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Beautification of Shanwarwada in Pune

Dear Sir,
It was heartening to know that after a long long time, PMC finally took action for the beautification of Shanwar Wada in Pune. It is high time that we not only have the light and sound shows but take restoration activities. We must restore sites such as Raigad, Panhala, Sinvagad and Pratapgad (the forts which were residences of Shivaji one time or the other). Also, it is high time to restore Nana Phadnis's wada opposite Shanwarwada, which had been converted into a municipal school. The restorations are common in the US, the famous being 'Ford's theater' in Washington DC, where President Lincoln was assassinated in 1864 and 'Mount Vernon' where George Washington had his estate in 1788. Though, Shanwarwada is in ruins, I believe that a reasonable restoration should not be a problem since the base foundation and outward design are still visible. Initially a model could be built and experts could be contacted for the restoration. If such a activity is forthcoming, the NRIs would definitely support the funding. In the mean time, Kudos to PMC for a noteworthy effort.

Pradeep Sathe. U.S.