Pune: Sri Pune Gujarati Bandhu Samaj Sangathan has been functioning for the past 111 years in the culturally rich city of Pune, Maharashtra, continuously engaging in philanthropic activities for the Gujarati community living there. Now, the organization is presenting another gift to the Gujaratis of Pune. It has constructed a modern Gujarati Bhavan and Sports and Convention Centre, and the Vastu Poojan of the building will be performed on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

Nainesh Nandu, Joint Managing Trustee of Sri Pune Gujarati Bandhu Samaj, told the media, “The Gujaratis of Pune founded this organization in 1913. In 1986, the organization purchased six acres of land. There was extensive brainstorming on how this land could best serve the Gujarati community, and it was eventually decided to build a Gujarati Bhavan. The foundation was laid in 2013 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi. Some key figures involved in the land acquisition include my father, Muljibhai Nandu, Dyalal Shah, and Suratwala. Initially, there was a plan to construct a hostel for students on this land, but that idea was later abandoned, and the decision to build the complex and Gujarati Bhavan was finalized.”

The construction of the Gujarati Bhavan is now complete, and its Vastu Poojan will take place during Diwali. The building, comprising six floors, also includes the Jayraj Sports and Convention Center. Spanning 2.2 lakh sq. ft., the Gujarati Bhavan is equipped with modern amenities. The Sports Center includes a badminton court, table tennis court, billiards room, and gymnasium, all built to international standards. Additionally, modern facilities such as a swimming pool, banquet hall, restaurant offering a variety of cuisines, a separate food court for Gujarati snacks, a mini theatre, spa, library (with English and Gujarati books), conference room, salon, guest rooms, and suites are available. There is also parking for 250 cars, a waterfall café, and an open-air garden restaurant. The building has been beautifully constructed with all these modern amenities.

The Gujarati Bhavan will be open to the public by March 2025. Approximately 2.5 to 3 lakh Gujaratis live in Pune, and all of them will benefit from this new facility. DeshGujarat