Fadnavis Launches 305 Crore Annabhau Sathe Memorial

New Cultural Landmark and Skill Development Hub Planned at Mumbai's Chirag Nagar

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has officially laid the foundation stone for the Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Training and Research Institute (ARTI) and a grand memorial at Chirag Nagar in Ghatkopar. The ambitious ₹305 crore project is expected to be completed by July 2029, with the Chief Minister directing all departments to strictly follow the construction timeline.

The project is being developed by the Mumbai Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to honor the life and contributions of legendary social reformer, writer, and folk artist Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe while also creating a modern center for education, research, and skill development.

Memorial to Celebrate Annabhau Sathe's Life and Legacy

Spread across nearly 18,000 square meters, the memorial will feature several attractions designed to preserve and showcase Sathe's remarkable journey and achievements.

The centerpiece of the complex will be a 20-meter-high bronze statue equipped with advanced laser projection mapping. Visitors will also see a 6-meter inspiration wall displaying artistic murals, a sound-and-light show highlighting Sathe's life, and a restored version of his original Chirag Nagar residence inspired by his hometown house in Wategaon.

Around 220 families were rehabilitated to make way for the project.

Digital Gallery, Library, and Career Support Facilities

The institute will include several modern educational and cultural facilities aimed at supporting students and young professionals.

Visitors will have access to a digital gallery with virtual tours, a wax statue of Annabhau Sathe, multilingual audio guides, and a special "Walk with Annabhau" experience that recreates his historic 255-kilometer journey on foot from Wategaon to Mumbai.

The campus will also feature:

• A modern library
• Study halls
• Competitive examination guidance center
• Skill development and training facilities
• Cultural amphitheater
• Green rooftop
• Parking for approximately 150 vehicles

Fadnavis Calls Memorial a Symbol of Social Justice

Speaking during the ceremony at Sathe's former residence and workplace, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the memorial represents much more than a construction project.

He described it as a symbol of dignity, struggle, and social transformation for marginalized and working-class communities. According to the Chief Minister, Annabhau Sathe's literary work and social contributions continue to inspire people not only across Maharashtra but around the world.

Government Promises Rehabilitation Before Development

Fadnavis assured local residents that rehabilitation remains the government's top priority throughout the project.

He emphasized that no eligible or ineligible resident would be left without proper housing before construction activities move forward. The government, he said, is committed to ensuring development without displacing families unfairly.

The Chief Minister also instructed the SRA and all involved agencies to complete the project by July 2029 and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would dedicate the completed memorial to the nation.

Annabhau Sathe's Global Influence Highlighted

During his address, Fadnavis noted that Annabhau Sathe's writings have been translated into more than 27 languages, including Russian, French, and Italian.

He also recalled the unveiling of Sathe's statue at Moscow State University in 2022, describing it as a recognition of the writer's international influence.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Announces Continued Government Support

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who attended the event along with senior ministers and public representatives, said the Maharashtra government has committed nearly ₹300 crore for the landmark project.

He stated that the government would ensure sufficient funding to develop a world-class institute and memorial dedicated to Annabhau Sathe's vision and contributions.

Shinde also announced that another memorial worth ₹50 crore is under construction at Sathe's native village of Wategaon, while the memorial dedicated to Krantiveer Lahuji Salve in Pune has already reached around 65% completion.

Coffee Table Book Released and Family Members Honored

The ceremony also featured the release of the SRA's coffee table book titled "From Transparency to Transformation."

Officials honored UPSC achiever Prerna Kailas Khavle and recognized members of Annabhau Sathe's family, including his daughter-in-law Savitribai Sathe and grandchildren Jyoti Sathe and Sachin Sathe, for preserving his legacy.

Leaders and Officials Attend Foundation Ceremony

SRA Chief Executive Officer Mahendra Kalyankar described the event as a celebration of Annabhau Sathe's ideology and lifelong commitment to empowering underprivileged communities.

The foundation ceremony was attended by Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Sachin Ahir, ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ashish Shelar, and Sanjay Shirsat, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Member of Parliament Sanjay Dina Patil, along with several senior SRA officials and public representatives.

New Gallery Opens at Byculla to Showcase Sathe's Cultural Heritage

On the same day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also inaugurated a dedicated memorial gallery honoring Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at the renovated Annabhau Sathe Open Theatre inside Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla.

The gallery showcases Sathe's literary works, cultural achievements, and lasting contribution to social reform, adding another important cultural attraction to Mumbai.