Pune, often hailed as the educational capital of Maharashtra, attracts thousands of students from rural and urban corners of the state. However, many of these young minds face the harsh reality of financial constraints, especially when it comes to accessing conducive study spaces or libraries. Recognizing this pressing need, the Punit Balan Group (PBG) has stepped forward with a powerful initiative to bridge this educational gap.

Led by its dynamic President and young entrepreneur Punit Balan, PBG will establish a state-of-the-art Study Centre and Library for underprivileged students in Pune. The foundation ceremony of this ambitious project was recently performed by Punit Balan himself. The centre is a tribute to his mother-in-law, Sou. Shobha Rasiksheth Dhariwal, whose name it will proudly bear, signifying a commitment to nurturing knowledge.

Empowering Dreams: Free Access to Opportunity

What makes this initiative truly remarkable is its inclusive approach. The facility will be completely free for needy students, especially those arriving from remote and underdeveloped regions of Maharashtra. The new centre will not only offer them a quiet, well-equipped space to study but will also serve as a hub of hope, where financial background will no longer dictate educational success.

“Some students’ financial condition is poor, but they are not impoverished intellectually,” said Punit Balan. This quote embodies the spirit of the project to empower through education, not charity. With uninterrupted access to learning materials, clean and secure study rooms, and possibly digital resources in the future, the centre will help shape future scholars, professionals, and nation-builders.

A Grand Design Rooted in Social Responsibility

The facility will span an impressive 7,500 sq. ft., spread over two storeys, and will be located on the premises of the Shree Vruddheshwar-Siddheshwar Mandir Devsthan Trust. This location was carefully chosen for its cultural and communal relevance, ensuring that the centre becomes a part of the city's social fabric. Architect Shirish Kembhavi has been entrusted with the design, promising a blend of modern infrastructure and thoughtful spatial planning. 

Present at the ceremony were notable members of the Trust, including President Hanumantrao Bahirat-Patil, Secretary Sudhir Durge, Treasurer Shashikant Bhosale, and Trustee Sanjay Satpute. This collaboration between civil society and a progressive private group like PBG reflects the power of public-private synergy in bringing real change. Beyond this project, PBG has made commendable contributions in education, sports, healthcare, and spirituality, even extending their initiatives as far as Kashmir.