Vibrant Pune Awards 2024: Celebrating Pune’s Trailblazers in Social Good and Digital Media

Pune, 29th September 2024: Punekar News, Pune’s leading news portal, successfully hosted the Punit Balan Group presents ‘Vibrant Pune’ event on 24th September 2024, at Residency Club, Camp.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of individuals and organizations doing commendable work and using digital media to showcase positive developments in Pune. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosle were the chief guests and presented the honours, adding significance to the occasion in the presence of Punekar News Founder Amit Singh, Managing Editor Mubarak Ansari and Consulting Editor Tikam Shekhawat. Also present were event sponsors Ruby Hall Clinic’s General Manager for Business Strategy and Operations, Natalie Grant Nanda, and Nyati Group’s Harish Shroff, Director of Sales, Marketing & Business Development.

The following awardees were honoured during the event:

1. Asha School: A Ray of Hope for Special Children

   Established in 1993, Asha School operates under the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). It has positively impacted the lives of over 2,000 children with various disabilities. The school, founded on the belief that children with special needs have the right to be included in mainstream society, focuses on the holistic development of every child. Asha School Principal Shilpa Sinha received the award.

2. Manjett Singh Virddi Foundation

   Founded by Manjett Singh Virddi, this Pune-based social development organization, established on 24th December 1998, embodies the belief that “humanity has no nationality.” It works to uplift underprivileged children, including those with visual impairments, developmental challenges, or serious health issues like cancer and AIDS. The foundation organizes special movie screenings, creating joyful experiences for these children, and has received over 285 awards for its efforts.

3. Neha Panchamiya – RESQ

   Neha Panchamiya founded RESQ in 2007 to provide emergency aid to animals in distress. The organization has helped thousands of animals across 200+ species and actively works to prevent human-animal conflict. RESQ impacts over 10,000 animals annually through rescue, medical aid, and rehabilitation.

4. Umesh Pawar – Aarambh Foundation

   Umesh Pawar founded Aarambh Foundation in 2013, focusing on sparrow conservation through the “Shelter for Sparrows” initiative. The foundation raises awareness about the declining sparrow population and offers a scientifically designed “Nest Box Kit.” Their motto, “Nurturing Nature, One Sparrow at a Time,” reflects their dedication to wildlife conservation.

5. Sneha Das – The_Hungry_hr

   Sneha Das combines her love for food and travel with her background in HR. Her page offers a blend of cuisine, culture, and travel tips, providing her audience with creative twists on traditional recipes and captivating travel stories.

6. Nilesh Sharad Mahajan

   A leading fireman with the Central Fire Brigade, Nilesh Mahajan has been serving for 17 years. He manages communication during fire incidents and engages with the media to ensure accurate reporting. His commitment to service is commendable.

7. Dimple Somji  

   A social media influencer and educationist, Dimple is a “mompreneur” who believes in giving back to society. She started her NGO, “With Love,” making charity a lifestyle. Dimple is also a fitness enthusiast and yoga advocate, speaking at wellness platforms.

8. JNC Design Studio

   Under the leadership of Rana Suthar, JNC Studio has been a leading name in Pune’s interior design industry for over two decades. With over 2,000 completed projects, the studio is known for its innovative and precise designs.

9. Amandeep Singh – BK3 Studios

   Founder of BK3 Studios, Amandeep Singh has over 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His studio specializes in podcast and video production, helping companies expand their reach through engaging content.

10. Piyush Supriya – Kothrudkarpune Instagram Page

   Piyush launched Kothrudkarpune during the lockdown, aiming to unite Pune’s community. His platform has become a go-to source for dining, events, and local culture, making him a beloved figure in the city.

11. Sachin Beldare – Chandrai Constructions

   Sachin, alongside his brothers Mangesh and Rakesh, leads Chandrai Constructions. The company has developed several iconic projects in Pune, with upcoming ventures featuring state-of-the-art amenities.

12. Abhijeet Jogdand

   A food and travel vlogger, Abhijeet showcases Maharashtra’s food culture in Marathi, connecting with the local community. His YouTube channel has earned him accolades, including the prestigious Silver Button.

13. Abhimanyu Kashalkar

   A passionate photographer and cyclist, Abhimanyu captures Pune’s landscapes and cultural heritage through his lens. His love for photography and marketing background help him showcase the city’s beauty.

14. Ishra Mulla

   A content creator originally from Goa, Ishra shares her love for food and travel on YouTube and Instagram. She has made Pune her creative base, capturing the city’s vibrant atmosphere and culture.

15. Rashmi Ghosh

   A researcher and mixed-media artist, Rashmi uses fractal geometry in her art to highlight India’s stepwells. Her work emphasizes water conservation and raises awareness about climate change.

16. Praveen Kumar Anand & Bhupesh Sharma – Anandvan Foundation

   Founders of Anandvan Foundation, the duo has led a movement to create urban forests in Pune. With over 55,000 trees planted and thousands of volunteers involved, their efforts have transformed 150 acres into green spaces.

17. Kausar Shaik

   At just 22 years old, Kausar has made her mark as a food blogger. With a dedicated following, she’s now pursuing her master’s degree, thanks to the success of her Instagram Reels.

18. Aniruddha Patil – Pune Eat Outs

   Founder of Pune Eat Outs, Aniruddha has built one of India’s largest food communities with over 200,000 members. His zero-commission food ordering platform has shaped Pune’s dynamic food scene.

19. Anuja Bali – Itti’s Skill School Foundation

   Anuja’s foundation focuses on experiential education and sustainable behavior change, skilling students and women for climate action. She’s also a certified waste management entrepreneur dedicated to a litter-free Swachh Bharat.

20. Raj Dagwar

   A TEDx speaker and mental health advocate, Raj founded the ‘Listeners Army,’ a community offering empathetic listening to those struggling with depression. His efforts promote mental health awareness in India.

21. Dr. Ganesh Rakh

   Leading the ‘Save Girl Child’ initiative for over 12 years, Dr. Rakh provides free medical treatment to women giving birth to girls at his Medicare Hospital. His initiative has inspired similar movements globally.

22. Siddhesh Dwivedi  

   A business development leader at ANSEC, Siddhesh has been modernizing the security services company by incorporating new technologies. His leadership has helped establish ANSEC as a major player in the sector.

23. Sayali Kanade

   A content creator from PCMC, Sayali captures Pune’s culture, festivals, and fitness lifestyle through her reels. As a social media manager, she reflects the true spirit of a Punekar.

24. Vishvajeet Vhanmore – LateShifter Beast

   Vishvajeet is a motorcycle enthusiast and content creator focused on road safety and responsible riding. His educational videos emphasize the importance of wearing proper gear and adhering to safety practices.