Organised by the Rashtranirmata Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Vichar Samiti, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vijay Kadam, Mangaltai Jagtap and Pradeep Adangle, in association with Metta Foundation spearheaded by Sonali Ramteke Tamdadge, along with Ghatkopar Smaarak Samiti and Shahid Smaarak Samiti, this grand pre-Ambedkar Jayanti event emerged as one of the most spectacular and inclusive community celebrations in recent years. Building upon the phenomenal success of four back-to-back Ambedkar Jayanti festivals in Worli that deeply resonated with local residents, the organisers masterfully amplified Babasaheb’s timeless message, ensuring it reverberated powerfully throughout Ghatkopar and far beyond.
The atmosphere pulsed with electric energy as superstar singer Adarsh Shinde mesmerised the vast audience with his soul-stirring Bhimgeetmala, igniting spontaneous dancing and collective singing. These electrifying performances were brilliantly complemented by vibrant displays from the local Lezim Dancers Group, captivating theatrical acts, and around 20 fiercely contested competitions spanning chess to cricket. A major highlight was the felicitation of winners from an exhilarating cricket tournament that witnessed enthusiastic participation from Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, Principal Secretary, Social Justice, who joined players alongside Sonali Ramteke Tamgadge and Girish Wankhede. Adding a powerful modern touch, two AI-generated films; one vividly depicting the historic Mahad Satyagraha and the other tracing the inspiring journey of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, received thunderous applause and heartfelt cheers from the captivated crowd.
The emotional pinnacle arrived with the ceremonial cutting of a colossal 135 kg cake, symbolising the 135th anniversary, jointly performed by Dr. Harshdeep Kamble and Bhimrao Y. Ambedkar. They were joined by distinguished dignitaries including Shri Vijay Waghmare IAS - Secretary, Tribal Development Department; Shri Krisna IRS - Ex Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax; Shri Rajesh Gawande IFS - Chief Protocol Officer of the state and FDI; Dr Pallavi Darade IRS - Maharashtra FDA Commissioner; Shri Kailash Pagare IAS - Commissioner, Integrated Child Development Services; Mrs Prerna Deshbhartar IAS - Managing Director LIDCOM; Shri Pandurang Raut IRS, Shri Bharat Kadam PS to Hon Minister Shri Sanjay Shirsat, Pandit Shri Mukesh Jadhav; Shri Sandeep Dongre and Archana Dongre - Academicians; Singer Sandesh Umap; Influencers Raja Naidu and Rushabh More; literary stalwart J.V. Pawar, AI Enterprenuer Shailesh Tamgadge and Girish Wankhede, the eminent Movie Trade Analyst.
Flawlessly hosted by Dr. Vijay Kadam and Farah Khan, the entire programme unfolded with exemplary discipline, seamless coordination, and infectious enthusiasm, creating an unforgettable experience for all. The event was also combined with the celebration of the Bicentenary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and the approaching centenary year of the landmark Mahad Satyagraha. The sacred water of the legendary Chavdar Lake was specially brought and used at the installation of a majestic Mahad Chavdar Lake replica for visitors, while the flags of more than hundred Buddhist countries where Dr B R Ambedkar’s Jayanti is celebrated, gracefully surrounded the entire ground.
Dr. Harshdeep Kamble shared his profound appreciation, remarking, “This stands as one of the grandest celebrations in recent memory, driven by overwhelming participation from local residents, particularly the spirited youth and youngsters who poured in with unmatched zeal to honour Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.” A visibly delighted Bhimrao Y. Ambedkar echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am truly amazed by the extraordinary talent shining within our community. The powerful voices of our singing artists, the boundless energy, and the electrifying atmosphere here are simply wonderful and deeply inspiring.”
The venue blossomed into a vibrant cultural and entrepreneurial festival, complete with mouth-watering food stalls, a breathtaking artistic replica of Chavdar Lake (Mahad), a towering majestic statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, bustling entrepreneur kiosks, and extensive book stalls that celebrated the community’s profound love for knowledge and enlightenment.
Strategically held ahead of the main April 14 observances, when families and colonies celebrate independently, this pre-Jayanti mega-event fostered a profound sense of collective pride, solidarity, and shared purpose.
This monumental gathering not only offered rich, heartfelt tributes to Dr. Ambedkar’s transformative vision but also forged stronger bonds of empowerment, cultural renaissance, and community harmony among thousands. It has undoubtedly set a shining new benchmark for vibrant, inclusive celebrations dedicated to the father of social justice in Mumbai and beyond.
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