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Pune’s Viral Vidyanand Bapat ‘Baba’: Much like Shashi Tharoor who is famous for using rare English words, Vidyanand Bapat surprised netizens by using pure Marathi language
Vidyanand Bapat; (right) Shashi Tharoor.
Vidyanand Bapat, a 37-year-old BPO employee from Ratnagiri who currently lives in Narayan Peth, Pune, recently shot to fame as a social activist after forcefully campaigning for a complete ban on high-decibel DJ systems, laser lights, and loudspeakers during the Ganeshotsav festival.
But what has made him more famous or rather viral on Instagram and other social media platforms is his chaste and sophisticared Marathi vocabulary, which has earned him the moniker of ‘Shashi Tharoor of Marathi or Maharashtra’. ‘Bapat Baba’, as he is also known on Facebook, also has multiple fan clubs in his name now.
VIDYANAND BAPAT’S CAMPAIGN
Bapat is campaigning specifically against noise pollution and hazardous celebration practices during public festivals. He has clarified that he does not oppose the religious or cultural celebration of festivals like Ganeshotsav itself, but rather the health and safety hazards caused by the way they are celebrated.
He is seeking a complete ban on wall-like DJ sound systems and massive audio mixers. He argues that the extreme noise levels severely disrupt the health and well-being of local residents, especially senior citizens, children, students, and professionals working late-night shifts.
He has opposed the illegal use of heavy loudspeakers that violate permitted noise limits, particularly those continuing beyond legal time restrictions. Bapat has spoken out against the dangerous use of high-intensity laser lights during street processions. These lasers have previously caused temporary or permanent eye damage to festival attendees.
Bapat advocates for a return to traditional, culturally rooted instruments like the dhol-tasha pathaks (traditional drums), arguing that massive electronic sound walls ruin the true spirit of public festivals.
WHY WAS VIDYANAND BAPAT ATTACKED?
Bapat became a target due to his aggressive stance against festive noise pollution. During a Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) preparatory meeting, he confronted local Ganesh mandal representatives, leading to a heated argument. Shortly after, on September 3, 2026, he was heckled and slapped at Kashale Chowk on Tilak Road while speaking to the media and local residents. Members of a local Ganesh mandal allegedly assaulted him because his campaign directly challenged their traditional festival setups.
WHY IS VIDYANAND BAPAT CALLED THE “SHASHI THAROOR OF MARATHI OR MAHARASHTRA”?
He earned the nickname “Marathi Bhasheteil Shashi Tharoor” (the Shashi Tharoor of the Marathi language) because of his highly formal, literary, and sophisticated Marathi vocabulary.
Much like Congress politician Shashi Tharoor is famous for using complex, rare English words, Bapat surprised netizens by using incredibly pure and heavy linguistic terms while arguing legal clauses and civic rights.
Even during high-pressure media interviews and debates, he maintains a remarkably elite, grandiloquent command over the Marathi language, which quickly became a viral sensation across social media platforms.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Vidyanand Bapat is a 37-year-old BPO employee from Pune, originally from Ratnagiri, who has gained fame as a social activist. He campaigns for a complete ban on high-decibel DJ systems, laser lights, and loudspeakers during festivals like Ganeshotsav, citing health and safety hazards from noise pollution and dangerous practices.
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At the news desk for 20 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci…Read More
September 04, 2026, 4:30 PM IST
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