Jagatik Marathi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JMCI) intends to set up convention centre for entrepreneurs

by Suman Gupta

Like every year, the entrepreneurs excelling in their business were felicitated by the Jagatik Marathi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JMCI) on the occasion of its silver jubilee this year. The glittering award function was held at Swantatraveer Savarkar Hall located at Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park at Dadar West in Central Mumbai.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker and President of the JMCI Manohar Joshi, JMCI Working President and MP Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, MP Rahul Shevale, former Mayor Shriddha Jadhav, BMC’s Works Committee chairperson Priti Patankar, noted actor/director/producer Mahesh Kothare, JMCI office bearers Prakash Chikhalikar, Pravin Shetye, Sudhir Samant, Ravindra Awati, Tushar Deshmukh, Parshuram Patil, Manohar Salvi, Dr Santosh Kamerkar, Suresh Mahajan and Prasanna Rege were present.

On the occasion of JMCI’s silver jubilee the “Udyog Ratna Awards” were given at the hands of JMCI President Manohar Joshi and JMCI working President and MP Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil to:  Mrs Sheela Dharia, Proprietor Anant Enterprises, Pune, Ashok G Vartak, Managing Director, Abdulla & Associates, Dubai, Giridhar S Kale, founder and Director, Shriniwas Engineering Auto Components Pvt. Ltd and Shrikant Badve, Managing Director, Badve Group of Companies. Actor/Director/Producer Subodh Bhave. Suresh Mahajan were felicitated with memento for their continuous service to JMCI.

On the occasion, JMCI Working President Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil said that the JMCI was planning to set up a convention centre to guide the entrepreneurs and if one acre of land is made available by the state government in MIDC at prime location in either Mumbai or Pune, it will be very helpful. The issue was earlier taken up with Industries minister Subhash Desai and it will be followed up. The convention centre will be equipped with exhibition hall, training centre and an auditorium to guide and train Marathi entrepreneurs. Patil also gave the information about the activities of JMCI to encourage entrepreneurs including their visits abroad like visits to Los Angeles, Chicago, California etc.

Replying to felicitation the recipients of “Udyog Ratna Awards” profusely thanked the JMCI and said that the JMCI had always been a guiding force.

Quotes of the awardees

Mrs Sheela Dharia (Proprietor Anant Enterprises, Pune) “We supply 26 types of springs to the Brahmos missile and handle two projects of Defence department every year. This felicitation is the felicitation of Marathi people of this country. If we united and help each other we can always reach dizzy heights”.

Ashok G Vartak (Managing Director, Abdulla & Associates, Dubai), I am in Dubai for the last 42 years which is my “Karmbhoomi” now. We have completed over 1100 projects up till now and have received many awards at the international level. This award means an appreciation for me. The Maharashtrians should not restrict themselves to the state and should be prepared to accept challenges at global level.

Ashok G Vartak (Managing Director, Abdulla & Associates, Dubai), I am in Dubai for the last 42 years which is my “Karmbhoomi” now. We have completed over 1100 projects up till now and have received many awards at the international level. This award means an appreciation for me. The Maharashtrians should not restrict themselves to the state and should be prepared to accept challenges at global level.

Subodh Bhave (Actor, Producer, and Director) the Marathi film world should be accorded the status of “industry” so that many facilities could be made available to film makers. Similarly the Marathi film makers should try to set up their own studios, so that basic facilities for shooting, editing and sound recording could be made available. It would also generate employment.

Giridhar S Kale (founder and Director, Shriniwas Engineering Auto Components Pvt. Ltd) (turn over Rs 700 crore, heading towards Rs 1000 crore turn) this is a honour to me on the occasion of silver jubilee of JMCI. Recently some industrialists had a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. In the light of this meeting I would like to suggest that it should be made compulsory to go in for 100 per cent indigenous production. We are working on a Rs 1500 crore health related project which will be functional soon.

Shrikant Badve (Managing Director, Badve Group of Companies) (turn over Rs 3600 crore)

“As we progress we owe much to the society and should whatever possible we could do for the society. JMCI has always been giving guidance from time to time. I remember the hospitality extended by the them Maharashtra CM Manohar Joshi after we met at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi. After that Joshi called me in Mumbai and curiously inquired my well being. I will always cherish this memory”.

Suresh Mahajan it is because of the JMCI my acquaintance with different people including Pravin Shetye, Manohar Salvi increased which eventually paved the way for setting up the Dadar Club. I thank JMCI for felicitating me for my association with JMCI for 16 years.

Mahesh Kothare (film maker) a bank loan was made available to me for my film “Dhoomdhadaka” by Suresh Mahajan. I will always remember this. Besides many artist from Marathwada wants to come to Mumbai for acting in films and plays. I want to do something for them.

JMCI President and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi gave the entire credit of the progress he made in his career to Shiv Sena Pramukh late Balasaheb Thackeray. He also mentioned about remarkable work done by present Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He suggested that instead of hunting jobs, the Marathi youth should start their own business. They should give up the mentality of getting stuck into employment.

The function began with Thumri, Gazal and Natya Sangeet performance by noted vocalist in the field of Hindustani Classical music Sania Patankar. Neha Paranjpe anchored the program.