Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda on Thursday unveiled a collection of 18 busts paying tributes to iconic figures who have made significant contributions to the rich heritage of India’s financial capital, as part of the ‘Heroes of Mumbai’ programme conceptualised by Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. The venue for the occasion was Kilachand Garden in Girgaon, meticulously transformed into a place where the legacy of Mumbai’s heroes can be immortalised, inspiring generations to come.
This noteworthy initiative aims to recognise and honour the impactful contributions of these individuals across various spheres, including economic prosperity, safety, and cultural enrichment of Mumbai: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Swatantryaveer Savarkar, Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, Lata Mangeshkar, Dadasaheb Phalke, Kusumagraj, Homi Bhabha, JRD Tata, Jagannath Shankar Sheth, Annabhau Sathe, Balasaheb Thackeray, Dhirubhai Ambani, Ram Nath Goenka, Seth Moti Shah, Martyr Babu Genu, Ashok Kumar Jain, Koli Community, and Sachin Tendulkar.
Adding to the allure of this revamped space is a prominent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolising the valour and leadership that is integral to Mumbai’s identity. As a testament to modern sustainability, a Suriya Mandapam has been ingeniously integrated into the garden, harnessing solar energy to meet its electricity needs.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, cabinet minister Chandrakant Patil, Mumbai city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar, BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar, MLA Praveen Darekar, Mumbai municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, and other dignitaries.
Nadda expressed his admiration for minister Lodha’s visionary creation, stating, “This park is infused with energy that not only uplifts but also illuminates the mind, fostering an environment of enlightenment. It is imperative for the upcoming generation to be cognisant of the invaluable contributions made by these great personalities, shaping the bright future we experience today.”
Deputy CM Fadnavis echoed these sentiments, applauding the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition. He emphasised the park’s potential to serve as a ray of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
Lodha, acknowledging the support of chief minister Eknath Shinde, deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, and the Mumbai municipal corporation, expressed his vision for the garden to not only attract thousands of tourists but also be recognised as a source of inspiration for millions of Indians.
In recognition of the native Koli community’s contributions to the progress of Mumbai, a statue has also been dedicated to them.
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