Pune: Veteran Cricketer Chandu Borde Reflects on Childhood at Somwar Peth Police Colony’s 100th Anniversary
Pune, 22nd October 2024: The historic Somwar Peth Police Colony, established during the British era, celebrated its centenary with a grand event on Sunday. Veteran cricketer Chandu Borde, who spent his childhood in the colony, was the chief guest, sharing nostalgic memories of growing up in the tight-knit community.
The Somwar Peth Police Colony, founded on 20th October 1924, was originally surrounded by dense forests and agricultural land. Over the years, as Pune developed, the colony evolved from simple squatter houses into more formal residential buildings. Despite the urbanization around it, the colony has maintained its close-knit community spirit, where people from various castes and religions live together harmoniously, celebrating all festivals with enthusiasm.
The centenary celebration, organized by the Somwar Peth Police Colony Centenary Celebration Committee, took place on the colony premises and was attended by notable figures such as Chandu Borde, Deputy Director of the Land Records Department Rajendra Gole, Marathi actor-director Praveen Tarde, and senior police officers. During the event, Borde was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to cricket, and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Deputy Commissioner Kishori Shinde received a special award.
Borde spoke fondly about his upbringing in the Police Colony, recalling how he learned to play cricket there. “My father was in the police force, and we lived in a small room in the colony. I grew up playing cricket here and formed lifelong friendships. The colony shaped my early years, and I cherish the memories I made here,” Borde shared, reminiscing about his close connection with the community.
The event also featured speeches from Rajendra Gole and Praveen Tarde, both of whom praised the strong sense of unity and tradition in the Police Colony. The celebration saw active participation from current residents of the colony, including police personnel and their families, as well as ex-police officers and their families who had moved out but returned to be part of the special occasion.
The program was coordinated by Anil Jagtap, President of the Somwar Peth Police Colony Centenary Celebration Committee, along with Vice President Prakash Chavan and Coordinator Dilip Shinde.
