The newspaper was launched in Mumbai by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in the presence of Rajya Sabha member Kartikeya Sharma.
Mumbai is an international city that we are beautifying and on a large scale we are planting trees and increasing its green cover, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said at the Friends of Mumbai Awards & Conclave hosted by the ITV Network that coincided with the launch of the Mumbai edition of The Sunday Guardian. He was felicitated by Rajya Sabha member Kartikeya Sharma.
“Global warming is an issue, it is our worry as well,” said Shinde, highlighting efforts to improve the financial capital’s environment. “We are changing Mumbai. In the next two-three years all roads in Mumbai will be free of pot holes,” he said.
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.
Those honoured by CM Shinde included Mumbaikars such as the dabbawalas, top corporate leaders, social workers, celebrated chefs, influencers, actors, film-makers and composers.
In a special session during the conclave, BJP leader and spokesman Asif Bhamla talked about the achievements of the Narendra Modi government as part of moving towards “Viksit Bharat” and the development work being carried out in Mumbai by the Maharashtra state government. He said “Brand Modi” has earned global respect, which is attracting leaders from other parties towards the BJP.
Asif said, “What Modiji is trying to do is not divide people based on caste, race, and religion like the opposition used to.”
“If food grains are available, then they are equally distributed among the Hindus and Muslims. Water schemes are made, but they are not done keeping some religion in mind. The scheme of free housing of the Government of India under the leadership of Modiji has happened in Uttar Pradesh for the Muslims, and today I feel happy and proud to be a Muslim as well as being an Indian,” Asif said.
During the session on Mumbai’s famous dabbawala, 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 a huge amount of attention from the public and foreign tourists. It was a matter of honour for the dabbawalas that two of our colleagues were invited to the coronation of King Charles, he said.
Sharing insights on the future of India in tourism and hospitality, Puneet Chhatwal, 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. Wedding is a part of our cultural DNA and ‘Wed in India’ is a big opportunity,” he said, sharing achievements of brand Taj across the world.
Music composer Anu Malik paid homage to Lata Mangeshkar and 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 film Border, “Sandese Aate 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 give his best to the character that he plays.
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.
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 stuntwomen for serving Mumbai.