Home / Environment / Pune Man's Noise Protest Goes Viral
Pune Man's Noise Protest Goes Viral
23 Sep
Summary
- A Pune resident questioned loud festival noise, sparking viral debate.
- He was shouted down and escorted out of a meeting with officials.
- His argument against noise pollution spans multiple religions and festivals.
Vidyanand Bapat, a former BPO employee from Pune, has unexpectedly become a prominent voice against festival noise pollution. His activism gained widespread attention after a video of him being escorted out of a public meeting went viral. Bapat had questioned the use of loud DJs and loudspeakers during Ganeshotsav, arguing that public spaces and residents' peace should not be compromised.
Bapat’s campaign against noise is not new; he has consistently petitioned authorities for years. His views, shaped by a lifelong habit of reading and questioning, advocate for a re-evaluation of festival practices that have evolved over time. He emphasizes that his objections apply to all festivals and religions, focusing on public nuisance rather than religious opposition.
His public confrontation at a meeting with Pune Municipal Corporation officials and festival organizers led to him being shouted down. The subsequent viral video brought national attention, with some praising his articulate arguments and command of Marathi, while others criticized his stance as anti-tradition. Despite facing criticism and even a physical assault, Bapat remains resolute in his advocacy for peaceful public spaces.
The COVID-19 pandemic offered Bapat a glimpse of quieter celebrations, reinforcing his belief that quieter festivities are possible. He cites examples like Solapur's Ganeshotsav celebrations in 2025, which were conducted without DJ systems, demonstrating that festivals can be enjoyed without causing public inconvenience or traffic congestion.
