Deputy CM Ajit Pawar at the BMC headquarters with the then CM Uddhav Thackeray and former Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray, in January 2021. When Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar visited the BMC headquarters on January 28, 2021, to inaugurate the Heritage Walk, it marked the first time the 128-year-old civic building was opened to tourists. Pawar, a prominent and widely respected leader from the Maratha community, was told about the ‘Maratha Ditch’ — a deep trench built by the East India Company to protect British-controlled structures from possible Maratha attacks during India’s freedom struggle. The ditch existed in the Fort area before 1860. “We were standing on the deck above the entrance of BMC when I pointed to Mr Pawar the location of the erstwhile Fort of Bombay that was surrounded by the ditch,” said Bharat Gothoskar, founder of Khaki Tours, which conducts the heritage walks every weekend. Pawar later visited the BMC as part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi, accompanying then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who officially inaugurated the Heritage Walk. “It is sad that he passed away on the fifth anniversary of the Heritage Walk,” Gothoskar said.
30 January,2026 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSSenior Central Railway officials at the zonal headquarters at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Wednesday recalled that in late 2025 and early 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had emerged as one of the strongest drivers of railway infrastructure expansion in the state, with special focus on Pune, Beed and adjoining regions. According to officials, Pawar personally monitored several long-pending rail projects and consistently pushed for faster approvals and coordination between the Centre and the state. “Among his pet initiatives were three key railway projects close to his heart — the Daund-Baramati line, the Baramati-Phaltan-Lonand corridor, and the Ahilyanagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath route,” a senior Central Railway official said. “These projects were aimed at plugging decades-old connectivity gaps in western Maharashtra and Marathwada, with Baramati envisioned as the central hub,” the official added. Railway officers said Pawar also took a keen interest in strengthening Pune’s suburban rail network, particularly the Pune-Lonavala section. The corridor is being developed under an Rs 5100-crore project, with the Maharashtra government committing to bear 50 per cent of the cost. In Marathwada, Pawar played a crucial role in pushing railway connectivity to Beed — a long-standing demand of the district that had remained unresolved for decades. “We explained to him how the Beed rail project had been stalled mainly due to land acquisition issues,” the official said. “He intervened to resolve coordination bottlenecks and ensured momentum.” Officials said the project is expected to significantly improve mobility, investment and economic opportunities in one of Maharashtra’s most historically under-connected regions. Rs 51K crCost of upgrading Pune-Lonavala section
30 January,2026 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAs Maharashtra bid farewell to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, memories of his political legacy extended beyond power and administration to a quieter but deeply personal contribution — his consistent emphasis on women’s dignity, recognition, and empowerment, rooted in his native village of Katewadi. Long before the recent cabinet decision mandating the inclusion of mothers’ names in all government documents, Katewadi village in Baramati taluka had already set an example. In 2005, the village gram panchayat introduced mothers’ names alongside fathers’ names on all land ownership records. The decision, led by women members of the panchayat, aimed to formally acknowledge the role of mothers in family and community life. Roads in Katewadi wear a deserted look as residents left their homes to pay tribute to their beloved leader Ajit Pawar. Pics/By Special Arrangement Katewadi, the Pawar family’s native village, later earned national recognition for its progressive governance. In 2008, it was declared a ‘model village’ by the Maharashtra government and subsequently developed into the state’s first eco-village. Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, played a key role in planning and implementing several of these initiatives. Despite his demanding schedule, Pawar made it a point to visit Katewadi regularly. Village women recalled that he and Sunetra Pawar participated every year in the Bail Pola celebrations, where residents treated them as members of their own family. A leader loved by all Ajit Pawar’s association with women-centric welfare remained prominent throughout his political career. His Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched last year, emerged as one of the most popular schemes in Maharashtra, providing a monthly honorarium of R1500 to eligible women beneficiaries. The scheme found wide acceptance, particularly in rural areas, and became a defining element of his outreach during the Assembly elections. The campaign’s distinctive pink theme and emphasis on swift implementation strengthened his connection with women voters. Under the Women and Child Development Ministry, headed by Aditi Tatkare, operational hurdles were cleared on priority. Pawar repeatedly assured beneficiaries that funds would not fall short, reinforcing confidence in the scheme. An unfulfilled wish The emotional bond between Pawar and women supporters was most visible during his final darshan. As his mortal remains were brought to Katewadi ahead of the last rites, women from across Baramati and neighbouring villages gathered in large numbers to pay tribute to the leader they affectionately called ‘Dada’. One elderly woman, holding a rakhi in trembling hands, broke down in tears. “I came to tie this rakhi for him,” she cried. “This time my wish remained unfulfilled.” Similar scenes unfolded as several women struggled to accept the loss of a leader they viewed as a protective elder brother and a dependable pillar of support. In Katewadi and Baramati, many households observed mourning by not lighting their stoves, reflecting the depth of collective grief. Final journey from Katewadi Ajit Pawar’s funeral procession began from Katewadi on Thursday morning amid overwhelming sorrow. Thousands gathered from early dawn to pay their respects to the Pawar family. Senior leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, were present as emotional slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” echoed through the village. The flower-decked vehicle carrying his mortal remains travelled nearly seven kilometres through Baramati’s main areas before reaching the Vidya Pratishtan campus. Along the route, mourners followed silently, many running behind the procession with tearful eyes. A heavy police deployment, traffic diversions and drone surveillance were put in place to manage the massive turnout. Legacy beyond politics Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise has left Maharashtra mourning not just a powerful administrator, but a leader whose connection with grassroots workers and women beneficiaries went far beyond political symbolism. From pioneering reforms in his native village to statewide welfare initiatives, his imprint on inclusive governance remains enduring. Silent stoves, sleepless nights In a rare collective gesture of respect, households across Baramati did not light their gas stoves on Wednesday and Thursday. Many residents remained outdoors through the night, refusing to return home as they bid an emotional farewell to their beloved leader.
30 January,2026 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalColleagues, kin, neighbours, and several relatives huddled up at the Century Mills MHADA colony in Prabhadevi on Thursday morning as the mortal remains of 29-year-old flight attendant Pinky Mali were brought in from Baramati for her last rites. The budding air hostess lost her life in the shocking charter plane crash that also claimed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s life. Her parents, Shiv Kumar Mali and Maya Mali, sobbed seeing their middle child draped in cloth head to toe, while Karan and Preeti, Pinky’s siblings, gave them courage. A large number of Pinky’s relatives had arrived from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh, the Mali family’s native town, on Thursday, informed her aunt, Pushpa Mali. “She was a happy kid… she would visit our family every time she was in Banaras and always kept in touch,” she told mid-day. Many neighbours remember young Pinky as a happy, proactive child. “She moved to Kalwa after her marriage, but people always spoke very highly of her. She seemed satisfied with her career and new family, too,” said Sadhana Singh, a neighbour. Family and friends of Pinki Mali pay their respects. Pic/Shadab Khan “We all knew of Pinky, but we never imagined that this was how she would lose her life,” said another neighbour. Among the throngs of MHADA residents, media, and family friends were her aviation colleagues. One colleague, who has known Pinky for the past 10 years, recalled her experience of working with the budding stewardess. “I originally met Pinky during a short correspondence course. She was extremely jolly. Be it dance competitions or the ramp walk, she would always be a part of these events,” said her colleague on condition of anonymity. Pinky’s close friends shared how she also hoped to establish a modelling career. But in hopes of supporting her family and finding pride in hospitality, she chose the job of a flight attendant. According to neighbours and family friends, Pinky’s father was a staffer at an airport in his early days but lost his job. Soon after, he began working at the Century Mills and then lost stable income once again when the mills shut down. Pinky, in hopes of supporting her family and fulfilling her dad’s ambition, eagerly took up her profession. “Pinky was a very supportive girl and was good at her job. Not a single complaint was raised against her during her service time at the airlines,” said another co-worker. They stated that Pinky was the kind who was “always ready to fly”. Flying with VVIPs was a common work experience for them all. “She was willing to fly for 15-20 days without a break… she never said no,” added the other co-worker. On Thursday, the mortal remains of Mali were brought from Baramati to Kalwa, the residence of her in-laws. Soon after, she was carried to Century Mills MHADA in Prabhadevi at 11.45 am, where her close ones paid their respects. After a few hours, the family took her mortal remains to Shivaji Park for her last rites. 29Age of Pinky Mali Fatherspeak Shiv Kumar Mali, Pinky’s fatherThis has been absolutely devastating for our family. In a few days, we will be leaving for Nashik to immerse her ashes. We have asked for an inquiry into why we were never officially informed by the company about our daughter’s death. Had we not switched on the TV, we would have found out very late. We travelled to Baramati on our own buck and identified our daughter at the hospital.
30 January,2026 11:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA section of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders believe that Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late Ajit Pawar, could potentially lead the party and join the state government as deputy chief minister or a minister and one of her sons, Parth and Jay, could be nominated to the Upper House in her place. According to party sources, it is too early to discuss what’s next for the NCP. But, a mid-rank party leader admitted that a section within the party (informally) was said to be weighing the need for continuity and stability after the leadership vacuum created by the demise of the deputy chief minister. With the BJP already gearing up for the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, recent municipal council and corporation polls have shown growing competition among the three Mahayuti partners, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP, and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena. NCP leader Sunetra Pawar interacts with a child while canvassing for votes in Pune in the run-up to state election in 2024. File pic Following Ajit’s passing, this battle of open one-upmanship is expected to intensify further, with the BJP likely to see an opportunity to assert itself in western Maharashtra, long considered a stronghold of the Pawar family. No wonder, with political equations in Maharashtra changing rapidly, all eyes are now on the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and its next steps in selecting leadership and decisions on key posts, including the deputy chief minister and the crucial finance and planning portfolio in the state government. On Thursday, mid-day shed light on how the BJP was eyeing a crucial finance portfolio as Fadnavis was always keen to keep this ministry with himself, as it plays a crucial role in the development of the state. Aware of the changing political scenario and need to move swiftly, many within the party believe that Parth or Jay do not have much experience in Maharashtra’s electoral or legislative politics yet, and in such a situation, Sunetra can step in to fill the gap and lead the party at the state level. “No one other than a Thackeray can lead the Shiv Sena. Similarly, for the NCP, only a Pawar will be accepted at the helm of affairs. It is only a Pawar who can keep the party intact and going. Hence, Sunetra Pawar can be a good replacement in Maharashtra. While one of their sons can be nominated to the Rajya Sabha in her place,” the leader added. The leader further stated that senior leaders like Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel are already based in Delhi and can guide the new Pawar generation at the national level. He also mentioned that besides Patel and Tatkare, senior leaders from other NCP faction, such as veteran leader Sharad Pawar (Rajya Sabha MP) and his daughter Supriya Sule (Lok Sabha MP from Baramati), also have vast parliamentary experience and could help guide one of Ajit’s sons in navigating politics in Delhi. ThreeNo. of seats won by NCP in BMC election
30 January,2026 11:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours on Thursday, around 12.12 pm at the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati. His sons Parth and Jay Pawar lit the funeral pyre, even as his wife Sunetra broke down during the final rites. A testament to Ajit Pawar’s mass appeal was the staggering crowd of people who turned up. In one emotionally charged moment, an elderly woman, holding a rakhi in her trembling hands, broke down in tears. “I came to tie this rakhi for him,” she cried. “This time my wish remained unfulfilled.” Ajit Pawar’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched last year, emerged as one of the most popular schemes in Maharashtra. The atmosphere turned deeply emotional as a massive crowd gathered for the final farewell. Cries of grief and slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” and “Ajit Dada parat ya” echoed across Baramati, reflecting the profound public sorrow over the loss of the veteran leader. A sea of people can be seen at the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati for the funeral of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was cremated with full state honours on Thursday Emotional farewell Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains were first kept for public viewing at his native village, Katewadi, on Wednesday evening. From the early hours of Thursday, supporters from across Maharashtra arrived in large numbers to pay their respects. The crowd swelled to such an extent that police personnel initially struggled to manage the situation. Order was later restored following an appeal by MLA Rohit Pawar. The body was later brought to the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati, where his wife Sunetra Pawar, along with other family members, paid their last respects. Tragic death Ajit Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday morning in a plane crash at Baramati. He was travelling in a mid-size business jet that had taken off from Mumbai at 8.10 am and was scheduled to address rallies for the upcoming rural local body elections. Four others also lost their lives in the crash. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, including an examination of the aircraft operator’s role and the condition of the Baramati airstrip. End of dynamic political era Ajit Pawar was widely regarded not merely as a political leader but as an institution of governance and development. Known for his discipline, decisiveness and deep connection with rural Maharashtra, his demise has left party workers and supporters deeply shaken. Many mourners were visibly emotional upon seeing the leader, known for his commanding presence and firm voice, lying still for the final time. A massive crowd gathers at the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati for the funeral of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was cremated with full state honours on Thursday. Pics/By Special Arrangement Senior leaders attend funeral Several senior leaders from across the political spectrum attended the funeral. National leaders who made it included Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Ramdas Athawale and Praful Patel. State leadership included Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Jayant Patil, Sushilkumar Shinde, Ashok Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray, along with members of their families. Others present were Andhra Pradesh leader Nara Lokesh, actor Riteish Deshmukh, and several MPs, MLAs, and office-bearers from various political parties. Leaders across parties described Ajit Pawar’s death as an irreparable loss to Maharashtra. City, villages fall silent A pall of silence descended over Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad as the region mourned the sudden loss of its long-time leader and former guardian minister. Deserted roads all day As a mark of respect, the Pune District Auto Rickshaw Driver-Owner Association and several city rickshaw unions announced a complete suspension of auto services on Thursday. Services remained suspended from 8 am to 5 pm, with unions stating the shutdown was in remembrance of Ajit Pawar’s contribution to the development of Pune and its surrounding areas. Baramati reflects humanity Even as Maharashtra mourned, Baramati witnessed an extraordinary display of compassion and social responsibility. Thousands of supporters arriving from different districts were provided free food and accommodation by local residents, institutions, and traders. Despite personal grief, citizens ensured visitors faced no inconvenience. As news of Ajit Pawar’s death spread, waves of supporters poured into the town. Local residents and business owners joined hands to arrange meals, drinking water and shelter. Several organisations and volunteers set up food distribution centres across Baramati. Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains were kept at the Vidya Pratishtan grounds for public viewing late into the night. Despite the cold weather and emotional strain, volunteers continued distributing food and water. “Dada always taught us the value of humanity. Serving those who came to bid him farewell is the true tribute to his legacy,” said a local volunteer. At a time of intense political and personal grief for the Pawar family, the compassion shown by the people of Baramati stood out as a powerful reminder of collective humanity, illuminating the moment of loss with selfless service. 12.12 pmTime of cremation
30 January,2026 11:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalMumbai is expected to witness a mainly clear sky on Friday morning, with conditions turning partly cloudy towards the afternoon and evening across the city and suburbs. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded mild early-morning temperatures on Friday, with no rainfall reported. Colaba logged a minimum temperature of 22.8 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz recorded a slightly lower 22.0 degrees Celsius. Both observatories reported zero millimetres of rainfall. Meanwhile, air quality remained in the moderate category. As per the Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 119, which may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma and heart diseases. AQI across Mumbai Kurla: 136Malad West: 140Andheri East: 131Ghatkopar: 131Bandra East: 127Kandivali East: 125Bandra Kurla Complex: 123Byculla: 119Chembur: 118Borivali East: 116Mazgaon West: 115 Relatively better air quality was recorded in: Colaba: 93Kandivali West: 88Mulund West: 82Bhandup West: 108 Maharashtra weather update: State records warm day as several districts cross 30 degrees Celsius Maharashtra recorded warm daytime temperatures today, with several districts reporting maximum temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD's daily weather report. Mumbai witnessed above-normal heat, with Colaba recording a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 22.8 degrees Celsius, both higher than seasonal averages. Santacruz was warmer, touching 33.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 22.0 degrees Celsius. Coastal stations also remained warm, with Ratnagiri recording the highest maximum temperature in the state at 34.0 degrees Celsius, followed by Sholapur at 33.1 degrees Celsius and Sangli at 31.3 degrees Celsius. Interior regions such as Ahmednagar recorded a maximum temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 15.4 degrees Celsius, while Kolhapur saw temperatures ranging between 30.1 degrees Celsius and 18.9 degrees Celsius. Nashik reported a comparatively cooler night with a minimum temperature of 16.6 degrees Celsius. Hill station Mahabaleshwar remained cooler than the plains, with a maximum temperature of 25.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 15.8 degrees Celsius. Overall, minimum temperatures across many parts of the state remained above normal, indicating a gradual warming trend as January draws to a close.
30 January,2026 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on Friday, marking the 78th anniversary of the Father of the Nation’s death. “Heartfelt tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary,” Shinde wrote on X. राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी यांना स्मृतीदिनानिमित्त भावपूर्ण आदरांजली.#Mahtma #MahatmaGandhi pic.twitter.com/H9ep7XZfA6 — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) January 30, 2026 Earlier, the Congress party also paid homage, highlighting that Gandhi’s ideals of justice and peace continue to inspire the nation. The party wrote, “On the sacred death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ji, the supreme priest of Truth and Non-violence, millions of salutations. Bapu’s principles will forever guide us in pursuing justice and peace.” Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a central figure in India’s struggle for independence. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, while on his way to daily prayers. January 30 is observed as Martyr’s Day across the country. On this 78th death anniversary, the Centre will hold an all-religious prayer (Sarva-Dharma-Prarthana) and a Martyr’s Day ceremony at Rajghat in New Delhi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Manohar Lal, Chairman of the Rajghat Samadhi Committee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also pay floral tributes to Gandhi. Gandhi is remembered for his principles of Satyagraha and non-violent resistance. He led landmark movements like the Dandi March in 1930 against the Salt Law and the Quit India Movement in 1942, which mobilized people nationwide against British rule. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared a tribute video on X, stating, “Remembering Mahatma Gandhi, a revered leader and freedom fighter who shaped India’s destiny through truth and non-violence.” PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on death anniversary Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, highlighting the Father of the Nation’s emphasis on swadeshi as a core principle for a developed and self-reliant India. In a post on X, Modi said Gandhi’s stress on swadeshi continues to guide the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat. He added that Gandhi’s life and ideals will always inspire citizens to follow the path of duty. राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी को उनकी पुण्यतिथि पर मेरा शत-शत नमन। पूज्य बापू का हमेशा स्वदेशी पर बल रहा, जो विकसित और आत्मनिर्भर भारत के हमारे संकल्प का भी आधारस्तंभ है। उनका व्यक्तित्व और कृतित्व देशवासियों को कर्तव्य पथ पर चलने के लिए सदैव प्रेरित करता रहेगा। — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2026 India observes January 30 as Martyrs’ Day to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and his supreme sacrifice for peace, justice and freedom.
30 January,2026 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major tragedy was averted after a fire broke out at the Highland Tower in Kandivli East’s Lokhandwala Township on Wednesday night. Fire engines were delayed by nearly 10 minutes due to autorickshaws being illegally parked in triple rows outside the society, obstructing access. Residents urged local authorities, including the BMC, the local corporator, and Samta Nagar police, to address the issue. The fire broke out in the kitchen of a flat located on the first floor of Highland Tower, where Yash Bansal resides with his parents, wife Karishma, and their 15-day-old baby girl. Fortunately, the entire family had gone out. Bansal told mid-day, “Residents informed the fire brigade, but their arrival was delayed due to autorickshaws parked outside.” BJP corporator Neelam Gurav said, “We have started coordinating with the authorities and have informed them to take action and impose fines on violators. I aim to clear the roads of illegal parking and hawkers and help citizens.” Senior PI Jagdish Bhopale said, “Over a year ago, someone from the society complained about the same issue, and we resolved it. The problem, however, has resurfaced. We ensure it is fixed.” Residents’ voices Dipti Thakur Desai‘We have complained to the corporator, MLA, police, and traffic police multiple times about the auto issue, but no one has acted. Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire engines often get stuck because of these autos’ Pinky Manish Pachouly ‘At night, some auto drivers consume alcohol inside parked vehicles. It becomes unsafe and difficult for residents to pass through this lane. The police should take strict action and not allow autos to park in this area’ Gurunandan Masurkar‘Auto drivers are creating a nuisance in the area. We demand a permanent solution. There is a parking mafia operating here, and they even threaten residents’ Neha Patel, society secretary ‘Luckily, no one was injured in this incident. Only a small fire brigade vehicle could easily enter the society, but the fire tanker was stuck at the gate for nearly 10 minutes. Fire brigade staff were only able to enter after some autos were moved. After the lockdown, autos started parking here in large numbers, especially after 9 pm, creating a daily nuisance. We urgently need a solution’ Parul Shahane ‘A few years ago, a fire broke out in a neighbouring society, and the fire brigade faced delays in entering due to parked autos. This area is not meant for autorickshaw parking’
30 January,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaElated and thrilled were the general sentiments at JJ’s South Mumbai campus as the 14x60-foot Ministry of Education tableau designed and crafted by students, alumni, and teachers of the university was declared as the ‘Best Tableau from Central Ministries/Departments — Popular Choice Category’. ‘Ancient Origins, Digital Wings’ remained the central theme of the installation this year. From tech-savvy students wearing virtual reality headsets to Aryabhata blessing the young learners, the tableau encompassed India’s continued emphasis on education. The tableau was presented during the Republic Day Parade held at Delhi’s Kartavyapath on January 26. The theme of the tableau was “National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat.” Prachi Nalawde, a Master’s student who worked with the design team on the tableau; (right) Fine Arts student Rohit Kharote touches up the Aryabhatta model “This is our first such feat since the JJ School of Art, Design, and Architecture has turned into a deemed-to-be (de-novo) university,” said Professor Dr Vijay Sakpal, the mentor heading the entire project with his team of 40. JJ School in 2022, where the artists had represented the Ministry of Education, won the ‘best tableau’ prize in the department's category too. “Another interesting fact, this time around, was that our tableau presentation cost the least,” said Dr Sakpal. While being a win for the university, this title also marked a moment of encouragement to many first-timers, first-year, and Master’s students who took part in the creation of this large installation. “The experience made me feel like I had worked on a grand project, and seeing it win made me feel like all our efforts were established. We were exhausted on the 26th, as we stayed up the night before working on the tableau, but we watched it live on the television,” said Rohit Kharote, a 23-year-old final-year Fine Arts student. His parents eagerly watched the parade back home and were even more impressed to hear the feat it brought. In his final year, Kharote is now confident to scale up his personal art projects after this experience. Exposure to India’s diverse artists in Delhi, a boost in confidence, and the spotlight on the project were important experiences for Kharote. “Watching the visual and performing artists work together at such a scale was really a moving experience,” he said. With more seasoned expertise, Prachi Deepak Nalawade, who is in the first year of her Master's in interior designing, told mid-day, “I have worked on college projects like installations and beautifications since 2023, during my Bachelor's at JJ. This year, I got selected in the design team and worked on the R-Day tableau.” 14x60ftSize of the tableau
30 January,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarI see trees of pink Fresh blooms of Pink Trumpet flowers add a splash of colour to a section of the Eastern Express Highway near Vikhroli. You go, girl! Naavya Kaku; (right) Naavya Kaku windsurfs in Mumbai. Pic CourtesyY/Hetal Kaku We caught wind of a young sailing prodigy off the breezy Chowpatty coast during the recently concluded iQFoiling (high-speed windsurfing) Asian Games 2026 trials. Naavya Kaku, a 12-year-old student from Fort’s JB Petit High School, was punching above her weight, competing in the Under 19 category. In conversation with her mother Hetal Kaku, we learnt that the teen bagged a third-place finish in the second round in Girgaon. “As thrilling as it looks, pursuing foiling in India is a multifaceted challenge. Despite being a coastal city, access to sea areas where one can train is limited for civilians. The equipment comes with a hefty price tag of upto R10 lakh, and travelling with it adds to the costs. Naavya often needs to travel overseas to train, or hire a trainer to come visit us in India. Some recognition and attention to the sport could help build more accessible infrastructure,” she said. We hope it’s all smooth sailing to the next Asian Games for the young star. Caws for concern? The leucistic crow (below) sighted near the Mumbai Zoo in Byculla. Pic Courtesy/Umesh Avadootha Living in this city can drain you out. Ask its crows. An uncommon sighting of a grey leucistic crow yesterday near the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla sparked some interesting conversations in naturalist circles. “The condition can arise from the mutation of a gene that affects melanin, the pigment that gives a crow its dark black colour. We see a partial loss of pigment when a parent in the lineage has undergone stress, likely from its diet and lifestyle. While the condition is uncommon among Mumbai’s crows, it is even rarer in rural areas where there are fewer stressors,” said naturalist Shmes Ansari, who was alerted of the sighting by the Zoo’s assistant zoologist Umesh Avadootha. Safe to say, stress levels are soaring in this city. Koliwada to Dubai Visitors learn Koli dance from Fernandes (in grey) A vasaikar is all set to teach Dubai how to shake a leg in Koli style next weekend. Supriya Takkar Fernandes, who runs the Vasai Local restaurant in Karama, Dubai, told this diarist she’s all set to get visitors grooving to Koli geet at a pop-up. “It has become an annual affair now. We did it last year at the St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha in UAE. The multicultural crowd, consisting of Filipinos, Brits, and Americans couldn’t help but tap their feet to our music. A group from The Philippines even joined us to learn some moves. Soon enough, the classic dance prop, white handkerchiefs, came out,” she revealed. Fernandes tells us she’s more than glad to host Mumbaikars visiting the city on February 7 and 8 for a meeting with the ‘Dubaikars’. Bombil Fry from the restaurant. Pics Courtesy/Vasai Local Wordplay in Juhu Books from a previous initiative by the reading club. Pic Courtesy/Juhu Reads February will begin with a good cause at the Kaifi Azmi Park. On February 7, reading club Juhu Reads will host a session with the collective Books Tribute, started by Ananya Turakhia and Arnav Dharia. “They have been collecting books, pre-loved and read, to distribute across different institutions. They will be bringing a portion of their collection to the session. Participants are free to read, give their own books, or take part in the session,” shared Juhu Reads co-curator Shishir Bangera. Get on board Children pore over a boardgame at the 2025 edition. Pic Courtesy/Meeplecon The weekend will see board game enthusiasts head to Kurla for the annual edition of Meeplecon at Phoenix Marketcity. This time, though, there will be an emphasised desi touch to the proceedings. “It is a delight to see such creative ideas inspired by the diversity of India’s culture. From games on Indian elections, to one on Raas Leela, it is a dynamic collection,” shared director Prashant Maheshwari. With a convention of designers and critics, as well as a corporate championship over two days, it has something for everyone. Let the games begin, we say.
30 January,2026 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
