Two members of the Pune Juvenile Justice Board were terminated by the state government for misconduct. They had granted bail to a teenage driver involved in a fatal car crash with unusual conditions, including writing a 300-word essay on road safety. The decision followed an inquiry that revealed procedural lapses and misuse of power by the members. The government found them guilty of misusing their powers under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Learn more...

Meet this young and dynamic science enthusiast, a genius in the true sense, who is trying to get all the answers on his own. He is the Author of the famous series – ‘Our Existence: From Origin To The Future!’, Father of ‘Perception B Science’, UFOlogist, Cosmologist & Philosopher! He is probably the rarest of rare young Indian explorers, who wishes to contribute efforts to the field of Perception B Science & UFOlogy and develop them into mainstream sciences. Perception B Science is a...

Ashish Kasodekar the only Indian to run the 555-km, He talks about what it takes to run 555 km, at 17,582 feet above sea level, and doing so at your own pace. His name will be enlisted in the  forthcoming Guinness book of records in the ultra-dynamo category, He will replace Italy’s Enzo Capororaso in the listings. He also talks about his penchant to do something unique on peculiar dates. The art of ultra running, insights into the grueling La Ultra Ladakh and importance of discipline,...

Shri Moreshwar Ghaisas has been the driving force that helped realize his father’s dream of “Gurukul”, right from acquiring land, constructing the Vedpathshala and imparting Vedic knowledge.

Prof. Pawan Kumar Khanna, controller of Examinations, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology is listed as top 2% of the world scientists and top 1% of the material scientists. He is former Head, Department of Applied Chemistry and Ex Dean, DIAT. He completed Ph.D from I.I.T. Bombay in 1989. He is the recipient of prestigious fellowship of  DST, Govt of India, for performing research in UK, Brainpool International fellowship of Korean Government and a number of research and presentation...

Listen to the pearls of wisdom of how MCCIA helped in taking policy decisions and changed the industries and business in and around Pune, how the future looks and the road ahead.

Satish Khade, a civil engineer, has been a water activist and has been working in the field of water conservation for more than a decade. He is the editor of the monthly 'Jalsanvad' publication running from last 17 years & dedicated to Water issues only. A true Punekar at heart, he's been guiding several govt and non govt organizations to create awareness and actionable steps in this domain. His contribution as a member and president of the Rotary club has been exemplary. He is a core...

Dr. Kaustubh Radkar a 27 time Ironman finisher across all continents, the Only Indian to do so; with the vision of creating a healthy platform for Indians but rest of the world to train for different sports.  A Johns Hopkins trained rehabilitation specialist Dr Radkar moved to India in December 2013, and has worked selflessly in motivating people across all age groups, walks of life to take up an active lifestyle. He was the only Indian to finish Ironman World Championship at Kona in 2017. A...

Ar. Avinash Nawathe approaches design like a poet, for him it all starts with the words, the underlying concept that is to be put to meter in form of a 'sketch'. His ability to connect architecture with the essence of life, i.e. human emotion, is what made him the stalwart he is today. There were many who influenced him, not just with his career but in every sphere of life that gave him the vast reservoir from where his ideas manifest. Afterall life and architecture are inseparable, both are...

Having the urge and inquisitiveness to learn and explore, Shivkumar Javdekar earned his Civil Engineering degree from Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Pune. Getting the perfect head start, Shivkumar started his career as a Junior Engineer with the esteemed Shapoorji Pallonji at their Mercedes Benz (c/o Tata Motors) plant in Pimpri, Pune. Discovering his interests in construction, he went on to work with eminent names in the real-estate industry. He then co-founded...

Meet the man behind films like Harishchandra chi factory and Chintoo. In 1979, he Shrirang started his career as a stage actor when he joined Theatre Academy, Pune. He acted in Jabbar Patel's Ghashiram Kotwal, Padgham and Satish Alekar's Mahanirvan, Pralay, Bhint, Atireki. In 1986, he started writing his own plays. He started writing for Grips Theatre Movement in India. Godbole has directed many TV serials and films. Many events including Award Ceremonies, Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav,...

Rahul Solapurkar is an actor par excellence and has contributed as an actor in marathi cinema with the films like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Rajmata Jijau, Dhumakool, Jai Hind and Natha Pure Aata. Also v.well know for his portrayal of Taklya Haiwan in Thartharat (1987). For the last 40 years he has been working as a professional actor on stage, television & films. Being part of more than 100 marathi films, 6 hindi films & many television serials & programs, he has also delivered...

Meet Punekar Praful Chandawarkar, Founder and Managing Director, Chiranjeev Restaurant and Foods Pvt Ltd (Malaka Spice Group). Praful's career spans more than 32 years post his Hospitality Management and Business Management academia. For the last 23 years he has owned and operated the brand that is Malaka Spice which still sounds as if it started yesterday. He has conceptualized and operated successful concepts in hospitality. The group has expanded into several brands and home delivery...

A nutritionist with over 20 years of experience, Avanti advises and guides clients about not just weight loss, but also healthy living. In addition to this, she's an author and also has her own line of food products.  How does she do so much? What motivates her? And does she have any food and healthy living tips for us? Listen in to find out. Remember to subscribe to us wherever you are listening to the show. Follow Avanti on Instagram or visit her website for more info.

Pune's rich history of cycling had taken a hit over the years. But thanks to groups and initiatives like Speaking Wheels, cycling is being reintroduced to Punekars as a leisure activity. We speak with Amit Gadgil and Rahul Nene of Speaking Wheels who are on a mission to take cycling back to those who had forgotten about it.  Don't forget to subscribe and share!

Welcome to Season 2 of The Punekar Podcast. As a part of a large family run business, Amit Paranjape of PSCL has worked hard to find his niche and make a mark for himself. An engineer, MBA and almost an IPL cricketer, Amit's story is an inspirational one that all youngsters must listen to. Remember to subscribe and follow us to stay updated about the upcoming episodes.

Mukta Chaitanya has completed Psychological First Aid course at Johns Hopkins University and worked as a member on the Cyber ​​Committee of the Women’s Commission. Mukta has received the Arun Sadhu Fellowship for 2019-20. Studies and research are being conducted under the Fellowship on 'Use and Consequences of Gaming and Porn Sites: Ages 8 to 18'. Also, a book called 'Screen Time' has been published for children and parents. She shares her views with Punekars on positively managing screen...

Saurabh Patvardhan is not a first-generation businessperson, but he's writing up a lot of firsts against his name. Founder of Kimaya Brewing Co. that's affectionately known as #PunyachiBeer (and rightly so!), he has blazed a trail that the traditional Punekar wouldn't have always thought of doing. The unique flavours of his beers and the ambitions and dreams he harbours for this space are truly unparalleled. Listen in as we talk to him about everything from what a craft beer is to what's...

Meet Padmashri Arvind Gupta, the man who revolutionized turning trash into seriously entertaining, well-designed toys that kids can build themselves while learning basic principles of science and design. He gave one of the most loved TED Talks of all times. Considered as one of Top50 innovators in the world, UNESCO advisor for science teaching, Arvind Gupta tells us why his provocative statement holds good - "The best thing that a child can do with a Toy is to Break it". He speaks to us about...

Electrical engineer, PhD., gypsy driver and robot cleaner. Meet Dr. Umesh Krishna, the wildlife activist who now works for tribal welfare. If ever there was a rollercoaster life story this is it! This Punekar has pretty much seen it and done it all. Tune in and listen to him in conversation with Siddharth Rahalkar about how an established engineer chose to follow his passion and is now working on making a “Strategy for Wildlife” about their conservation and improvement.

As a fourth generation leader of one of India's legendary businesses - Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale - Indraneel Chitale is responsible for navigating the business through its next phase of growth, while at the same time retaining its core values and connect with what gave it legendary status. We speak with him about how he is bringing about growth through new store formats, automation at the factory level and how the company navigated the tricky pandemic period and managed a positive outcome....

One of Pune's most-respected IT professionals, Deepak Shikarpur has spent a lifetime setting up, growing and nurturing businesses. An author of 41 books, his insight into IT and related fields is second to none. Having played a pivotal role in the growth of the IT industry in Pune, he is now dedicated to the growth of professionals and entrepreneurs in Pune through his latest venture - IT Career Counselling. In a freewheeling chat with The Punekar, Deepak shares his life's journey, his...

A Punekar himself, he shares how India is tackling the epidemic, status of vaccine manufacturing, the personal story of a researcher and why we should not let our guard down.