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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city...

Seventy-six mayors ruled BMC since 1931

After four years, Mumbai to salute its first citizen Kishori Pednekar Vishwanath Mahadeshwar Snehal Ambekar Sunil Prabhu Mumbai: As the date for appointing Mumbai’s First Citizen looms closer, various political parties have adopted tough posturing to foist their own person for the coveted post of Mayor – the ‘face’ of the country’s commercial capital. Ruling Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have vowed that the city will get a ‘Hindu Marathi’ person to head India’s richest civic body, while the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also harbour fond hopes of a miracle that could ensure their own person for the post. The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) optimism stems from expectations of possible political permutations-combinations that could develop with a realignment of forces as the Supreme Court is hearing the cases involving the Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party this week. Catapulted as the largest single party, the BJP hopes to install a first ever party-man as Mayor, but that may not create history. Way back in 1982-1983, a BJP leader Dr. Prabhakar Pai had served in the top post in Mumbai (then Bombay). Incidentally, Dr. Pai hailed from Udupi district of Karnataka, and his appointment came barely a couple of years after the BJP was formed (1980), capping a distinguished career as a city father, said experts. Originally a Congressman, Dr. Pai later shifted to the Bharatiya Janata Party, then back to Congress briefly, founded the Janata Seva Sangh before immersing himself in social activities. Second Administrator The 2026 Mayoral elections have evoked huge interest not only among Mumbaikars but across the country as it comes after nearly four years since the BMC was governed by an Administrator. This was only the second time in the BMC history that an Administrator was named after April 1984-May 1985. On both occasions, there were election-related issues, the first time the elections got delayed for certain reasons and the second time the polling was put off owing to Ward delimitations and OBC quotas as the matter was pending in the courts. From 1931 till 2022, Mumbai has been lorded over by 76 Mayors, men and women, hailing from various regions, backgrounds, castes and communities. They included Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, even a Jew, etc., truly reflecting the cosmopolitan personality of the coastal city and India’s financial powerhouse. In 1931-1932, the Mayor was a Parsi, J. B. Boman Behram, and others from his community followed like Khurshed Framji Nariman (after whom Nariman Point is named), E. A. Bandukwala, Minoo Masani, B. N. Karanjia and other bigwigs. There were Muslims like Hoosenally Rahimtoola, Sultan M. Chinoy, the legendary Yusuf Meherally, Dr. A. U. Memon and others. The Christian community got a fair share of Mayors with Joseph A. D’Souza – who was Member of Constituent Assembly representing Bombay Province for writing-approving the Constitution of India, M. U. Mascarenhas, P. A. Dias, Simon C. Fernandes, J. Leon D’Souza, et al. A Jew Elijah Moses (1937-1938) and a Sikh M. H. Bedi (1983-1984), served as Mayors, but post-1985, for the past 40 years, nobody from any minority community occupied the august post. During the silver jubilee year of the post, Sulochana M. Modi became the first woman Mayor of Mumbai (1956), and later with tweaks in the rules, many women ruled in this post – Nirmala Samant-Prabhavalkar (1994-1995), Vishakha Raut (997-1998), Dr. Shubha Raul (March 2007-Nov. 2009), Shraddha Jadhav (Dec. 2009-March 2012), Snehal Ambedkar (Sep. 2014-March 2017). The last incumbent (before the Administrator) was a government nurse, Kishori Pednekar (Nov. 2019-March 2022) - who earned the sobriquet of ‘Florence Nightingale’ of Mumbai - as she flitted around in her full white uniform at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, earning the admiration of the citizens. Mumbai Mayor – high-profile post The Mumbai Mayor’s post is considered a crucial step in the political ladder and many went on to become MLAs, MPs, state-central ministers, a Lok Sabha Speaker, Chief Ministers and union ministers. The formidable S. K. Patil was Mayor (1949-1952) and later served in the union cabinets of PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Lah Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi; Dahyabhai V. Patel (1954-1955) was the son of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; Manohar Joshi (1976-1977) became the CM of Maharashtra, later union minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha; Chhagan Bhujbal (1985-1986 – 1990-1991) became a Deputy CM.

Beyond Marks: Guiding Children with Support and Empathy

Marks do not define a child's worth. Build trust, listen with empathy, and help them rise with confidence and clarity.

The X Board results are out, ending the anxiety for both parents and children. Often, parents worry more about the future, while children feel pressured to meet expectations. Parents must offer support, empathy, and understanding, rather than focusing solely on marks and percentages.


In a career span of 17 long years as an educator, my observation and inference suggest a few guidelines for parents and children once the results are out.


For Parents

Stay composed and supportive: Parents need to be highly supportive, remain calm, and not subject the child to pressure in choosing a stream or to pursue something to which the child is not inclined.


Refrain from comparison: Do not compare your child with others or use harsh, judgemental comments that would break their morale and self-belief, which would make them feel like a loser. Instead, appreciate their efforts and performance and help them feel like winners, thereby building up confidence to win innumerable battles of life ahead.


Be positive: Avoid being critical. Offer positive feedback and guide them to focus on excellence and learning rather than just grades. Obsessing over marks can hinder the learning process and harm a child's mental well-being. Instead, reinforce positivity and celebrate the academic milestone they’ve achieved.


Open communication: Engage in open communication, speaking of their strengths, and convey the message that no matter what, your parents stand by them. This will boost their self-esteem, grow, and make them feel trusted, loved, and connected.


Build strong bonds: Parents should often engage in discussions with children regarding their academics, difficulties they face, stress or pressure, if any, and any insecurity they experience physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Make them feel very comfortable opening up with you. This builds a strong bond and makes an effort to blossom with each passing day.


Remember, a percentage is not a true measure of ability or intelligence. Every child is unique, with varying capacities. Some excel academically, while others are creatively gifted, depending on their interests. Judging them solely by marks is unfair.


Academic performance alone does not define personality—it must include qualities like confidence, humility, compassion, and competence. Being a good human being matters just as much as academic success.


Parents must go beyond providing material comforts and focus on shaping their child's life in all aspects. A holistic approach is key to helping an innocent child grow into a well-rounded adult.


Important Guidelines for Children

Once the results are out, take time to process them. Reflect on areas for improvement and plan your next steps.


Avoid comparison: Do not compare your performance with anyone's and focus on your goal, aspirations, and growth. Focus on communication skills, self-awareness, and accountability. This attitude and approach enable you to have a positive mindset and to be a strong individual.


Discus: Have an open and honest discussion with parents and mentors who will guide and help you sail toward growth orientation. Do not rush to decisions. Do not dwell on the past, either good or bad. Move ahead confidently, positively determined.


Practice relaxation: Limit your exposure to gadgets. Watch programmes or read books that have a positive impact, which induces a positive mindset. Exercising, deep breathing, mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, and seeking out new knowledge and skills elevate the mood and sleep pattern, thereby charging brain cells.


Seek help: If you are struggling with pressure or stress and are unable to cope with the process, reach out to your parents immediately for support, which they will surely extend.


Your success is your parents’ dream, selflessly cherished. Honour them with kind gestures of respect, love, and care—you owe them this warmth throughout life. Prove yourself not just academically, but as the son or daughter they raised with love and sacrifice. Never forget their efforts; make them feel valued and present in your life. As you climb the ladder of success, they’ll be your loudest cheerleaders, always praying for your happiness and well-being.


Together, parents and children can embrace and create an atmosphere full of support and positivity. Thus, navigating the process is eased, and the house will be filled with joy and exuberance.


Parents, kindly give wings to your children, and children, remember that when you fly high, it's just not your victory alone. It's the triumph of you and your parents both.


Wishing you good luck in all your future endeavours. Stay blessed always.


(The author is a tutor based in Thane.)

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