Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Sep 29: "Among the prestigious social and community service organizations in Greater Mumbai, Buntara Sangha and Billawar Association have walked together, which is indeed commendable. Both organizations have grown along the same path. Earlier, even Buntara Sangha had run a night school. With the farsighted thinking and strong determination of our leaders in tune with changing times, today we have our own higher educational institutions and have moved forward with pride. About three decades ago, the school project initiated at Powai under the visionary guidance of S M Shetty stands as testimony. That is why, as educational investment never goes waste. On the contrary, the money spent on education strengthens society and also paves the way for a bright personal future,” said CMD of Vishwat Chemicals B Vivek Shetty, former president of Buntara Sangha Mumbai.
The Billawar Association Mumbai its Education Sub-Committee organised Adoption of Students, Merit Award-2025 Function & launching of New Website on Sunday, September 28 evening at Shree Narayana Guru Auditorium of Billawa Bhavan, Santacruz East, Mumbai under the presidentship of association’s president Harish G Amin. Chief guest Vivek Shetty inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and delivered the keynote address.
Vivek Shetty emphasized that we need to understand the transformation of organizations in Mumbai, the changes in India’s education system over the last hundred years, and the evolving relationship between associations and communities. Institutions play a major role in both organizational and personal life, bringing transformation even among voiceless individuals. But above all, he advised, “It is most important for us to first become good human beings.”
Mundkur Ratnakar Shetty (chairman, S M Shetty College, Powai & CMD, Shreenath Finance Ltd), renowned chartered accountant Gangadhar S Poojary and former district health officer of Bidar S Shubhavathi were presented as guests of honour. Billawa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) chairman N T Poojary formally launched the New Website of the Association.
The distinguished guests presented the Student Adoption & Merit Awards 2025 and blessed the children. Advocate Anagha Nimbkar of Anagha Legal conducted an interactive legal awareness session on opportunities in family law, wills, and advocacy.
President Harish G. Amin, in his presidential address, assured “Even if it costs us greatly, we are determined to soon establish our own higher educational institution. A blueprint has already been prepared for this. Through such grand projects, we shall address social challenges. In the coming days, we will allocate even larger funds to encourage students and meritorious children. In line with the message of Narayana Guru, who preached education, equality, humanity, and brotherhood to eradicate social inequalities, today’s world finds its greatest strength in education. Hence, Billawar Association will give even greater importance to education.
Associations honorary president L V Amin, vice presidents Purushotham S Kotyan, Jayanti V Ullal, K Suresh Kumar, Mohan C Kotyan, hon general secretary Harish G Salian, hon treasurer Ravi S Sanil, Ladies Wing chairperson Shakuntala K Kotyan, Education Sub-Committee president Vishwanath R Tonse, secretary Harish Poojary Kokkarnne, IT & Social Media Sub-Committee president Suresh Anchan, hon secretary Naveenchandra Amin, Dinesh Sanil, Harish D Salyan, Arun Kotyan among others were on the dais.
Industrialist and BCCI director Gangadhar N Amin Karnire, N Nityanand (Onida), Varad L Ullal, Association’s jt secretaries Harish G Poojari, Yogesh N Poojari, Yuvabhudaya Committee chairman Nilesh Poojari Palimar along with several local committee heads, office bearers, and members were present in large numbers.
The programme began with a devotional hymn Ganapati Stotra by Vijetha Suvarna. Vishwanath Tonse welcomed the gathering. Harish G Salian gave the introduction and highlighted 93 years of the association’s service. Harish Poojari Kokkarnne explained the details of the Adoption and Merit Awards programme. Joint treasurer Harishchandra G Kundar introduced the guests. President Harish G Amin honoured the guests with flower bouquets and mementos. The programme was compared by Keshav K Kotian, who also proposed the vote of thanks.