Mumbai: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s contribution in the formation of modern India is unparalleled. Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar saw education as the most effective means of freedom. He established colleges that catered to socially and economically backward students and played a very important and influential role in spreading education to the weaker sections of the society.
Even as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar ensured constitutional provisions like fundamental rights, abolition of untouchability. Dr. Ambedkar was a pioneer of equality. He supported women’s rights, advocated equal opportunities in education, property and personal freedom. Governor Jishnu Dev Verma, while saluting this great man, said that it was because of him that India gave equal voting rights to women from the first day of its Republic.
On this occasion, Governor Jishnu Dev Verma said, “I am happy to know about the progress of construction of a grand memorial dedicated to Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Indo Mill Compound.
Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Mayor Ritu Tawde, Ministers Prakash Ambedkar Bhim Rao Ambedkar, and other dignitaries today paid floral tributes at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chetiya Bhoomi Memorial in Dadar.
Chairman of the Legislative Council Prof. Ram Shinde, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Anna Bansude, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology and Minister in-charge of Mumbai Suburban District Ashish Shelar, Minister for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Joint Minister in-charge of Mumbai Suburban District Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Jachgan Bhujbal, Minister for Social Justice Sanjay Sharasat, Minister for Soil and Water Conservation Sanjay Rathore, Former Minister Vijay (Bhai) Girkar, Chief Secretary of the State of Maharashtra Rajesh Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Social Justice Department Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, former MP Rahul Shivale, All India Bhikkhu Sangh President Dr. Rahul Bodhi Mahathru, former Minister Deepak Kesarkar, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubel Agarwal, Director General of Police Dr. Sadanand Datta, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale, Assistant Commissioner of G-North Division Vinayak Vijpute, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s grandson Bhimrao Ambedkar, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Mahapari Nirvana Day Coordination Committee General Secretary Nagasin Kamble, etc. along with dignitaries from all walks of life and followers of Dr. Babasaheb were present in large numbers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on the occasion, “The more we salute Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the bigger the change we can bring. Because Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has shown us how much of a revolution one person can bring about. Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is such a personality that if the most programs are organized on the occasion of the birth anniversary of any person in the world, then Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar” Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar We get to see these programs in every corner of the world and these programs in a way pay tribute to his work.
Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had mentioned the need for a central bank in India in his article “Issues of the Indian Rupee”. Secondly, he had said that for years our currency (currency) has been running on the silver standard, it should be abolished and made the gold standard. And thirdly, he had said that do not look at the exchange rate, look at the purchasing power of the currency.
The proposal made by Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1923 is becoming the most important in today’s global economy.
Our Constitution has built our economy and that is why we are now the third economy in the world and soon we will be the second and first. We will get a position on the side. Our Constitution is the direction of this development and the author of this Constitution is Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while interacting with the audience in today’s program, said, “Today, Bhimsagar has flown over the Chetiya Bhoomi. And I salute all this Bhimsagar. Today, we have all gathered to bow down to the Sun of Wisdom, we have gathered to salute it. This is not only Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, but also a celebration of the conscience and self-respect of the entire India. Babasaheb gave self-respect to the country. Babasaheb did the work of showing the direction of equality and humanity. Babasaheb is not only the architect of the Constitution, but he is also the architect of humanity first and foremost.

Kalyan, April 14: In a major breakthrough in the high-profile NESCO Centre drugs party case, Mumbai Police have arrested alleged drug supplier Anand Patel, a Kalyan-based businessman, following a late-night raid that turned into a tense hour-long standoff.

According to officials, the operation was carried out with the assistance of Khadakpada Police after Mumbai Police received specific intelligence that Patel was hiding at his residence in Kalyan West. A police team immediately rushed to the location and coordinated with local authorities to execute the arrest.

Senior officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Atul Zende, were informed about the operation. Subsequently, a joint team led by Senior Police Inspector Amarnath Waghmode, along with officers Bhushan Devre, Kiran Shirke, Sanjay Chavan, Kundan Bhamre, and Suraj Khandale, reached the upscale Mohan Heights residential complex where Patel resides.

At the premises, police first encountered Patel’s father, Lakhan Patel, a businessman, who allegedly tried to mislead the officers by claiming that his son was not in Kalyan and had gone out of town. He also reportedly attempted to evade questioning, which further raised suspicion among the police team.

Acting on strong intelligence inputs, police escorted Lakhan Patel to the eighth-floor apartment. However, despite repeated knocking and instructions, the occupants refused to open the door. The situation soon escalated into a tense standoff, with police waiting outside for nearly an hour.

Officials made it clear that they would not leave without taking Patel into custody. Eventually, after continuous persuasion and intervention by his father, Anand Patel opened the door and was immediately detained by the police. Sources revealed that Patel had celebrated his birthday just two days earlier, and several relatives were present inside the house during the raid.

Following his detention, Khadakpada Police formally handed him over to Mumbai Police for further investigation in the NESCO drugs party case.

Preliminary investigation suggests that Patel, who claims to be a builder, played a key role in supplying drugs at the party. He is believed to have acted as a crucial link between the party organiser and drug suppliers. Police are now probing his wider network and suspect that he may have been involved in drug distribution activities in Kalyan and nearby areas as well.

Officials also stated that Patel’s father, Lakhan Patel, has multiple criminal cases registered against him, and his role, if any, will also be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Further investigation is underway, and more arrests are likely as the probe deepens.

Mumbai: In a strong show of concern over rising drug-related threats, senior members of the All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama on Monday met Commissioner of Mumbai Police Deven Bharti, urging immediate and stringent action against drug peddlers allegedly involved in the assault on Sayed Khalid Ashraf Sahab, a religious figure known for his anti-drug awareness work.

The delegation, led by President Sayed Moinuddin Ashraf (Moin Miyan) and Vice President Mohammed Saeed Noori, submitted a formal letter highlighting the seriousness of the incident. They stressed that the attack was not merely targeted at an individual but posed a direct threat to ongoing efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse among youth.

According to the letter dated April 13, Sayed Khalid Ashraf Sahab, associated with the historic Khanqah Ashrafia in Kichchoucha Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, has been actively campaigning to steer young individuals away from narcotics and promote healthier lifestyles. His work, the delegation noted, has allegedly drawn hostility from those involved in illegal drug trade.

Calling the assault “deeply concerning,” the leaders warned that failure to act decisively could discourage social reformers and activists from continuing their efforts against substance abuse. They emphasised that such incidents undermine broader societal attempts to tackle the growing menace of drugs.

In their appeal, the delegation urged the Mumbai Police to initiate a swift and thorough investigation, identify and apprehend those responsible, and take exemplary action against drug peddlers operating in the area. They also sought adequate protection for individuals working on anti-drug initiatives, citing potential risks posed by criminal elements.

The representation further underlined that prompt police action would not only ensure justice in the present case but also reinforce public confidence in law enforcement agencies. It added that strong measures are essential to send a clear message that violence against those working for societal welfare will not be tolerated.

The incident has also raised serious concerns about the growing nexus between drug networks and intimidation tactics, particularly targeting those working at the grassroots to combat substance abuse. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement, community protection measures, and sustained awareness efforts to ensure that individuals advocating for social reform are not silenced through fear or violence.