CA Abhay Bhutada at Pune Vision 2030: A Voice for Purpose-Led Urban Development

The Pune Vision 2030 : A City-Wide Dialogue marked a significant milestone in the city’s growth journey. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, this high-impact event featured Murlidhar Mohol, Hon. Minister of State for Cooperation & Civil Aviation, and Chandrakant Patil, Hon. Minister of Higher & Technical Education, Maharashtra. They were joined by 170+ industry leaders from government, business, and the social sector to discuss the future of Pune. Among them was CA Abhay Bhutada, founder and chairman of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, whose perspective on empathy-driven growth added a powerful dimension to the dialogue.

Hosted by the Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR), the event set the stage for creating a collective roadmap to address the city’s challenges and opportunities as it moves towards 2030.

Leadership and Key Dignitaries

The event was led by Dr. Sudhir Mehta and co-led by Mr. Manoj Pochat, two figures deeply committed to the city’s sustainable and inclusive future.

The gathering was graced by a range of prominent dignitaries, including Murlidhar Mohol, Hon. Minister of State for Cooperation & Civil Aviation; Chandrakant Patil, Hon. Minister of Higher & Technical Education, Maharashtra; CA Abhay Bhutada, who’s an entrepreneur and philanthropist; Naval Kishore Ram, Pune Municipal Commissioner; and Amitesh Kumar, Pune Commissioner of Police.

These leaders represented a cross-section of Pune’s key sectors and brought diverse, yet complementary, perspectives to the dialogue.

The Dialogue: Tackling Key Urban Challenges

The event provided a much-needed space for candid discussions on Pune’s urban challenges. Issues such as traffic congestion, sanitation, affordable housing, public transport, and civic compliance were at the forefront of conversations. Industry leaders from sectors like real estate, automotive, manufacturing, IT, fintech, and NGOs, shared concerns and solutions.

One of the key highlights of the evening was the open Q&A session, where the dignitaries engaged with the audience and fielded questions about practical solutions for these urban issues. The consensus was clear: Pune’s future will depend on collaboration between the government, the private sector, and citizens.

Abhay Bhutada’s Call for Empathy and Collaboration

CA Abhay Bhutada, the founder and chairman of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, delivered a thought-provoking address during the event. He emphasized that businesses should not just focus on profit-making but also contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve. His speech struck a chord with the audience when he said:

“In supporting social initiatives, businesses don't just uplift communities, they renew their own sense of purpose. Let Pune become a model city where growth is equitable, empathy is institutionalized, and culture meets innovation. Let us move forward, not as isolated entities, but as one ecosystem, united by values, vision, and a deep commitment to the people of Pune.”

Abhay Bhutada’s focus on empathy and collaboration was evident as he discussed how business leaders have a responsibility to help address social issues such as health, education, and sustainability. Reflecting on his own experiences, he shared:

“In each initiative, whether in health, education, sports, or sustainability, I’ve witnessed something profound: when businesses care deeply, cities heal quickly. Pune is not just growing, it’s awakening. And it’s our responsibility to ensure that this growth is inclusive, empathetic, and enduring.”

Abhay Bhutada concluded his address with a call for collective responsibility, emphasizing the role of every stakeholder in shaping Pune’s growth trajectory.

A Collaborative Vision for Pune’s Future

Pune Vision 2030 celebrated the city’s strengths, including its growing startup ecosystem, world-class academic institutions, and leadership in electric mobility, healthcare, and digital governance. The event underscored Pune’s transformative potential and the collective effort needed to realize it.

As the evening concluded, there was a sense of optimism, with a shared understanding that true change requires coordinated action. With leaders like Abhay Bhutada advocating for empathy-driven growth, Pune is set to lead by example.