The Maharashtra Cabinet has officially approved the renaming of Pune’s Lohegaon Airport to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport. This decision, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, honors the 17th-century saint, Sant Tukaram Maharaj, who was a central figure in the Bhakti movement and a beloved spiritual leader known for his devotional poetry.
The move holds both historical and cultural significance, as Sant Tukaram spent his early life in Lohegaon, where the airport is situated. His contributions to promoting spiritual equality and devotion through his poetic works make this renaming deeply meaningful for the local community. Sant Tukaram’s writings, especially his Abhanga poems, continue to resonate widely, making him an enduring symbol of devotion and unity.
The proposal was put forward by Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, who shared his gratitude to the state government for approving the name change. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has also backed the move, assuring that he will push for the proposal’s swift approval by the central government. The final nod from the central government is now awaited.
This renaming is part of broader efforts to honor influential figures from Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring that their legacies are celebrated in public spaces. The renaming is expected to strengthen the cultural identity of Pune, a city with deep historical ties to the Bhakti movement and its saints.
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Sant Tukaram’s life and teachings have long been central to Maharashtra’s spiritual landscape, and renaming the airport after him solidifies his place in the region’s legacy. Once the central government approves the proposal, Pune’s international airport will carry the official name Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport, Pune.
