29 July,2026 12:07 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. File Pic/PTI
Trustees of Vidya Pratishthan, an educational institution in Maharashtra's Baramati, have requested Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate a newly built dome on the institution's campus. The structure, named Prerna Sthal (Inspirational Site), houses a statue of Lord Buddha along with exhibits dedicated to several prominent social reformers and historical figures.
Pawar, who heads Vidya Pratishthan, has assured the trustees that he will seek an appointment with the Prime Minister to convey their request and formally extend the invitation for the inauguration.
The newly constructed dome has been developed on the Vidya Pratishthan campus in Baramati, a constituency long associated with Sharad Pawar. According to trustees, the facility has been designed as a space to educate and inspire visitors by highlighting the contributions of influential personalities from India's social and cultural history.
The exhibits feature Lord Buddha, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Ahilyadevi Holkar and Annabhau Sathe.
In addition to the exhibits, the complex includes a museum, a meditation hall and a yoga centre.
A trustee of Vidya Pratishthan said the institution has named the facility Prerna Sthal because it is intended to encourage visitors through the lives, ideas and achievements of the personalities featured inside.
"We are calling it 'Prerna Sthal' because it is intended to inspire visitors through the lives and work of these great personalities," the trustee said.
During Sharad Pawar's recent visit to inspect the project, the trustees requested him to invite Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate the facility.
"Pawar asked us to submit a formal letter from the institution and assured us that he would seek an appointment with the prime minister," the trustee said.
The development comes at a time when political discussions continue over the future of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sharad Pawar dismissed speculation about a possible merger between his faction and the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
Responding to questions from reporters in Mumbai, Pawar said, "It has no relevance."
Political circles in Maharashtra have witnessed renewed speculation in recent weeks over the possibility of the two NCP factions reuniting and a potential realignment with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, there has been no official announcement from either faction regarding such a move.
The request to invite Prime Minister Modi also comes days after Sharad Pawar met the Prime Minister in New Delhi on July 22. His daughter and Baramati MP Supriya Sule was also present during the meeting.
