In a splendid celebration of Mumbai’s vibrant spirit and the outstanding contributions of its distinguished citizens, The Sunday Guardian honoured the Maximum City’s achievers and paid homage to the remarkable individuals who embody the essence of the bustling metropolis at the Friends of Mumbai Awards & Conclave on Sunday.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde gave away the Awards and shared his government’s vision for transforming Mumbai’s infrastructure. “We are changing Mumbai. In the next two-three years all roads in Mumbai will be free of potholes,” he said.
The chief minister shared details of a drive to increase green cover and tree plantation and beautification being undertaken in the financial capital and plans to launch a deep cleaning drive in the city. He also congratulated the ITV Network for launching its Mumbai News Centre, The Sunday Guardian’s Mumbai edition and starting a media school and invited the group to launch a Marathi news channel.
The grand event served as a beacon of recognition, honouring the diverse talents and relentless efforts of individuals who have significantly shaped the city’s landscape including the dabbawalas, top corporate leaders, social workers, celebrated chefs, influencers, actors, film-makers and composers.
Earlier, BJP leader and spokesman Asif Bhamla talked about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government as part of moving towards “Viksat Bharat” and the development work being carried out in Mumbai by the Maharashtra state government. He said brand Modi has earned global respect and this is what is attracting leaders from other parties towards the BJP.
During the session on Mumbai’s famous dubbawalas, Ulhas Milke, president of their association, shared experiences and said till 2004 they were virtually unnoticed despite being in service for over 100 years but it was only when Prince Charles interacted with them that they started getting huge amount of attention public and foreign tourists.
“About 70-80% our team members are unlettered but there has never been an incident of mix up,” he said, recalling that Prince Charles was given a suitable time by us for interaction as we could not have left our work and gone anywhere to meet him as per his convenience. It was a matter of honour for dabbawala that two of our colleagues were invited to the coronation of King Charles, he said.
Sharing insight on the future of India in tourism and hospitality, Puneet Chhabra, MD & CEO, IHCL, said the sector is set to contribute up to 7% to 10% of the GDP and generate a huge number of jobs. “India has a huge marriage market as it is considered a social event. Weddings are a part of our cultural DNA and ‘Wed in India’ is a big opportunity,” said Chhatwal, sharing achievements of brand Taj across the world.
On the issue of marketing India to the world, he called for special steps to make the world aware of what India has to offer and asked stakeholders to aim for hosting 20–40 million foreign tourists by 2047. Paying homage to Lata Mangeshkar, music composer Anu Malik recalled the days of his struggle but said he never blamed Mumbai for the challenges he faced before making a name for himself. He asked aspiring composers not to forget the roots of Indian music and continue chasing good work for success. He also regaled the audience with the rendition of his song from the film Border, “Sandese Aa te Hain.”
Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya credited the OTT for revolutionising the entertainment industry but cautioned against losing novelty in creative work. He said he thrives in acting outside his comfort zone and gives his best to the character that he plays.
The Friends Of Mumbai award winners included Ram Manji Savani, MD Savani Heritage Conservation Pvt Ltd, for serving Mumbai in the Field of Restoration & Conservation of Historic Structures; Sunil Nanasaheb Karpe, founder D.K. Sai Legal Law Firm, for serving Mumbai in the Field of Law; Bhupendra Goud, nutritionist, for serving Mumbai in the Field of Nutrition; Jash Nita Praful Vira, Founder & Manager, Vira Group Of Companies, for serving Mumbai in the Field of Real Estate & Social Work and Geeta Tandon, professional stunt women for serving in films and actors Shalin Bhanot and Reem Sameer Sheikh.