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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.

Four champions of Gandhian values honoured

Tirveni Acharya felicitated with Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children at 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. / Pic: Bhushan Koyande
Tirveni Acharya felicitated with Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children at 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. / Pic: Bhushan Koyande

Mumbai: Four eminent personalities and champions of Gandhian principles from across India including one from Mumbai, were honoured with the coveted Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (JBF) awards for their contributions of truth, non-violence and humanitarian services.

 

They are: Hasmukh Babubhai Patel of Gujarat for ‘Constructive Work’; P. M. Murugesan of Tamil Nadu for ‘Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development’; Triveni Acharya of Maharashtra for ‘Development & Welfare of Women and Children’; and Sekacheva Lyudmila Leonidovna of Russia for ‘Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India’.


Mumbai's journalist-turned-activist, Triveni Acharya is regarded as India's foremost anti-trafficking crusader for over 25 years, rescuing, rehabilitating and empowering survivors through her "Rescue Foundation", based in Kandivali east.


So far, the RF has rescued more than 7000 girls-women, opened four homes in different parts of India where more than 11,000  are given care, shelter and rehabilitation.


Beyond rescue, Acharya ensures holistic recovery through medical care, trauma counselling, legal aid, education and livelihood training, a Project Ekatra that empowers survivors to become mentors and peer leaders, etc., working with Police, foreign embassies and NGOs.


The ceremony’s Chief Guest was Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, along with JBF Chairman Shekhar Bajaj, Trustee and Chairman of Council of Advisors Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, and other dignitaries besides a distinguished eminent gathering.

 

Each awardee received a Citation, Trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, and reinforces the JBF’s mission to advance the vision of the legendary Jamnalal Bajaj - a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi - who dedicated his life to social reform and national development.

 

This year’s ceremony also carried a note of remembrance, being the first since the passing of Trustee Madhur Bajaj in April 2025, whose legacy of philanthropy and social commitment was fondly recalled.

 

“Every year, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards spotlight individuals whose tireless work uplifts humanity. This year’s awardees have not only transformed lives but also rekindled faith in compassion and constructive action,” said Shekhar Bajaj.

 

Dr. Mashelkar described the honorees as “modern-day Satyagrahis - warriors of conscience who fight with compassion, not confrontation”.

 

“Each has proven that a single determined heart can illuminate darkness and restore hope, embodying Gandhian resilience and truth,” said Dr. Mashelkar.

 

Trustee and Hon. Director Minal Bajaj reflected on JBF’s guiding philosophy, recalling Gandhiji’s words about Jamnalal Bajaj: “He did not earn a single rupee through unethical means and spent whatever he earned for the good of the people.”

 

She added, “The Foundation continues to seek out these hidden gems, individuals transforming communities or reshaping nations, staying true to our mission of celebrating selfless service.”

 

Over nearly five decades, the JBF awards have stood as one of India’s foremost recognitions of humanitarian endeavour, continuing to inspire collective action rooted in the timeless ideals of Gandhi and Jamnalal Bajaj.

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