India, Feb. 11 -- Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Tuesday posthumously conferred the Jeevan Sadhana Gaurav Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) on former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, recognising his contribution to public life and his role in facilitating key institutions in the city, including the Pune International Centre (PIC).

The award was presented during the university's 77th Foundation Day celebrations. Eminent scientist Raghunath Mashelkar, who spoke on the occasion, said the idea of the Pune International Centre could take shape because of Ajit Pawar's vision and prompt decision-making. He recalled that the project had remained stalled for years under successive governments before Pawar intervened. "He...