A Chowk and moving talk: In the memory of Mumbai Councillor Vinod Shekhar
Late Mumbai Councillor Vinod Shekhar was honored with the naming of a Chowk in his memory. The residents of Colaba and Churchgate gathered on a hot Sunday morning to witness the inauguration of Vinod Shekhar Chowk. The Chowk is located near Eros cinema and stretches to the opposite pavement near the Astoria Hotel, with a Metro station in the middle. It is a bustling area with offices, shops, colleges, and residential buildings.
During the unveiling of the ‘Vinod Shekhar Chowk’ plaque, leaders like Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Milind Deora paid their respects to Shekhar, who was a Congress councillor for Colaba. Advocate General of Maharashtra Dr Birendra Saraf and former Additional Solicitor General of India Anil Singh highlighted Shekhar’s contributions to the community.
After the Chowk inauguration, a gathering was held where family members and leaders shared their memories of Shekhar. Milind Deora spoke about the special bond his father shared with Shekhar and praised Shekhar’s dedication to finding long-term solutions for his constituency. He emphasized the importance of the Chowk in sparking curiosity among the new generation about Shekhar’s legacy.
Several speakers, including JoJo Thomas and Vijay Shekhar, reflected on Shekhar’s simplicity, humility, and commitment to public service. They appreciated the unity shown by different political parties in honoring Shekhar’s memory. Former MP Sudha Joshi highlighted the strong bond between Shekhar and his mother, Annie Shekhar, describing Colaba as their life.
Advocate Anita Shekhar Castellino fondly remembered Annie Shekhar as a universal mother and emphasized the deep connection Shekhar had with Colaba. Suresh Chandra Shekhar, fondly referred to as ‘the boss,’ shared anecdotes about Shekhar’s dedication to social work and his willingness to help others at a moment’s notice.
The event also acknowledged the efforts of ex-BJP corporators Makarand Narwekar and Harshita Narwekar in making the Chowk a reality. The morning filled with memories showcased the importance of unity and the lasting impact of one’s work and relationships beyond party lines.
The inauguration of Vinod Shekhar Chowk served as a touching tribute to a dedicated public servant and a reminder of the power of community and collaboration in honoring a beloved figure’s legacy. The event brought together individuals from different backgrounds to celebrate Shekhar’s contributions and the values he stood for, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
