Civic officials remember the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri at Belapur headquarters.

The Tribute

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries on October 2. A commemorative programme was held at the NMMC headquarters in Belapur, where NMMC Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat offered floral tributes to the portraits of both national leaders at the civic headquarters’ amphitheatre.

Senior NMMC officials were present during the programme, including Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar, Chief Auditor Rajendra Gadekar, Deputy Commissioner of Property Tax Dr Amol Palve, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr Ajay Gadde and Chief Sanitation Officer Rajusingh Chavan.

The occasion provided civic officials an opportunity to remember the lives and contributions of two prominent figures in India’s history. Mahatma Gandhi is widely remembered for his leadership in India’s freedom movement and his emphasis on truth, non-violence and cleanliness. Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister, is remembered for his simple lifestyle, leadership and the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”

The tribute programme also highlighted the continued relevance of their values in public life. For a civic body like NMMC, Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and public responsibility remains particularly significant. Officials and staff gathered at the headquarters to mark the occasion and pay their respects to the two leaders. The programme concluded with floral tributes in their memory.

NMMC begins installing fitness equipment at the scenic CIDCO Nursery area following residents’ demand.

The Gym

Residents of CBD Belapur’s Sector 9 will soon have a new outdoor fitness facility close to their regular morning-walk route. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has started installing open gym equipment at the CIDCO Nursery hill area following a proposal raised by BJP corporator and Standing Committee member Swati Gurkhe.

The work was inaugurated in the presence of senior citizens, former corporator Ashok Gurkhe, Swati Gurkhe and several local residents. The CIDCO Nursery area is known for its greenery, trees and peaceful surroundings. Every morning, many residents visit the area for walking and exercise, making it a popular spot for health-conscious citizens. The new open gym is expected to give them an additional option to include basic strength and fitness exercises in their routine.

Swati Gurkhe said the proposal was made after residents requested better fitness facilities in the area. She said the civic administration has now started implementing the project and efforts will be made to provide good-quality equipment based on residents’ needs. She added that the facility could be expanded in the future if residents require additional equipment or improvements. Their suggestions will be considered while planning further work.

The initiative aims to make better use of the naturally green surroundings while encouraging residents, particularly senior citizens and regular walkers, to stay active and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Special play performance in Vashi raises support for a proposed facility bringing senior citizens, orphans and destitute women together.

The Anniversary

The fourth anniversary of Manav Vikas Trust Maharashtra was celebrated at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha in Vashi, with a focus on its ambitious Anand Ashram project. The trust organised a special performance of the play Bhumika, featuring well-known actor Sachin Khedekar, to raise financial support for the initiative.

The proposed Anand Ashram aims to bring an old-age home, an orphanage and a shelter for destitute women together under one roof. Instead of keeping these groups separate, the trust wants to create a family-like environment where they can live together with dignity, security and emotional support. Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde attended the event as the chief guest. Several civic officials, former and serving corporators, social workers and other dignitaries were also present.

As part of its social commitment, the trust donated Rs 1,111 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for people affected by drought-like conditions. The amount was handed over to Commissioner Shinde through a cheque. The trust also launched a cloth-bag distribution drive to promote a plastic-free Maharashtra. Trust secretary Vikas Manik said the Anand Ashram is planned in Pali, Raigad, where the organisation has already purchased land. The project is expected to cost around Rs 3–4 crore and is targeted for completion within three years.

The facility is planned to provide healthcare support for senior citizens, education for orphaned children and financial and educational assistance for women. The trust hopes to create a peaceful, inclusive space where people can live as one extended family.