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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.

Unconditional Love, Endless Sacrifice: The Essence of Motherhood

Whether called Amma, Aai, Maa, Mom, or Mummy, a mother embodies unconditional love, serves as her daughter’s first role model, and is the one in whose lap paradise rests.

A little girl who is the 'pari' or 'Gudiya' of the house, whose every little wish is never left unfulfilled, grows into a young woman who leaves her parents to begin life with a partner—a turning point filled with growth and learning.


She soon embraces motherhood joyfully, after the trials of pregnancy and labour. All hardship is forgotten the moment she holds her creation in her arms. Tears of joy and a deep sense of pride arise with the title of 'Mother'. The role ahead—filled with emotions, challenges, and responsibilities—she undergoes a profound shift. Her freedom, identity, goals, and social life all take a back seat. The sacrifices she makes, both personal and professional, are often beyond imagination, all for the well-being of her children and family.


Motherhood is the biggest blessing, and a mother is the only selfless person who loves her children the moment they choose her womb and are born.


She produces a new life within her and brings it to this world. How amazing the feeling is! Inexplicable indeed!


Essence of a Mother

Unconditional Love: A mother showers love on her children unconditionally, and offers care, support, and nurturing throughout her life—selflessly and unwaveringly.


Patience: She understands the different stages of her child's growth with immense patience, empathy, and emotional resilience.


Acceptance: She accepts her children as they are, without judgement, celebrates their strengths, supports them through their weaknesses, and guides them to grow into better individuals.


Sacrifice: A mother often places her children’s needs above her own, creating a safe, loving environment for their happiness. She may silence her own voice to empower theirs, enduring transitions quietly to build a future where her children walk tall with dignity and pride.


Forgiveness: A mother is the epitome of forgiveness. She recognises mistakes, forgives with a full heart, and welcomes her children with a warm embrace, offering them a second chance without hesitation.


Communication: She maintains open and honest communication, guiding her children with concern and wisdom so they may navigate life’s complexities without falling prey to deception.


Nurturing: She strives to create a healthy, safe, and stable environment that supports her child’s mental, emotional, and physical development, laying a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.


Encouragement: Inspired by the Bhagavad Gita —“Do your prescribed duty. You are not entitled to the fruits of action”—a mother encourages her children to pursue their interests and passions, celebrating their efforts and achievements, while instilling in them the value of hard work over the mere pursuit of results.


Quality Time: She makes time for meaningful interactions, engaging her children in thoughtful discussions that teach decision-making from an early age. She acknowledges their emotions, reassures them, and prepares them to face life’s challenges with courage and wisdom, nurturing a strong and lasting mother-child bond.


Role Model: A mother embodies honesty, humility, respect, and values. She adapts her parenting, learns from her children, and isn’t afraid to admit mistakes and apologise, setting a powerful example of integrity and accountability.


Setting Boundaries: While encouraging her children to adapt, a mother sets clear rules and boundaries to ensure discipline and safety, helping them understand the consequences of their actions with firmness and love.


How Can Children Repay Their Mothers?

While children can never truly "repay" a mother’s love and sacrifices, they can show and offer:


Gratitude and Appreciation: Respecting her views and choices, understanding her perspective, and engaging in heartfelt conversations bring comfort.


Financial Support: Providing financial support acknowledges her lifelong efforts and sacrifices.


Emotional Support: Being emotionally present in her later years offers comfort and peace.


I was blessed with a mother who was the pillar of our family. A government school teacher for 35 years in a conservative town, she had a progressive mindset well ahead of her time. In a place where speaking to men was frowned upon, she enrolled me in a co-educational school and college, undeterred by criticism.


She passionately spoke of women’s empowerment, economic independence, self-respect, dignity, and gender equality—values that are her greatest legacy. As the mother of a teenage daughter, I hope to pass these values on so she too can stand tall and fearless. It is the most precious gift I can offer.


Let’s walk beside our children, guiding them through life’s phases and celebrating their growth with pride.


Celebrate your journey as a mother, acknowledging the challenges, milestones, and triumphs. Motherhood is a powerful force, shaping responsible, compassionate beings for the world.


Happy Mother’s Day!


(The author is an educator based in Thane.)

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