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The PEOPLE

Vyankatrao Bhatanel

Vasundhara Mitra

Vyankatrao Bhatanel is the Principal and CEO of Gramprabodhini Salumbre village and also the Founder of ‘Pavanaamai Utsav’, celebrated by 47 villages on the bank of river Pavana. The speciality of the event entails participation of students, villagers, elected members of Grampanchayat and youth. He emphasises on the need environmental and river protection is one that is appreciated by all. This also led to newly wedded brides worshipping Pavanaamai, making it a yearly ritual since 1994. He organises various events to avoid pollution and for protection of river Pavanaamai.