What was the earlier name of Pune airport?
Pune Airport was earlier known as 'Lohegaon Airport', which will now be known as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport. It is being told that after getting approval for the name change from the state government, the proposal for the name change will now be sent to the Union Cabinet. After getting approval from the Union Cabinet, the name of the airport will be changed.
Who and why chose the name Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj
Last month, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had proposed naming the airport after the 17th century saint. Lohegaon, where the airport is located, used to be the village of Sant Tukaram Maharaj's mother. As per the procedure, the state government submits the proposal to the central government, after which the final decision is taken.
Who was Saint Tukaram?
Sant Tukaram Maharaj, also known to the world as Tukaram, was a revered 17th-century Hindu saint and poet from Maharashtra. He played an important role in the Bhakti movement. Born in 1608 in Dehu, a village near Pune, Sant Tukaram devoted most of his life to spiritual practice, organising community gatherings (kirtans) and writing poetry.
About the airport
Pune Airport is an international airport and Indian Air Force base serving the city of Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located at Lohegaon, about 11 km northeast of the historic centre of Pune. The airport is the ninth busiest airport in India by passenger traffic.
