Mumbai, March 8 – 9, 2025 – As part of its commitment to driving values-led social transformation, AP Globale and its media arm Sakal Media Group, hosted the Shri Guru Paduka Darshan Festival at the NSCI Dome in Worli, Mumbai. The event marked the formal launch of the Bhakti-Shakti Platform, an initiative that seeks to align spiritual heritage with inclusive development goals.
The two-day gathering drew participation from over 30,000 citizens, offering the public an opportunity to witness the symbolic presence of 21 revered saints and gurus through their padukas (sacred footprints). The ceremony was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside key spiritual leaders and public representatives.
Bhakti-Shakti: A Convergence of Devotion and Development
Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the importance of integrating timeless values with modern governance. He noted that the teachings of saints have long provided moral and ethical direction to society, and platforms such as Bhakti-Shakti can play a critical role in reinforcing social harmony and national progress.
“ By experiencing the darshan of the 21 Guru padukas, we receive positive energy and wisdom. These saints have led society with their values, and the Bhakti-Shakti Platform aims to amplify these teachings to foster social harmony and national progress.”
– Devendra Fadnavis (Chief Minister of Maharashtra)
Abhijit Pawar, Chairman of AP Globale and Managing Director of Sakal Media Group, presented the platform’s broader vision, which includes the placement of Wish Boxes (IcchaPetis) and Service/Donation Boxes (DaanPetis) at temples across Maharashtra. The initiative is designed to collect insights and feedback from devotees, which will be analysed and shared with relevant stakeholders to inform social and governance-focused interventions.
“The union of Bhakti and Shakti represents the potential for social and economic transformation. By aligning governance, spiritual leadership, and community participation, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable society.”
– Abhijit Pawar, Chairman of AP Globale
He emphasised that when devotion (Bhakti) is combined with constructive action (Shakti), the result is a transformative force for collective growth. He also called for women’s leadership in community development, drawing from their traditional roles as carriers of both devotion and strength, in alignment with the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”).
Multi-Stakeholder Participation and Discourse
The ceremony featured participation from several public and spiritual leaders, including:
- Dr. Purushottam Rajimwale, Founder, Vishva Foundation
- Ashish Shelar, Minister of Culture
- Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Home Affairs
- Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development
- Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women and Child Development
Spiritual thought leader Prahlad Vamanrao Pai reiterated India’s potential to serve as a Vishwaguru (Global Teacher), with Bhakti and Shakti serving as dual pillars for sustained progress.
Renowned speaker Sri M delivered a keynote that focused on humility, self-realisation, and the need to internalise spiritual teachings for individual and collective evolution. He underscored that the true significance of such gatherings lies in translating ancient wisdom into contemporary values and behaviour.
Honouring India’s Spiritual Legacy
A specially created mandir within the venue housed the padukas of several eminent saints, including:
- Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj (Nevasa)
- Sant Tukaram Maharaj (Bhandara Dongar)
- Sant Namdev Maharaj (Ghuman)
- Sant Muktabai, Sant Janabai, Shri Swami Samarth, Shri Sai Baba, Shri Gajanan Maharaj, Samarth Ramdas Swami, among others.
The two-day program featured continuous darshan, spiritual discourses, devotional music, and cultural presentations. Accessibility arrangements were made for senior citizens and differently-abled attendees, ensuring inclusive participation.
Key Objectives and Measured Impact
The Shri Guru Paduka Ceremony was conceptualised to honour Maharashtra’s spiritual heritage while encouraging community-led social initiatives. The event aimed to:
- Strengthen spiritual connections across demographics
- Preserve and promote the cultural values of the Maharashtrian saint tradition
- Encourage inclusive community participation
- Disseminate messages related to social harmony and well-being
Impact Metrics:
- 30,000+ attendees from diverse backgrounds
- Multi-platform media coverage reaching millions
- 200+ volunteers supported ground execution
- Collaborative planning with local civic bodies and religious groups
Way Forward
AP Globale envisions scaling the Bhakti-Shakti Platform across Maharashtra in the coming years. Future editions will expand partnerships with temples, civic institutions, spiritual organisations, and community networks to embed spiritual values in development-focused actions.
About AP Globale
AP Globale (APG) is a purpose-driven strategic group based in Pune, India, operating at the intersection of media, education, skilling, investments, policy advisory, community transformation, and events. With a vision to align economic progress with societal well-being, APG builds sustainable platforms that address India’s developmental priorities through ecosystem partnerships and long-term impact.
