Report & Photos: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Jul 13: The newly established educational institution by the Bunts Sangha’s Borivali Education Committee is not merely a beautiful structure, but a landmark of quality education poised to become a premier centre of learning that prepares future citizens of India to face global challenges.
Speaking at the event, union minister for commerce and industry and MP for North Mumbai, Piyush Goyal, highly commended the philanthropy and service-mindedness of the donors, trustees, and office-bearers of Bunts Sangha for supporting this ambitious project.
He emphasised that education is the most profound and visionary investment for social progress and development, noting that investing in education is both essential and the most effective pathway to building a stable, sustainable society. He concluded that there is no greater capital than education for the holistic development of society.
Minister Goyal made these remarks during his keynote address on Sunday morning after dedicating the Aarati Shetty Icon School and the Leelavati Hegde School to the public. These institutions are located within Bunts Sangha's Shashikiran Shetty Education Institutions complex at I C Colony, Borivali, managed by the Borivali Education Committee of Bunts Sangha Mumbai.
The grand ceremony, held at the Smt Radha Sundar Shetty Auditorium, was presided over by Praveen Bhoja Shetty, president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai and chief sponsor of the committee. The dais was graced by chief guests Shashikiran Shetty, executive chairman of Allcargo Logistics Limited, along with grand donors Aarati Shashikiran Shetty, Leelavati S Hegde, and Adarsh Hegde, managing director of Allcargo Logistics. Former MP Gopal C Shetty and Dahisar MLA Manisha Ashok Chaudhary were also present as guests of honour.
In his address, minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that the organisation has earned society's trust over several decades through its exemplary contributions to education, healthcare, and social service. He noted that the new institution will play a critical role in nurturing youth who can turn challenges into opportunities. He urged students to look beyond mere academic success and actively cultivate a spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community service.
He further suggested that if the institution introduces social welfare initiatives providing quality education and skill development to children from underprivileged areas and chawls, it will become an ideal model. He envisioned this campus growing into a world-class knowledge hub that produces top-tier professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, and exemplary public administrators for the nation.
The event witnessed the felicitation of several prime donors and dignitaries who contributed generously to the infrastructure. Among those honored were ex-joint secretary. Mumbai Cricket Association and chairman, advisory committee BEC Dr P V Shetty, CMD-Sampoorna Hotels Pvt. Ltd Padmanabha S Payyade, chairman fund collection BEC Mundappa S Payyade, CMD Sai Palace Group of Hotels Ravi S Shetty, CMD Beg Treat Group of Hotels Ravindra Sadhu Shetty, CMD V K Group Karunakar M Shetty, chairman Heranba Industries Ltd Dr. Kanyana Sadashiv K Shetty, director IBPS Harideesh Kumar, CMD Baba’s Group Mahesh S Shetty, CMD Vishal Plastics Bhaskar Shetty Kashivira, CMD Maharaja Group of Hotels & Convener-Infra BEC Chandrahas K Shetty, co-convener-Infra BEC Kiran Shetty, Shloka Shashikiran Shetty, Praveen Bhoja Shetty & Nainita Praveen Shetty, CMD Hotel Ramdev Belagavi Raghurama K Shetty & Bhavani R. Shetty, CMD Issar Financials Pvt Ltd & general secretary Bunts Sangha Mumbai Dr R K Shetty & Anita R Shetty, CMD Hotel Krishna Palace Group of Hotels Krishna Y Shetty & Uma Krishna Y Shetty, and municipal councilor Rekha Rama Yadav couple.
Speaking on the occasion, Shashikiran Shetty emphasised that providing educational opportunities is the most valuable heritage we can pass down to the next generation, far surpassing material wealth and property. He noted that the exemplary service rendered by the Bunts Sangha in the field of education over the past several decades serves as a model for society. This educational mission—which began through the vision of S M Shetty and the office-bearers of Bunts Sangha, alongside the generous support of donors—is already delivering high-quality education through the S M Shetty institutions in Powai and the Manmohan Shetty institutions in Kurla.
He stated that the new educational campus in Borivali will further strengthen and carry this legacy forward. Highlighting that India's future rests in the hands of its youth, he stressed the need to give greater emphasis to education, skill development, research, and startups. He expressed his hope that this institution would nurture students by instilling values, honesty, social responsibility, and leadership qualities alongside academic excellence, delivering a clear message that the dedication of this school is not the end of a project, but rather the beginning of a fresh responsibility toward society.
Ravindra Sadhu Shetty expressed his gratitude for leading the project, stating that the campus will deliver high-quality global education, elevating the global identity of the community.
In his presidential address, Praveen Bhoja Shetty said that moving forward with a resolute commitment to nation-building through education, Bunts Sangha has further expanded its legacy of academic service, adding another proud chapter to its achievements.
As a symbol of unity, service, and societal progress, the Sangha is realising the vision of its founders by recognising that empowering the new generation through quality education is the highest form of service.
The new Borivali campus, which has a capacity to accommodate approximately 3,000 students, sets a new milestone in the field of education with its state-of-the-art facilities. The campus aims to provide students with global standards of education seamlessly blended with Indian culture and values.
He further highlighted that the institution supports the holistic development of students by offering world-class infrastructure, technology-driven smart classrooms, innovative learning centers, modern laboratories, a well-stocked library, and excellent facilities for sports and performing arts.
The auspicious occasion Bunts Sangha honorary treasurer CA Ramesh B Shetty, joint secretary Girish R Shetty Tellar, joint treasurer Shashidhar K Shetty Innanje, Women’s Wing chairperson Chitra R. Shetty, and Youth Wing chairman Savin J Shetty. Also present were Borivali Education Committee (BEC) professional advisors CA Harish Shetty and CA Shankar B Shetty; vice presidents Nityanand Hegde Shirva Nadibettu and Yermal Harish Shetty; secretary CA Jagadish B. Shetty; treasurer CA Aditya Shetty; and co-convener academics Ashok V Shetty.
They were joined by BEC members Dr Narendra Shetty, Deepak Shetty (IRS), Kumari Shloka Shetty, Bhaskar K Shetty, Harishkumar M Shetty, Amarnath Shetty, Dr Satish B Shetty, Mili Kishore Shetty, Gaurav R Payyade, Ashok Shetty, Prakash A Shetty, Dr Harini Chowta, and Kumari Anisha P Shetty.
The event also saw the presence of Namrata S Saxena, principal of Aarati Shetty Icon School (ASIS-Cambridge), and Kavitha Ganesh Hegde, principal of LHS School, alongside BEC office-bearers, advisors, Bunts Sangha trustees, representatives from the women’s and youth wings, regional committee coordinators, chairpersons, sub-committee heads, members, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents, and education enthusiasts.
The day commenced with traditional religious rituals in the morning, where Vedamurthy Krishnaraj Tantri led the Sri Satyanarayana Mahapooja, consecrated the idol of Goddess Saraswati within the complex, performed various sacred rituals, and blessed the gathering with Teertha-Prasada. Shalini and Ravindra Sadhu Shetty solemnised the prayers as the host couple.
In his address to the devotees, Vedamurthy Krishnaraj Tantri shared words of spiritual wisdom, noting that knowledge is an indivisible wealth that only multiplies when shared. He invoked blessings upon the institution, praying that this temple of learning, built on collective dedication, grows into a globally renowned center of knowledge.
The grand event commenced with a traditional Ganesh Stuti performed by the school students, followed by a documentary showcasing the journey of the Borivali educational institution. Praveen Bhoja Shetty welcomed the gathering and honored the guests with a moment and bouquets.
The management, advisory committee, trustees, members of the women's and youth wings, regional committee coordinators, teaching faculty, and administrative staff were present in large numbers alongside students and parents to mark the auspicious occasion.
The formal programme was compered by Ashok Pakkala and Pallavi Shetty, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Nityanand Hegde Shirva Nadibettu.