What does it take to build an institution around ideas? The story of @PuneIntCentre began with a vision to reconnect #Pune with its rich tradition of intellectual leadership—and create an independent space where ideas could be debated, diverse perspectives could meet, and knowledge could contribute to better policy. From the individuals who believed in the idea and helped build it, to the campus that became a space for research, dialogue, art and exchange, the making of PIC is ultimately a story of people, purpose and a shared belief in the power of ideas. Watch the full video - ‘Foundations of the Future: The Making of Pune International Centre’. 🔗youtu.be/sJtR1R1u5p0 @rameshmashelkar @dinakholkar @Girbane @arti60 @Artikirloskar @aparanjape

In his latest opinion piece in The Tribune, Amb. (Retd.) Gautam Bambawale, Trustee, PIC, examines China’s response to India’s move to standardise the names of 28 places in Ladakh. He argues that Beijing’s objections raise questions about consistency in its position on territorial claims and administrative boundaries. The article calls for frank, direct dialogue between India and China to address the boundary dispute and work towards a more stable relationship.

From helping lead the development of India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle, SLV-III, to spearheading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam played a defining role in advancing India’s capabilities in space and defence technology. As the 11th President of India, he brought the same conviction to his vision of a developed nation—one built on science, innovation, education and the potential of its people. His vision extended beyond scientific achievement. Through his writings, particularly Wings of Fire, India 2020 and Ignited Minds, and his sustained engagement with students, he inspired generations to think ambitiously, pursue knowledge and contribute to nation-building. On his birth anniversary, we remember a scientist, statesman and educator whose legacy reminds us that ideas must be matched by inquiry, innovation and purposeful action. At PIC, this belief resonates with our commitment to research, dialogue and ideas that contribute to India’s long-term development.

In his latest article in @livemint, Dr. Ajit Ranade, Senior Fellow, PIC, examines how the work of Nobel laureates Robert Hall and Michael Woodford has shaped our understanding of economic fluctuations, monetary policy and economic stability. The article reflects on the continuing challenges of stabilising modern economies, the role of central banks in managing inflation and employment, and the implications for India’s monetary and fiscal policy.

PIC hosted a panel discussion titled “Is All Well with the PLA?”, bringing together experts in defence, military affairs and strategic analysis to examine the current state of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its implications for regional security. | This was part of the recently concluded 'China Conference'. The panel featured @nitingokhale, Founder of StratNews Global; Brig. @anshu217 (Retd.), Founder of Atma Nirbhar Soch; Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd), Adjunct Honorary Fellow at the National Maritime Foundation; and @Suyash_Desai, Non-Resident Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. The discussion examined recent leadership purges, internal organisational challenges and China’s continued military modernisation. Panellists explored how corruption and changes in military leadership could affect the PLA’s operational effectiveness, alongside its growing capabilities in joint operations, maritime warfare and military infrastructure. The session also considered China’s evolving military posture towards India and Taiwan, developments along the India-China border, increased military exercises and strategies of incremental territorial expansion, highlighting their implications for regional security and stability. Watch the recording here: youtu.be/IlEkkY3Ft_8?si=yd1S… @rameshmashelkar @dinakholkar @Girbane @aparanjape

Pune International Centre (PIC) cordially invites you to a special screening of Farming the Revolution, a film by @nishthajaan. Set during the COVID lockdown, the film takes us to the heart of the year-long protests against the newly enacted farm laws. Over half a million protesters, from every generation, religion, class and caste, reinvented co-existence at vast protest sites on the borders of Delhi. It is an intimate look at the everyday textures and indomitable spirit of a historic farmers' movement. Winner of multiple international awards, including: 🏆 Best International Feature Documentary, Hot Docs 2024 🏆 Best Feature Documentary, Society for Visual Anthropology Film Festival 2025 🏆 Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary, Tasveer Film Seattle 2025 Date: 11th October 2026 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Tea & Registration: 4:30 PM Free and open for all | Registration is mandatory 🔗forms.cloud.microsoft/r/juiM… 📍Venue: Auditorium, Pune International Centre, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune

In his latest column for #FinancialExpress, PIC Member @rahulrenavikar examines the procedural changes India Inc. is seeking ahead of the 57th GST Council meeting, covering input tax credit, e-invoicing, inverted duty structures and #GST compliance thresholds. The column looks at how simplifying rules and processes could make GST compliance more efficient and responsive for businesses.

Democracy is only as strong as the institutions that deliver it closest to citizens. But what does it take to make local elections timely, credible and institutionally robust? This question shaped a recent roundtable at Pune International Centre, “Strengthening Democracy at the Local Level: Governance and Electoral Reforms,” bringing together election officials, policymakers, researchers and practitioners to examine some of the institutional challenges facing local democracy. The discussion (2nd roundtable in the series) was honoured by the presence and insights of Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, State Election Commissioner of Union Territories; Shri Dinesh Waghmare, State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra; and Shri Suresh Kakani, Secretary, State Election Commission, alongside senior election officials, elected representatives and experts, including Shri J. S. Saharia, former State Election Commissioner, Maharashtra, among others. The conversation went beyond the conduct of elections to examine electoral integrity, election financing, delimitation, the timely conduct of local elections, and the institutional challenges faced by State Election Commissions. At PIC, we believe that strong democracy depends not only on elections, but on the institutions, processes and governance systems that make those elections work. Strengthening democracy at the local level is therefore central to strengthening democratic governance itself.

Climate Week Screenings at PIC 🎞️ An evening of powerful storytelling and thoughtful conversation at Pune International Centre. As part of Climate Week, we screened two short documentaries exploring the relationship between water, land and the communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on them: Amu Darya: River to the Missing Sea and Stubble: The Farmer’s Bane. The screenings were followed by an engaging audience discussion hosted by Ms. Pooja R Bhale, Founder & Director, PROTECTERRA ECOLOGICAL FOUNDATION, offering an opportunity to reflect on the environmental challenges explored through the films. At PIC, we believe that bringing stories, perspectives and people together is an important part of deepening public understanding and encouraging meaningful dialogue on sustainability. Film 1: Amu Darya: River to the Missing Sea (28 min) Check out the trailer!- youtube.com/watch?v=jfmE0PSV… Film 2: Stubble: the Farmer's Bane (35 min) Check out the trailer!- youtube.com/watch?v=O_-6BkiM…

In his @livemint article, “How the Tata legacy echoes Gandhi’s idea of trusteeship,” Dr. Ajit Ranade, Senior Fellow, PIC, examines how the Tata Group’s distinctive ownership structure reflects this enduring principle.

On #GandhiJayanti, we remember Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth, non-violence and service. His belief in the power of purposeful action continues to remind us that progress must be thoughtful, inclusive and rooted in the common good. At Pune International Centre, this spirit resonates with our commitment to inclusive innovation, meaningful dialogue and ideas that translate into positive societal impact—working towards a more equitable, peaceful and sustainable future. Wishing everyone a thoughtful Gandhi Jayanti.

Honoring a Visionary: Prof. Amitav Mallik (1938 – 2026) The Pune International Centre (PIC) honors the lifelong dedication and enduring legacy of our revered Founding Trustee, Prof. Amitav Mallik, who passed away on 24th September 2026—the day of PIC’s 16th Foundation Day. As an institution he helped establish, shape, and guide from its very inception, we dedicate ourselves to carrying forward the vital work he began. Prof. Mallik’s life stands as a testament to an extraordinary intellectual journey that bridged cutting-edge strategic science with a profound commitment to environmental sustainability. Beginning his career as a research scientist in 1966, he dedicated decades to national security, serving as the Founder-Director of DRDO’s Laser Science and Technology Centre (LASTEC) where his pioneering work anchored India’s high-power laser technology. A recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri in 2002, his strategic insights guided the nation through his roles on the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and as India’s Adviser for Defence Technology in Washington, D.C., where he worked to strengthen critical India-US cooperation. In his later years, Prof. Mallik brought that same profound foresight to public policy, serving as an Adviser to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and pioneering local climate-action frameworks at PIC. As the original head of our environmental initiatives, he steered the roadmap for a carbon-neutral Pune and laid the foundational groundwork for what has today evolved into the Centre for Sustainable Energy & Mobility (C-SEM). He led with scientific rigor, editing PIC's book Sustainable and Climate Resilient Development for India, alongside authoring seminal global works on space security, directed energy weapons, and technology dynamics. In his paper ‘Outstanding Indian Achievers and Their Quest for an Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Major General Nitin Gadkari (Retd.) (Former Director, PIC) had covered Prof. Amitav Mallik’s extraordinary contributions to science, technology, national security and India’s journey towards self-reliance. Read the paper here. puneinternationalcentre.org/… As PIC moves forward, the immense legacy of a leader who poured so much into building this institution remains permanently etched into our values and mission. His lifetime of dedication to science, public discourse, and the planet remains a guiding blueprint for our path. Our highest respect and thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the community of thinkers inspired by his life's work.