India, June 16 -- Schools across Pune district marked the first day of the new academic year with enthusiastic activities - ranging from traditional welcomes and tree-planting drives to Vedic rituals and district-level enrolment programmes - all designed to create a welcoming environment for students.

The celebrations coincided with the state government's School Praveshotsav 2026 campaign, which seeks to promote quality education across Maharashtra.

Deputy chief minister and Pune guardian minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar attended the district-level programme at the PM Shri Adarsh Kendra Zilla Parishad Primary School in Kanhe.

Addressing students, teachers and parents, Pawar said the government is committed to ensuring that students from rur...