Hundreds march for peace and unity in Budhwar Peth, led by Saheli Sangh and supported by local communities.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
On an otherwise ordinary Friday evening, something beautiful happened in Budhwar Peth — a place usually known for its chaos, commerce, and complexity. Hundreds of people — students, shopkeepers, artists, NGO workers, and curious locals — came together for a peace walk that didn’t just pass through narrow lanes but made its way into hearts.
I was there. And what I witnessed wasn’t just a procession, it was a moment. One where Pune took a deep breath and chose understanding over fear, love over labels.
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What Really Happened?
Organized by the Saheli HIV/AIDS Karyakarta Sangh, this walk was more than an event. It was a statement. A 1.5 km trail through Budhwar Peth saw participants holding banners with messages like “Peace Has No Gender,” “Justice Without Judgement,” and simply, “We Belong.” No shouting, no slogans. Just calm steps, soft drumbeats, and eyes that met others with kindness.
Even shop owners paused their busy hours to watch. Some even stepped out and joined. And for those few minutes, the area felt different — not because of the absence of traffic or the presence of media — but because people saw each other. Really saw.
Why It Mattered (And Still Does)
Budhwar Peth isn’t just a locality. It’s a mirror. Of tradition, survival, business, and stigma. For decades, it has been home to one of the largest red-light areas in the country. But it’s also home to mothers, poets, dancers, and daughters. People like you and me.
This walk gently challenged stereotypes. It reminded us that peace isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quiet hand-holding of two strangers. Sometimes, it’s the decision to walk beside someone whose life is nothing like yours.
One trans woman told me, “This is the first time in years I felt safe walking these streets.” That hit me. Deeply.
More Than Just a Walk
This wasn’t a political rally. No celebrities. No influencers. Just real people trying to create real change.
A college student carried a sign that read: “I’m still learning — Teach me love, not hate.” That’s what this walk was — a classroom without walls. And every person in it was both student and teacher.
So… What Now?
Honestly, the walk is over. But its footsteps are still echoing. Maybe you weren’t there physically. Maybe you’re just reading this now. But if this made you pause, reflect, or even feel a tiny flutter in your chest — good.
Because peace isn’t a one-day thing. It’s a choice. Daily. Hourly. In how we speak, in what we share, in who we include.
So the next time you pass by Budhwar Peth, or any place society has painted with a single brush — remember this walk. And maybe, just maybe, walk a little softer. With more hope.
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