The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approved the memorial plan for social reformer Jagannath Shankarshet Murkute, popularly known as Nana Shankarshet, on August 1, 2023. It has been over six months, and the government has failed to allocate funds for this project.
Daivagya Samajwadi Parishad and Nana Shankarshet Pratishthan's representatives extended their gratitude to the Municipal Corporation for endorsing the memorial plans.
Manmohan Chonkar, the general secretary of the Nana Shankarshet Pratishthan, is hoping that the memorial will come to completion with a promised funding of INR 25 crores. But there is yet no word from the government about it.
Sadanand More, head of the State Board of Literature and Culture, expressed dismay, querying why Nana Shankarshet's contributions to Sanskrit literature, railway construction, education, and social reform continue to be disregarded. He lobbied for a national memorial, encouraging the Central Government, State Government, and the University of Mumbai to work together to properly honor Nana's legacy.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu has repeatedly questioned the BMC about the postponed monument project. He was deeply disappointed by the government's reported financial parameters. He said it is very unfortunate that the government does not have the funds to support this endeavour.
During the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Prabhu strongly sought the state government to set aside INR 25 crore for Nana Shankarshet's memorial in Wadala. Despite repeated reminders during budget sessions of the urgency of resolving these problems, Prabhu lambasted the government's seeming disinterest, comparing it to a condition of somnolence. He underlined the rise of several social reformers in the state and the importance of Nana Shankarshet's memorial in honoring his contributions.
He said that his function as an MLA affiliated with the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray group will impede the fulfillment of this request, as credit for it may be given to Uddhav Thackeray. However, this memorial is more than just governmental recognition; it has great significance for Mumbai. Even in future supplementary budget debates, he encourages the administration to consider allocating cash for it.
Milind Panchal of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) stated that the government allotted a property for the construction of Nana Shankarshet's memorial, but the plot has since been abandoned. He criticized the government's apparent disrespect for Nana Shankarshet, citing his important contributions to Mumbai's development and attempts to benefit the people. As a result, his memorial remains neglected, representing a squandered opportunity to honour his legacy.
With Nana Shankarshet's diverse contributions to society, such as his humanitarian efforts and vital role in abolishing the practice of Sati, the need for an appropriate homage to his legacy becomes clear. His charity, equivalent to that of the Parsis, was important in transforming Mumbai into a city of business, culture, and intellectual capital, but his achievements go mostly unnoticed.
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