Pune has always been a city of learning, scholarship, liberal values, enlightened thinking and action, and prides itself on the presence of thought leaders from all walks of life. What this great city missed hitherto was a meeting point for all such great minds, a place where, in an intellectually stimulating and peaceful environment, enlightened discussions and debates could be held about the future of this great city, this great nation and indeed the world. Other cities have such meeting places. In New Delhi, for example, the India International Centre (IIC) provides such an ambience. Over almost half a century, it has played a unique cultural and intellectual role in the life of New Delhi’s citizens. Parallelly, Goa hosts the International Centre, Goa (ICG) and Bengaluru hosts the Bangalore International Centre. Individuals with a distinguished record of public service in India and abroad conceived the idea of an international centre in Pune. The idea of setting up the Pune International Centre (PIC) received prompt and enthusiastic support. Aware of the city’s role during India’s freedom struggle, its pioneering contribution to social reforms and liberal politics, its reputation as a crucible of educational, scientific, literary and artistic endeavours and its emergence as a centre of high-end entrepreneurial activity, the founders were determined to preserve, enrich and enlarge this legacy. As time progressed, more eminent people joined them and soon the idea gathered momentum. PIC, they reckoned, would provide a platform to all and, in particular, to younger generations who wish to promote innovative, progressive thinking in all fields of public life.