11 September,2026 12:01 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondent
The award was presented during Eknath Shinde`s three-day official visit to the UK from September 9 to 11.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was conferred the 'Global Pride of Maharashtra Award' by Maharashtra Mandal at a cultural event organised in London on Friday.
The award was presented during Shinde's three-day official visit to the UK from September 9 to 11. He addressed members of the Maharashtra community at the event and spoke about strengthening cultural ties among Marathi-speaking people living outside India.
During his address, Shinde suggested that an International Marathi Literature Festival should be organised in London in the coming days.
"In the coming days, the International Marathi Literature Festival should be organised in London," Shinde said.
He said cultural events of this nature could provide a platform for Marathi literature and culture and help connect the community in the UK with Maharashtra.
The event was attended by members of the Maharashtra Mandal and others from the Marathi community in London.
Shinde also spoke about his son, Dr Shrikant Shinde, who is a Member of Parliament and holds an MS in Orthopaedics. He said Shrikant is currently in London to pursue an MBA at the London School of Economics.
"My son, Dr Shrikant Shinde, who is already an MS in Orthopaedics and a Member of Parliament, is here in London to study for an MBA at the London School of Economics. I went to meet him yesterday," he said.
Shinde said his son's decision to continue his education was an example of the importance of learning throughout life. He linked this to the teachings of Dr B R Ambedkar on education and unity.
"His zeal to learn teaches us that we should always keep trying, as Babasaheb Ambedkar taught us about continuous learning and unity," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Shinde visited the London residence where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had stayed while studying and paid homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Describing the location as a "holy spot", Shinde spoke about Ambedkar's contribution to the framing of India's Constitution and its role in creating opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"When Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was studying, he stayed here. This is a holy spot. He drafted the Constitution through which the poorest of the poor reached top positions," he said.
Shinde's visit to the residence was part of his engagements in London during his official trip.
Shinde also received the Commonwealth Public Leadership Award at the British Parliament on Thursday.
Speaking to ANI after receiving the recognition, he attributed it to the work of the Maharashtra government and cited welfare and administrative initiatives undertaken by the Mahayuti government.
He mentioned schemes including the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' and 'Shasan Aaplya Dari', claiming that they have benefited millions of people across Maharashtra.
The award and cultural event formed part of Shinde's engagements during his three-day official visit to London. His visit, which began on September 9, is scheduled to conclude on September 11.
(With inputs from ANI)
