Our History

One Fine Evening that connected the light and the darkness, day and night by keeping the pace of nature intact was a special evening. That evening was destined to sow the seeds of the creation of a special centre filled with enthusiasm and constructive activities.

It was the year 1970, Pune city, Mandai (Martyr Babu Genu Chowk). 7 young men with fierce bodies and a bright vision were sitting at the Vitthal temple in the Wada of Freedom Fighter G.H. Darode. This was the first place where the new ideas were presented. The topic of Mangala Murthy’s festival was a lively discussion witnessed by God and Goddess (Vitthal Rakhumai) and these 7 young men Srikant Bhosale, Vasant Hagwane, Lakhan Pardeshi, Suresh Shastri, Jayant Kute, Vishwas Shitole, and Shivaji Mujumale.

There was an intention to establish a Sarvajanik Mandal (Common Public Board). Everyone picked up that plate with one voice and one vote and decided to bring the circle into existence. Now, the question was what to name it. Suddenly Lakhkhan Pardeshi shouted in a voice full of spirit, Friends, the name of our circle will be ‘Hutatma Babu Genu Tarun Mandal’!

Babu Genu Said was born to a farmer family in the village of Mahalunge Padwal. He was a mill worker in Bombay who led protests against the trade practices of British companies in India. He played an important role in the Indian Independence Movement.

The work began onwards the day of Mangal Utsav of Mangal Murthy. It was quite challenging in the beginning due to a lack of support. Our hearts were full but not our pockets. However, there was one thing we had and that was a huge faith & trust in beloved lord Ganesha. This way the search began, the brainstorming began and the work finally started.

We first received a helping hand from Mr. Prakash Dabhade which was huge financial support for us. Another helping hand was quite surprising, A couple named Fida Hussain and his wife stepped forward and kept a hearty wish and gave some cash that gave a lot of support and movement to the work.

The center was soon established as Mandal and received its separate and proud place under the skyline of Pune with unforgettable spectacular performances that showered millions of people with joy and excitement.

Sculptor Khedekar made the first Idol (Murti) of Ganesha but it became too heavy. We were unable to lift and move it due to which we had to immerse the idol in a procession that year. But that Murti left the Mandal with a lot of fame.

The eyepopping dekhavas(scenes) became the specialty of the Mandal. Countless Ganesh devotees kept coming to Jugalbandi every year. The city continued to flourish with such beautiful gatherings. The plume of light continued to form. That path has never been blocked.

The program of the Mandal was started and continued throughout the year. New men and willing participants were recruited. The square was colourful on Rang Panchami. The birth anniversary of the founder of Swarajya “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated too. The name of Martyr Babu Genu was being carried by revolutionary awareness and the huge popularity of Dahi Handi was rising layer by layer. Then we thought more carefully and decided to start doing subtle but important things.