Maharashtra Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis along with Bollywood celebs Boney Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala, Subhash Ghai, Salma Agha, attended the Versova Festival 2019 inaugural function with several prominent newsmakers of this popular neighbourhood who were felicitated for their line of work for the community.
Versova Festival is an initiative by Hon. Dr. Bharati Lavekar, MLA – Versova Constituency. Dr. Lavekar is an award-winning social worker who is well recognized for her work and dedication to the field. This event has been organised with the motto to celebrate Versova, to give back to the community.
The function began with the ritual lamp lighting and a shawl and momento was presented to The CM, who went on to congratulate Dr Bharati Lavekar, a fellow party member with BJP from Versova who is the force behind hosting the most coveted festival in its 4th year this 2019.
He stated that not only she put the difficulties  faced by Versova people in the Legislative Assembly but also been persistent in ensuring the problems are resolved on time in a most effective manner.   He admired her work and expressed faith that the community members of Versova shall strongly support her in her work.
He was also quick to point out that Versova is home to ‘BOLLYWOOD’ – the  most prestigious film industry in the world, and he felt it of great honour to felicitate the icons who have done commendable work in this industry and bought us global recognition and laurels.
The grand function was Chaired by Vinayak Mete – the chairman of Shiva Smarak Samiti. Vinayak Patrudkar was the Chief Guest at the event with other eminent personalities like Subhash Ghai, Anandji – renowned maestro and the host Dr. Bharati Lavekar, MLA and convener.
The CM in his speech assured that soon instructions to MMRDA shall be given to construct a sports stadium where sports activities on Olympic level could be conducted.  He also stated that a Post Office shall be opened at Lokhandwala soon. He clarified that the new CRZ rules shall change the life style of the sons of the soil and informed that after completing the road construction work from Bandra to Versova Sea Link and Coastal Road, it will take only 30 minutes to reach the neighbourhood in western suburbs from Nariman Point vis-à -vis the 75 – 90 minutes it takes on a regular working day today.
Sr Journalist Manohar Kumbhejkar was felicitated at the hands of Shri Devendra Fadnavis. CM conferred him with the Versova Gaurav Puraskar for his remarkable social work.  Shri Vinayak Patrudkar, the Chief Editor of Lokmat was also felicitated on the occasion.
While appreciating his constructive work for the last 23 years, the CM stated that Mr. Kumbhejkar was following up the problems particularly of the Koli community and general public with the government.
At this function Sajid Nadiadwalla – Film Producer, Nishigandha Wad – Actress, Boney Kapoor – Film Producer, Salma Aaga – Actress, Bharat Yadav – Wrestling Trainer, Ramkaran from Anupa Public School, Dr. S. K. Bulchandani – Ophthalmic Surgeon, Milind Kulkarni – Solid Waste Management and other dignitaries were also felicitated by awarding them The Versova Gaurav Puraskar.
In her inaugural speech Dr. Bharati Lavekar applauded the CM for taking quick decision on long pending issues and ensuring that the city issues were not just resolved but a visionary perspective ensures that soon the city will see a changed infrastructure improving the lifestyle of the people living and visiting this urbane city.  Besides this micro issues of a community as the Versova residents were being resolved with a specific goal to highlight the current reining BOLLYWOOD industry that the area hosts and also ensure better facilities for the residents of this vicinity is made available. Even the local Koli (Fisher) community members will benefit with the future plans in place and she gave due credit to the CM for leading the city and state with his dynamism.
The Versova Festival is a pop-up mall providing a wholesome family entertainment with loads of fun activities, shopping, food, excitement, lucky draws, workshops, all under one roof.
The festival is known to be one that showcases the most modern yet contemporary Indian merchandise with 200 popular restaurants & gourmet food & nicely curated street food accompanied by live music performances.
DATE : January 15 – 22, 2019
VENUE : Chitrakoot Garden, Industrial Area, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053.
The event is free and open to the Public.
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