On December 7, 2025, ASEZ in Pune, India visited the Kharadi Fire Station located in Kharadi, Pune, Maharashtra, and held the “Gratitude & Appreciation Program” for firefighters as part of its Cheer Up Campaign.
This activity was organized to hear directly about the role of the fire department in protecting citizens’ lives and property, and to encourage young people to reflect together on the meaning of urban safety and public services from the perspective of the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)—Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The event was attended by MLA (Maharashtra Legislative Assemblymember) Bapusaheb Patahre and Kharadi Fire Station Chief Dattatray Satav, who shared possibilities for cooperation between the fire service and young adult volunteer organizations.
The event opened with an introduction to ASEZ’s major activities that have been carried out in Pune and the Maharashtra region. Next, a choir made up of ASEZ members performed “You Raise Me Up,” highlighting through music the important role firefighters play in protecting citizens’ safety at disaster sites. After that, a video showcasing ASEZ’s volunteer work around the world was screened. The members then delivered handwritten thank-you letters to each firefighter one by one, sharing heartfelt messages of encouragement and support.
The fire station staff demonstrated fire engines and various firefighting equipment, explaining the response procedures and sharing real-life examples of how they handle fires and disasters. ASEZ members had the opportunity to examine equipment that is usually difficult to see up close, and they came to truly feel the seriousness and urgency of rescue work carried out at disaster scenes. Afterward, they spent time networking with firefighters and staff while enjoying light refreshments.
At the end of the program, Kharadi Fire Station presented a certificate of appreciation to the ASEZ branch in Pune, and everyone took a group photo together to mark the beginning of their cooperation.
Kharadi Fire Station Chief Dattatray Satav shared his thoughts in an interview.
He said, “Today, thanks to the program prepared by ASEZ, I felt great joy and pride. We work every day to protect lives, property, and our community, but the passion, respect, and gratitude shown by young volunteers like you actually inspire us even more.” He continued, “Everything—from the program structure, the welcome remarks, the certificate presentation, to the heartfelt expressions of thanks—was prepared with such warmth and sincerity. When we think about the heavy responsibilities and risks that the fire department must bear, your cooperation and respect are a great honor to us. Activities like this raise the social value of the fire service, build citizens’ trust, and give us the strength to serve with even greater passion. I sincerely thank all ASEZ members, volunteers, and organizers, and I hope meaningful programs like this will continue in the future.”
This event also became an important learning experience for the ASEZ members who participated. Dipali Sakat, a member studying at HV Desai University in Pune, shared her thoughts, saying, “Through this activity, I was able to see up close the role of those who quietly protect the community on the front lines.” She added, “I learned that safety is not achieved only through systems and infrastructure, but also through the attitude of citizens who understand and support the people working in the field.” She said that this program helped young people reflect once again on the meaning of social responsibility and cooperation.
Following this visit to Kharadi Fire Station, ASEZ branch in Pune plans to strengthen and continue its cooperation in a more systematic way with public institutions dedicated to ensuring community safety. Through on-site visits, joint campaigns, and educational programs, ASEZ members aim to put the values of safety, service, and responsibility into practice in their daily lives, and to expand activities that turn SDGs 11 and 16 into concrete actions on campus and throughout the city.
Building on this activity, it is hoped that a culture of understanding and helping one another will spread in Pune and other regions as well. It is also expected that firefighters and other public servants who protect citizens’ safety behind the scenes, together with young people, will work to strengthen the city’s resilience—leading to the creation of an inclusive local community where the value of living together truly thrives.