India’s Balancing Act Between the U.S. and China In #TheHindu’s View from India podcast, former Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale (Trustee, PIC) examines India’s position amid shifting global power dynamics and explains why the debate around de-dollarisation may be overstated. He highlights that while alternative currencies may have a role in trade settlements, the US dollar continues to dominate as the world’s reserve currency and store of value. At Pune International Centre, we value informed perspectives on geopolitics, global economic shifts and their implications for India. Watch the full conversation: youtube.com/watch?v=_78DZEfX… @rameshmashelkar @dinakholkar @Girbane @aparanjape

महाराष्ट्रातील युवकांसाठी रोजगाराच्या संधी, कौशल्य विकास आणि उद्योगांच्या गरजा यांमधील समन्वयावर चर्चासत्र आयोजित केले होते. ‘#महाराष्ट्र हँडबुक ऑफ यूथ ऑपॉर्च्युनिटी’ च्या माध्यमातून युवकांसाठी अधिक व्यापक आणि समतोल संधी निर्माण करण्याबाबत विविध तज्ञांसोबत चर्चा झाली. त्याविषयी, @LoksattaLive मध्ये - @guptar @FOIFAction

First time at @PuneIntCentre - an early morning event Do come and be part of the celebrations and also support our local artisans @rameshmashelkar @aparanjape @sunandanlele @Girbane @Vporia @vandanahchavan @VGokhale59 @MCCIA_Pune

Maharashtra Handbook of Youth Opportunity Launched at PIC Following the launch, Ms. Ruchi Gupta @guptar, Executive Director, Future of India Foundation @FOIFAction, presented an overview of the handbook, its key findings and the YouthPOWER framework—Participation, Opportunity, Work, Education and Readiness (Skilling). Assessing youth opportunities across Maharashtra’s 36 districts, the handbook highlights disparities, with Mumbai recording the highest score of 65.6 and Gadchiroli the lowest at 39.6. The launch was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ajit Ranade, Senior Fellow, PIC, featuring Ms. Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra; Dr. Nitin Kareer, Trustee, PIC and former Chief Secretary, Maharashtra; Mr. Prashant @Girbane, Director General, @MCCIA_Pune; and Ms. Amruta Bahulekar, CEO, Lighthouse Communities. The discussion explored how district-level strengths, industry, skills and enterprise can create more meaningful employment opportunities for young people. Ms. Gupta highlighted the gap between rising aspirations and job quality; Dr. Kareer stressed the importance of identifying district strengths and sustaining industrial growth; Ms. Verma outlined initiatives around district planning, decentralised clusters and emerging technology skills; Mr. Girbane emphasised stronger links between MSMEs and youth; and Ms. Bahulekar highlighted the importance of dignity and belonging at work. An interactive Q&A extended the conversation to AI, tourism skills, ITI curricula, domestic employment and India’s position in relation to China. The discussion reinforced a central message: creating youth opportunity requires more than generating jobs—it calls for locally grounded strategies, relevant skills and quality employment. #PuneInternationalCentre #YouthOpportunity #Maharashtra #YouthPOWER #SkillDevelopment #Employment #PublicPolicy

What does youth opportunity look like across Maharashtra—and how can it become more equitable? With 3.16 crore young people across 36 districts, the challenge is to expand opportunity beyond state averages and address differences in jobs, education, skills and participation. Join us today (Monday, 26th Oct) for the launch of the Maharashtra Handbook of Youth Opportunity, developed by the Future of India Foundation, followed by a panel discussion on turning evidence into action. 🕔 5:00–6:30 PM | Tea & registration from 4:30 PM 📍 PIC Auditorium, Pune 🔗 Register: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/py1J… @guptar @FOIFAction @rameshmashelkar @dinakholkar @Girbane @aparanjape @Dev_Fadnavis @CMOMaharashtra

You are invited to #DiwaliPahat, a morning of music, tradition and festive cheer, followed by an exhibition of stalls featuring a wide range of products and offerings. 🗓️Saturday, 31 October 2026 ⏰ Diwali Pahat: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM 🛍️ Exhibition: 31 October & 1 November 2026 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 🔗 RSVP: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/RUaX… 📍 PIC Amphitheatre, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune Come together for a celebration of culture, community and festive shopping. We look forward to celebrating Diwali with you! [Free and open for all | Registration is mandatory]

What does the Maharashtra Handbook of Youth Opportunities reveal about the state’s young people and the opportunities ahead? Ruchi Gupta @guptar, Executive Director, Future of India Foundation @FOIFAction, shares more about the report and its significance. Join us for the launch and panel discussion on Monday, 26 October 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, at Pune International Centre, Pashan, #Pune. Register here: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/py1J… @rameshmashelkar @dinakholkar @Girbane @aparanjape @Dev_Fadnavis @CMOMaharashtra

Coming Monday (26th Oct) - Join us for the launch of the 'Maharashtra Handbook of Youth Opportunities' by the Future of India Foundation, followed by a panel discussion on education, skill development, employment, entrepreneurship and pathways for growth. Panellists: - Dr. Nitin Kareer, Trustee, PIC & Former Chief Secretary, Maharashtra - Ms. Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra - Mr. Prashant @Girbane, Director General, @MCCIA_Pune - Ms. Amruta Bahulekar, CEO, Lighthouse Communities @lcf_in - Dr. Ajit Ranade, Senior Fellow, PIC - Ms. Ruchi Gupta @guptar, Executive Director, Future of India Foundation @FOIFAction 🕔5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Tea & Registration: 4:30 PM 📍PIC Auditorium, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune 🔗RSVP: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/py1J…

In his latest column, Dr. Ajit Ranade, Senior Fellow, PIC, highlights how interest payments on India’s public debt amount to nearly half of the Central Government’s tax revenues. With higher interest rates needed to contain inflation and defend the rupee, the RBI faces the difficult task of balancing competing objectives—managing inflation and currency pressures while supporting economic growth. Published in @livemint

PIC celebrated Saraswati Pooja, celebrating the spirit of knowledge, wisdom and learning. As an institution committed to research, dialogue and the exchange of ideas, PIC recognises the enduring value of knowledge in shaping thoughtful perspectives and meaningful progress. May the pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire us towards greater understanding and positive change.

18 OCTOBER- A SPECIAL DAY OF MY LIFE FIRST Humbled to receive ‘Samaj Bhushan’ award at the hands of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar in the Public Function in Tilak Smarak Mandir Dedicated the honour to my mother, revered Anjani Mashelkar. Although she is no more, she is every where for me - must be watching & smiling from up there… @PuneIntCentre

Wishing everyone a happy and auspicious #Dussehra! May the triumph of good over evil remind us of the enduring power of truth, courage and wisdom. May we continue to draw inspiration from these values to build a more just, compassionate and inclusive society. At PIC, we remain committed to advancing ideas, dialogue and research that contribute to meaningful progress.

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

As we remember Dr A P J Abdul Kalam on his birth anniversary, I was reminded of his visit to the @PuneIntCentre event and helping us to aspire big and realize the true potential of #PIC @rameshmashelkar @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

Just around 400 sec reflection on the 15 year glorious journey of @PuneIntCentre - emerging truly as an International Centre of Pune. Foundations of the Future :The Making of PIC youtu.be/XXVTc9mj3c4 This is just a starter. We know you will say ‘Dil Mange More’ We WILL provide you with More - of & by all those leaders, who made PIC of today possible. The statue of Gautam Buddha serenely welcomes you, as you enter PIC. I and Dr Vijay Kelkar were watching it in a reflective mood. Someone caught the moment & beautifully quoted “Science, Economics & Policy meet Dharma” So, going forward, we hope PIC will be world’s much needed Centre of Conscience too…. @rashtrapatibhvn @PMOIndia @nitin_gadkari @PiyushGoyal @CMOMaharashtra @ChDadaPatil @NITIAayog @Girbane @dinakholkar @amitabhk87 @aparanjape @TVMohandasPai @kiranshaw

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