Bruhad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj is the institution which represents Gujarati Community in the commercial capital of the country. An important event in the life of this institution is that it is going to complete 20 years in December. It is great honor for me to narrate, in brief, the activities that the samaj has undertaken during the years. *

Bruhad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj was established in December '85 in the presence of a Central Minister and Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Maharashtra at that time. * The Samaj has arranged meetings with the prominent politicians and leaders of different fields time and again. To throw light on the burning issues of the time and to get their esteemed guidance has always remained the intention for such meetings. * A person who has glorious achievements to his credit through imagination, dedication and enthusiasm or a person who has sen/ed mankind in general and the community in particular, should be honored so that other people get idea and encouragement to do so. This has remained the earnest belief of the office-bearers of the Samaj. Right from Gujarati enterprising personalities that helped to shape economic progress of the State and the country to the bright students have been honored every year Gujaratis who contributed in the arts and literature, different media like drama and film people who distinguished themselves in sports at national or international level, are also honored by the Samaj thereby creating new norms. *

Editors and owners of the dailies and magazines who play vital role in shaping the society are also honored. * The Samaj held a grand gathering in '89 with the intention of creating a confederation of Gujarati Samajs of Maharashtra. The result was establishment of Maharashtra Gujarati Samaj Mahamandal. * On entering the tenth year of its existence the Samaj decided to felicitate unique-extraordinary Gujaratis every four years. With this award, name of Girnar is attached. Girnar is not merely a mountain made of stones and mud, it is a symbol of historical, geographical, religious and cultural importance of Gujarat. It is very old mountain-king that represents Gujarat, Gujaratis and Gujaratism. *

In '94,35 leading Gujaratis were honored with "Girnar Award". The Chief Minister of the time, Shri Sharad Pawar, presented this award to them. Industrialist of the Year Award was presented to Shri Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries Ltd. Pujya Moraribapu graced the occasion and blessed all who were present. * The Samaj held a grand "Vishwa Gujarati Parishad" in 1996 for three days. Every day about 30000 people attended. * The Samaj was trying hard to set up Maharashtra State Gujarati Academy. Success came after eight years of unceased efforts and the Maharashtra Government approved setting up of Maharashtra State Gujarat Academy in '96. *

Mumbai Gujarati Parishad was held thrice by the Samaj with the officials of different Gujarati Institution. Problems faced by the Gujaratis in the city were discussed at length. The Samaj spared no efforts trying to solve the problem of O.B.C. * Every year the merit list students of S.S.C. & H.S.C. (Mumbai Board) are honored by the Samaj. * The Samaj very successfully and thoughtfully organizes Akhil Mumbai Navaratri Mahaspardha every year since '96 with worth-while and active participation of the Gujarati daily Mumbai Samachar. Elimination rounds are held in each important centre of the city on all nine days of Navaratri. In final round around 350 players present themselves with enormous amount of enthusiasm, skill and imagination. Winners get Trophies and fabulous prizes. The Samaj can take rightful pride in its ongoing efforts to preserve one of the most ancient and cherished art forms of Gujarat. *

With the intention of providing solid support to our dearest mother tongue Gujarati, the Samaj organizes programmes like "Kavyotsav“ and "Git Gunjan" with the able co-operation of Mumbai Samachar. * Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj is fountain head of good thoughts and deeds for lakhs of followers. We are fortunate to have him in our own mother tongue Gujarati. ln addition to his enormous contribution to the society, his name has entered Guinness Book of World Records twice. Samaj was fortunate enough to be able to present him Gujarat Gaurav Award. * Top-notch 21 Gujaratis of different fields are being presented with "Girnar Award". Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Hon. Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh and the Speaker of Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha, Hon. Shri Arunbhai Gujarati has presented all these awards. *

Bruhad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj (BMGS) is progressing slowly but surely. Gujaratis of Mumbai feel that it is their own institution. This Samaj is entering 21st year of its existence. lt is our hope and confidence that we will get full support of all of you in further events that we are arranging in the interest of the Gujaratis of Mumbai. * Your presence here today is the result of Iaudatory work done in last 20 Years by the Samaj. There is one very good news : Gujarat Bhavan will take shape on the Andheri - Oshiwara Link Road in just two years. Land is already in our possession. This Gujarat Bhuvan will be our own and will be like many others in different cities of India Approx 37,649 Sq. feet Gujarat Bhavan will be constructed, about 8,547 Sq. feet basement is already constructed. lt will need your all possible physical, mental and monetary help as we want to create the Bhavan as early as possible.