial surge began to take shape in the mid-1940s when the Kirloskar Group pioneered the industrial movement by establishing Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd in 1945 at Kirkee. This move paved the way for rapid industrialization in and around Pune.
Prominent business giants such as Tata and Bajaj established their manufacturing units in proximity to Pune, thereby providing the much-needed impetus for the city’s growth. Additionally, the emergence of iconic local brands like Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale (and their Bakarwadis), Dorabjees, Kayani Bakery’s Shrewsbury biscuits, and Laxmi Narayan chivda contributed to Pune’s unique cultural identity. These brands have become an integral part of Pune’s cultural fabric, much like the famous eateries Vaishali, Wadeshwar, and Naaz.
It is worth noting that these industrial endeavors attracted individuals with diverse skill sets, fostering a dynamic and varied workforce.
The 1990s witnessed the IT revolution, ushering in a seismic transformation in Pune’s landscape over the last seven and a half decades. With approximately 800 IT companies employing around 3-4 lakh people, Pune’s economic landscape underwent a paradigm shift. The services sector, particularly banking and financial technology, emerged as dominant players in the city’s economy.
Together with manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, education, food processing, and retail sectors, Pune’s economic powerhouse gained momentum. The district boasts eight MIDCs and abundant land banks, ensuring a steady supply of resources such as water and electricity.
However, the soul of any city lies in its people and landmarks. Pune nurtured luminaries who emerged as leaders in various domains. Many of these visionaries spearheaded movements that reverberated across the globe.
The likes of Pu La Deshpande, Bhimsen Joshi, the maestro of Indian classical music, and rationalist Narendra Dabholkar all made Pune their home, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural and intellectual tapestry. Lokmanya Tilak’s clarion call for ‘Swarajya’ resonated from Pune, and Vadudev Balwant Phadke, known as the father of Indian armed rebellion, etched his mark in history.
From the industrial realm, trailblazers like Rahul Bajaj, Cyrus Poonawalla, and Baba Kalyani propelled Pune into a leadership position.
Simultaneously, the Osho commune, established by an Indian mystic and founder of the religious movement, became an integral part of Pune’s ethos. Koregaon Park, its location, evolved into a cosmopolitan hub frequented by foreigners. Parvati Hill to the west and Sinhagad Road to the south remained cherished destinations for Punekars.
As Pune stands as a testament to India’s journey, it embodies a tapestry woven with threads of democracy, industry, culture, and vibrant personalities. This 75th year of independence provides a poignant moment to reflect on Pune’s invaluable contributions to the nation’s narrative.
