October 30, 2025
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Sustainability is a term that carries a much deeper meaning than just environmental balance. True sustainability comes with societal stability — where communities are empowered, where people have the capacity to earn, the willingness to spend, and where a particular section of society consciously extends support to those who are less empowered. Establishing this balance among different strata of society is what creates a sustainable social fabric.
And this idea of balance and shared responsibility is not just theoretical — it finds a living expression in the three-day festival “Deṇe Samājāche” (“Giving Back to Society”), which creates a unique space for reflection and action.
Empathy, selflessness, and detachment — words and feelings that seem to have slipped behind the curtain of time — found a true expression through this unique initiative. For the past 21 years, Veena Tai Gokhale, the soul behind the festival, has been tirelessly working to give social organizations across Maharashtra a rightful platform to present their work, share their challenges, and highlight their needs.
While these organizations quietly devote themselves to meaningful causes, away from publicity, they still need financial support, volunteers, and skills to grow. At the same time, for us caught in the competitive race of urban life, this festival offers a chance to pause, look beyond ourselves, and reconnect with the essence of humanity.
No matter how much material comfort surrounds us, there remains an insatiable urge for “more.” Yet, meeting people who remind us of life’s true meaning — through their values and work — is deeply inspiring.
“हरवले आभाळ ज्यांचे हो तयांचा सोबती
सापडेना वाट ज्यांना हो तयांचा सारथी“
These words are not mere poetry, but a living reality at the festival. People truly rich in sensitivity — who give without expecting anything in return — remind us of what real happiness means. Experiencing such selfless action is indeed a blessing.
Our scriptures speak of Satpatri Daan — giving to the deserving. Veena Tai lives this principle by carefully choosing 25 sincere organizations each year from across Maharashtra. At the festival, there is no buying or selling of goods — only an exchange of thoughts, inspiration, and perspectives.
This exchange compels us to ask ourselves: “What do I have to give? My time, my wealth, or my skills?” That becomes the first step toward becoming sensitive. In just a few hours, our faith in humanity is renewed, and we realize that selflessness offers far greater satisfaction than selfish gain.
The festival was held in Pune, Mulund, Parle, and Thane. The upcoming edition will take place in Mulund, in the last week of January. Do take the time to attend — and experience what it truly means to live a sustainable, enriched life. Perhaps, in seeking the answer to “What can I give back to society?”, you too will rediscover yourself and find a new meaning to life.