Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar has detailed the schedule for an upcoming high-profile gathering in Baramati. Addressing a press conference, he announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Baramati on November 3 to inaugurate the newly established Prerna Sthal located within the Vidya Pratishthan complex. Pawar, who presides as the chairman of the educational trust, confirmed that top state leaders and prominent corporate executives have been invited to mark the occasion.
Unveiling of the Buddha Statue and Memorial Space
According to the itinerary shared during the briefing, the Prime Minister will touch down at Baramati airport around 10:00 am. From the airstrip, he will proceed directly to the Vidya Pratishthan campus to dedicate Prerna Sthal, which has been set up inside the Nakshatra Garden and features an imposing four-tonne statue of Lord Buddha.
The venue has been designed to highlight prominent reformers and historical figures through an array of portraits and photographs. Visitors across the campus will see tributes to Rajmata Jijau, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Ahilyadevi Holkar, Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and Pawar's mother, Shardabai Pawar.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Participation
Alongside the memorial dedication, the visiting dignitaries will inspect the newly established Artificial Intelligence (AI) centre on campus, an advanced facility that already has 640 students enrolled. Prime Minister Modi and other guests will tour the setup to review its academic initiatives.
The guest list features prominent figures from governance and enterprise. Invitations have been extended to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar, Cyrus Poonawalla of Serum Institute, the head of Bharat Forge, and delegates from Microsoft. Pawar noted that Microsoft's leadership has formally accepted the invitation. The central gathering will commence at approximately 11:45 am, concluding with formal addresses by Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Fadnavis.
Drought Relief Stance and Remarks on Chief Election Commissioner
Beyond the institutional event, Pawar addressed critical administrative and political questions facing the region. He raised deep concern regarding severe drought conditions impacting multiple parts of Maharashtra, commending the state administration for setting partisan politics aside to deliver immediate relief to struggling populations.
When questioned about demonstrations seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Pawar cautioned that public resentment appears to be mounting steadily and urged the central government to take heed of the rising discontent.
