Pune: Journalist and Lokshahi News Pune Bureau representative Chandrashekhar Bhange was honoured with the Akkalkot Ratna Award 2026 at a felicitation ceremony held in Pune, according to information released about the event.

The Akkalkot Bhushan and Ratna Awards 2026, organised by Gavgaatha Media Network, was held at the Nitu Mandke Auditorium in Swargate. Akkalkot MLA Sachin Kalyanshetti presented the awards during the programme, which recognised individuals connected to Akkalkot who have made contributions across different fields while living and working in Pune.

A total of 15 individuals were reportedly felicitated for their work in areas including social service, education, literature, arts, business, administration, policing, the judiciary and other professions.

The Akkalkot Bhushan honour was reportedly conferred on Janmejayraje Bhosale Maharaj, Mallinath Kalshetti, Madhav Rajguru and Sharan Kumar Limbale.

Among those named for the Akkalkot Ratna honour were Chandrashekhar Bhange, District Judge Bandopant Kulkarni, senior police inspector Mahesh Bolkotagi, cooperative and sugar-sector professional Ravikant Patil, Akkalkot Taluka Pune Residents Association founder-president Veerabhadra Harkud, entrepreneur Ganesh Phulari, photographer Sanjeevkumar Hilli, young entrepreneur Siddharth Kapse, Marathi language and saint literature scholar Dr Amogsiddha Chendke, and advocate Sadashiv Malge.

Pune Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar was also reported to have attended the programme as the chief guest.

Organisers said the initiative aims to recognise people from Akkalkot who have established themselves in different sectors in Pune and to encourage their continued contribution. Gavgaatha Media Network editor-in-chief Dhondappa Nande reportedly said the organisation intends to make the awards an annual event.

The recognition of Chandrashekhar Bhange highlights the contribution of professionals from Akkalkot who continue to maintain their connection with the region while pursuing their careers in Pune.