Independence Day is not just a date, but a day that connects every citizen of India to our roots of freedom that lie in unity and pride.. The meaning of this national celebration is seen in a distinctly different way than in Pune, or as many know it “The Oxford of the East.” With its unique extraction of history, youth, and culture in the air, August 15th becomes an unforgettable day for students and Punekars.
A Quick Flashback: Pune’s Role in India’s Freedom Movement
Even before we think about the 2025 celebrations, it is worth recalling that Pune has been an epicenter for revolutionary thought since the days before independence. The streets of Pune have been the backdrop of revolutionary processes, from the proclamations of self-rule by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to the work of social reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.
Pune is home to historic reminders of its time as a key origin site for Indian independence, as represented by monuments like the Aga Khan Palace (Yerwada), Kesari Wada (Narayan Peth) and Shaniwar Wada.
Respecting the Flag: A Thought We Can’t Ignore
As Pune’s streets come alive with colour this Independence Day, we must ask ourselves where the flags go post 15th August?
Typically, on the next day, paper flags are littered upon the roads in a wretched condition. Should we really be treating our Tricolour in this way? If we cannot show our flag respect, we probably shouldn’t buy it.
National flags are not worth ₹10 or ₹20. It is the pride of our country and it represents our unique identity in this world of nations. If we sincerely wish to celebrate the spirit of independence, we do not have to wave about a one-use flag, we need to keep the spirit of patriotism in our hearts, along with respect for the representation of our country.
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This Independence Day, let’s say NO to paper flags and yes to celebrating our independence of thought, expression and wisdom. Hoisting by institutions is sufficient; every individual does not need to buy a flag that is inevitably going to be litter.
Independence Day 2025 in Pune: What to Expect
This year, amidst India’s 79th Independence Day celebration, Pune colleges, institutions, and community organizations are preparing to make the celebrations richer and more inclusive. Below is a preview of events taking place in the city:
1. Flag Hoisting Ceremonies across the Campuses
From Fergusson College (FC Road) to MIT-WPU (Kothrud), Symbiosis International University (Lavale), and Savitribai Phule Pune University (Ganeshkhind), students are excited and ready for flag-hoisting ceremonies.
The big morning for flag hoisting begins with the tri-coloured flag being hoisted and singing the national anthem, followed by cultural programs that include patriotic plays, songs, and dance.
Many colleges will use eco-friendly decorations by swapping plastic flags for paper or cloth flags, and students will be encouraged to plant saplings in their campus lawns as they do at Bharati Vidyapeeth (Dhankawadi) and COEP Technological University (Shivajinagar).
2. Cultural and Patriotic Competitions:
Expect poetry recitals, street plays (nukkad natak) on social issues, debates on India’s development, and poster-making competitions at venues like Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir (Jangli Maharaj Road) and Sudarshan Rangmanch (Shaniwar Peth). This year, it seems to be centered around the slogan “Nation First, Always First,” potentially in line with the government’s promotion of unity and onus of responsibility.
3. Heritage Walks and Historical Tours:
Student groups and NGOs are leading heritage walks to locations of importance:
Aga Khan Palace, Yerwada – where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai were imprisoned.
Kesari Wada, Narayan Peth – the centre of publications and nationalistic activities by Lokmanya Tilak.
Shaniwar Wada, Shaniwar Peth – a showcase of Pune’s Maratha history
These walks tend to be early-morning outings to preserve as much of the day as possible ending in a flag hoist and storytelling session about Pune’s role in India’s movement for independence.
4. Tricolour-Themed Food & Fashion:
Cafés and restaurants along FC Road, Viman Nagar, Baner, and Koregaon Park have all special tricolour menus. Think saffron, white, and green mocktails at The Vohuman Café, Independence Day-themed cupcakes at the German Bakery and tri-shade dosas at Vaishali.
Students are also doing their own tricolour outfits, badges from Tulshibaug Market and hand-painted T-shirts from the streets stalls of Hong Kong Lane,
5. Social Initiatives by Students:
Meanwhile NSS (National Service Scheme) units from various colleges like Modern College (Shivajinagar) and SP College (Tilak Road) are engaged in blood donation camps, cleanliness drive at Sarasbaug and fund-raising events for NGOs like Seva Sahayog Foundation.
6. Evening Cultural Programs & Live Performances:
The morning is reserved for official events, but in Pune, the evening will see music and cultural events at:
Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, JM Road – patriotic musical nights.
Shaniwar Wada Open Air Grounds – Cultural dance performances and historical plays .
Phoenix Marketcity, Viman Nagar – live bands and young people performances in a patriotic flavour.
Independence Day Safety & Etiquette in Pune:
Use eco-friendly flags-give these countries some respect and do not litter.
Use less of the loud firecrackers, and be more musically and creatively celebratory.
Stay hydrated and plan your timing thinking about the traffic towards the other key places like Shaniwar Wada, JM Road area and Koregoan park.
Campus Times Pune Special: How Well Do Punekars Know India?
Last year, the Campus Times Pune team, in addition to its many events and celebrations, wanted to understand how enlightened Punekars really are. In their Independence Day Special, they took to Big Bazaar (then Premier Plaza), Pimpri Chinchwad, asking random people easy questions related to India. The results were a mix of surprising knowledge and some shocking gaps in enlightening awareness.
You can watch that fun street interview video here: WATCH – How Well Do ‘Punekars’ Know India | Independence Day Special.
Campus Times Pune is an initiative taken by some enthusiastic students of Pune to entertain the “Netizens” by providing cool and trending content online. Articles from contributors who prefer keeping their identity anonymous, are published under our authorship. You can contact us with your articles by sending them to “911@campustimespune.com”
