With the aim of entertaining senior citizens, fostering positivity, enriching their lives, and encouraging their participation in social service, the annual ‘Khasdar Jyeshtha Nagrik Sanskritik Mahotsav’ will be held on February 14 and 15 at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium, Reshimbag. Organised by the Jyeshtha Nagrik Pratishthan in line with the vision of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and senior leader Datta Meghe, this year marks the fourth edition of the festival. Over the years, the festival has featured eminent personalities such as veteran filmmaker Rajdutt, actors Jeetendra and Mithun Chakraborty, lyricist Sameer, singers Nitin Mukesh, Shiva Choudhary and Anup Jalota, actress Vandana Gupte, and actor Shekhar Sen.

 

The festival will be inaugurated on Saturday, February 14, at 10.30 am by noted actress Padmini Kolhapure, a three-time Filmfare Award winner known for her contributions to Hindi and Marathi cinema. The inaugural ceremony will be presided over by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, with senior leader Datta Meghe prominently present. Following the inauguration, Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient Suresh Wadkar will present a musical concert. This information was shared by Dr Raju Mishra, Secretary; and Datta Meghe, senior leader. Ramesh Mankar, Dr Sanjay Ugemuge, Prof Anil Sole, Avinash Ghushe, Narayan Samarth, Ashok Mankar, Prabhakar Yeole, were present at the press conference.

 

On Sunday, February 15, at 10.30 am, renowned poet-lyricist-composer duo Salil Kulkarni and Sandeep Khare will present the popular Marathi programme ‘Ayushyavar Bolu Kahi’. The event will also be attended by noted Marathi actress, writer, and social activist Nishigandha Wad. During the two-day festival, senior citizens who have made exceptional contributions across various fields and played a vital role in social development will be felicitated. Entry to the festival is free, though passes are mandatory. Free passes can be collected between 12 pm and 4 pm from the Suresh Bhat Auditorium, the Jyeshtha Nagrik Pratishthan office, and the Nitin Gadkari Jan Sampark Karyalaya. Organisers have appealed to senior citizens and the general public to attend the festival in large numbers.