Pune, Oct 17: Deepak Mankar, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Pune president, welcomed the judgment of the Bombay High Court regarding the historical site Bhidewada in Pune, stating that it has now paved the way for Bhidewada to be recognized as a national monument.
Bhide Wada holds historical significance as it was the starting point for the country’s first girls’ school, initiated by Mahatma Jotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Mankar, who has actively advocated for Bhidewada to be declared a national monument, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the building’s inspirational role for women.
Mankar acknowledged the efforts of NCP leader and state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is working towards developing Bhidewada into a national monument. He mentioned that the recent judgment by the Bombay High Court in favor of land acquisition for the memorial will expedite the process of transforming Bhidewada into a national monument.
The legal battle involved tenants of Bhidewada filing a petition against the land acquisition for the memorial. Monday’s hearing at the Bombay High Court resulted in a verdict in favor of granting the land for the memorial, bringing relief to Mankar and supporters of the cause.
Mankar expressed gratitude to the state government, Pune Municipal Corporation, lawyers Nisha Chavan, and the people of Maharashtra for their continuous support in making Bhidewada a national monument. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to posthumously confer Bharat Ratna on Savitribai Phule, recognizing her significant contributions to women’s upliftment in the country.
Highlighting Savitribai Phule’s role in the women’s education revolution, Mankar emphasized that she deserves the highest civilian award, and he hopes for the declaration of Bharat Ratna in her honor.”
