Why in the News? 

The Maharashtra government has given approval to rename Pune International Airport as 'Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport'. To celebrate India's rich heritage, five airports have recently been renamed in honor of national icons, demonstrating great respect for their contributions. 

5 Major Airports with New Names 

1. Pune Airport - Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport 

2. Ayodhya Airport - Maharishi Valmiki Airport 

3. Chandigarh Airport - Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport 

4. Kolhapur Airport - Rajaram Maharaj Airport 

5. Imphal Airport - Bir Tekandrajit international Airport 

Who was Sant Tukaram Maharaj? 

• He was a revered 17^th-century Marathi saint and poet from the Bhakti movement in India. 
• He is particularly associated with the Varkari sect, a devotional tradition dedicated to Lord Vithoba (Vitthal), an incarnation of Vishnu. 
• His philosophy focused on equality, compassion and devotion to God. 
• He rejected the rigid caste system and criticized blind ritualism, emphasizing inner spirituality over external practices. 
• His Abhangas (devotional poems) are considered masterpieces of Marathi literature.