PUNE NAGAR VACHAN MANDIR
Giving Boost to Literacy for 2 Centuries Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir was established on 7th February 1848 by Lokhitavadi Gopal Hari Deshmukh with help from British high officials and active involvement of the Governor of Bombay Sir, George Russel Clerke. The library was situated on ground floor of Budhwar Wada built by Peshva Bajirao II. This wada was destroyed by fire and the library too suffered a heavy toll. The Salvaged books were shifted to nearby Nagarkar Wada where it continued its existence serving citizens of Poona It shifted to its present premises 181, Budhvar Peth, Laxmi Road near City Post Office in 1889 into its own building due to help of the then Governor of Bombay Lord Reay. Eminent personalities of Pune, Lokhitavadi Gopal Hari Deshmukh, Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, Krishnashastri Chiplunkar , Daji Nagarkar , Prof Chatre and others identified a plot of land nearby and collected donations…
lokhitavadi
SHATA PATRE- Letters 1848 AD- ideas of promoting education among the native populations. A letter published in 1848 under pen name “lokhitavadi” mentions that there are many schools in Poona. Literate population is not much aware about reading books on literature and other subjects. The then Governor of Bombay Province Henry Browne suggested establishing a public library in Poona by calling a meeting of community elders on 28th January. This was agreed to by the leaders present. Many of them were students of English schools , present and past. The sardars and other well to do were not enthusiastic and did not contribute funds towards this cause. However Rs1500 was collected. Ten members elected formed a committee but no more funds could be garnered. Then, a sub committee with a Librarian was formed. The Collector granted space in “Budhwar Wada” building and public library was inaugurated in the following month.…