Vasant Vyakhyanmala a century old lecture series kicks off in Pune

Pune: Vasant Vyakhanmala, the traditional annual spring lecture series, commenced in the city on Monday. The organisers will be conducting lectures from April 21 to May 20.
The tradition to hold the lecture series was started by Lokmanya Tilak and Justice M.G Ranade in the 19th century with an aim to educate Punekars. After 140 years, the tradition is still being followed. The topics to be discussed are culture and arts, civic issues, health, science, economics, governance, history, etc.
The Vyakhanmala is held every year in the month of April or May. People can attend the lectures at Tilak Smarakh Mandir at Tilak Road and the tickets are available at Rs 5 per session and Rs 100 for the entire season.
"We are expecting more participation from people this year, as it is important for them to engage themselves in such events in which they can be more informed and educated," said Shamakant Mendale, a member of the organising committee.
The event kicked off with a lecture by Dr H V Sardesai on the changes in medical sector in the past few years. Eminent personalities including Avinash Dhamadhikari, Mahesh Athavle, P K Dhankar, Harshavardhan Patil, Kiran Purandare, Shaila Datar, Hamid Dabholkar and others are expected to deliver lectures during the event.