Sachin Punekar

Parvati

Agharkar Research Institute

Botanical Survey of India

Pune Municipal Corporation

Vinayak Nimhan

Congress Party

Salisbury Park

People with no political background but with a passion to affect change seem to be the trend this election season. In the case of environmentalist Sachin Punekar, it was an article published in the journal Nature— a weekly publication on science — that inspired him to seek a Shiv Sena ticket from the Parvati area.Punekar has been involved in research for the past 20 years in the environmental field. He holds a Ph D in Botany (plant ecology) and is working in the fields of plant ecology, plant systematics, pollination ecology, floristics, natural history and plant-animal interactions. He is a member of the joint forest management committee of the Pachgaon- Parvati area and worked at theas a scientist. He was also a senior scientist in theThe article, titled ‘Scientists must have a say in the future of cities,’ came as a turning point.“I am a tree authority member in the(PMC) and was also a nominated member in the draft development plan (DP) of the old city limit, along with the bio-diversity management committee of the corporation. But, all of this is in an advisory capacity. I have no actual say in decisions. I have decided that if I want to improve the system, I need to work within it, rather than advising or criticising,” explained Punekar.He added, “I am not joining politics, I am getting involved in governance. The article in Nature has expressed the importance of scientists in urban development. I, too, wanted to share my vision. I don’t have any political background, but this decision was not taken blindly. I discussed it with people working in various fields such as scientists, environmentalists, social workers and literary personalities.”, city unit chief of the Shiv Sena, said, “I am happy that Punekar has shown interest in politics and the Shiv Sena. We are always waiting for young, eager people who are experts in different fields. In my political career, I have seen professionals such as doctors and advocates. But, this is the first time a highly qualified aspirant working in the environmental field has shown interest. The party is seriously considering Punekar.”The Nationalist(NCP), too, has some aspirants from non-political backgrounds. Nilesh Navlakha, from the entertainment industry, is seeking a ticket from the Maharashinagar area of, while private banker Swapnil Thorve is an aspirant from Kasba Peth.Ashok Rathi, executive president of NCP’s Pune unit, said, “People from different sectors are most welcome to join the party. The more varied the party members, the better they can understand and solve problems. If people actually get involved, they will understand politics and work for the people. It is easy to criticise, working for change is far more difficult. We appeal to people to come and join the party and politics and work for a better society.”