Priyadarshni Academy sent its group of bhajan artists to the "Mr. Krishna Janmotsav" Programme organised by Mr. Krishna Gyan Mandir in their premises at Wadala, Mumbai. The group consisted of Mr. P. S. Krishnamurthy, Mr. Debangshu Chakraborty, Mr. Rajesh David and Mr. Jayant Niralkar. These artists presented beautiful and melodious Krishna bhajans to a gathering of about 2000 devotees. The artists had come through the process of Academy’s project "National Integration Through Dances & Music", which aims to promote talented young artists. Their enthralling recital of Bhajans contributed to the beautiful ambience of colour gaiety and devotion in the celebrations of the auspicious festival of Janmastami. The other prominent artists who also presented bhajans and kirtans on this occasion were : Mr. Ramesh Kavishwar, Mr. Mahendra Jagriya, Pt. Mahadev Mishra and Pt. Daliliji.

(C.L.E.A.N. - Air) Citizens’ Leadership for Environmental Action and Networking organised a meeting with Mr. V. M. Lal, Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra, on "Vehicular Pollution" at Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Committee Room. The meeting was co-convened by Ms. Charu Singh and Ms. Zinnia M. Khajotia of Clean Mumbai Foundation and was jointly organised by C.L.E.A.N. - Air Movement, Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Bombay First, W.I.A.A., Indian Environmental Association and Bombay Management Association. The meeting was an interactive discussion between Mr. Lal and Representatives of various NGOs working on Vehicular Pollution and the citizens of Mumbai who participated in it.

Mr. Lal elaborated upon the various problems which result in traffic pollution, and shared his opinions and plans to curb this pollution. The participants conveyed their anxiety about the worsening situation of traffic pollution in Mumbai and asked Mr. Lal various pertinent questions in this regard. The meeting resulted in a meaningful dialogue between the Transport Commissioner, the NGOs and people of Mumbai which aimed to find workable solutions to this difficult problem, wherein the NGOs can also co-operate with the Transport Department and play a useful role in helping to solve the related problems.

Priyadarshni held two meetings with environmentally conscious and aware citizens of Mumbai who had approached the Academy to participate in its endeavours to start a public movement on solid waste management and awareness campaign on civic habits. These citizens represented all segments of society and shared one common goal; strongly wishing to contribute in improving the environment of their city. The meetings were held at the Board Room of Enkay Telecommunications (India) Limited in Worli, Mumbai.

Mr. Nanik Rupani informed the meeting of the main objectives of the Forum. Ms. Charu Singh detailed the plan for solid waste management and the awareness campaign for improving civic habits. Thereafter, the citizens contributed their opinions and perceptions on these issues and expressed keenness to participate in the Forum’s efforts. The twin meetings were very successful as they started the process of mobilizing like-minded environmentally conscious people of Mumbai, to form a team to start work in different localities of the city, backed by the strong organisational support planning and guidance by Priyadarshni Academy’s Forum for Environment Protection.

Mr. Nanik Rupani attended the prize distribution function of Inter-Club & Inter-Office League Table Tennis Tournament which was organised by Mumbai City District Table Tennis Association, under the Presidentship of Mr. Adhik Shirodkar, at the Central Y.M.C.A., Colaba, Mumbai.

Mr. Adhik Shirodkar, Mr. Nanik Rupani and other dignitaries addressed the gathering. Mr. Rupani and Mr. Shirodkar gave away prizes and trophies to the winners and congratulated and encouraged them for excelling in their chosen sport. Mr. Rupani also congratulated the Mumbai City District Table Tennis Association and Mr. Adhik Shirodkar for their efforts to promote participation in sports by our young generation.

Priyadarshni Academy and Indian Merchants’ Chamber jointly organised a presentation by Mr. Hafeez Contractor, a well-known Architect, of his proposed project for Mumbai called "Western Waterfront Re-development Plan" at the IMC Committee Room. Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Public Works, Maharashtra was the Chief Guest on this occasion, which was attended by members of Academy’s Environment Protection Forum, as well as other prominent and distinguished citizens of Mumbai. The Session started with welcome addresses by Mr. Pradeep B. Chinai, President, IMC, Mr. Nanik Rupani and Mr. Y. V. Chandrachud, Chairman, Priyadarshni Academy Forum for Protection of Environment. The gathering was further addressed by Mr. Hafeez Contractor, Architect, Dr. Vijay Chitnis, Dean & Head of the Department, Faculty of Law, Mumbai University, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, and Mr. Adhik Shirodkar, well-known Advocate and Member of Parliament. Dr. Chitnis and Mr. Shirodkar are members of the Academy’s Forum for Protection of Environment.

Mr. Hafeez Contractor made an impressive visual presentation of his plan which is aimed to provide an enhanced environment to Mumbai by providing substantial additional green space, and 3 lakh trees in the form of large forested areas, along the sea coast. Mr. Gadkari expressed support for efforts which are meant to create a healthier environment in Mumbai city and appreciated the presentation. Mr. Rupani expressed full support for the spirit behind Mr. Contractor’s plan. The Academy successfully fulfilled its aim of creating increased awareness about such a project for Mumbai city, as it was well attended by Press and Visual Media Representatives and was widely covered by prominent newspapers and TV Channels.

Priyadarshni Academy and Akshar Chalval organised an evening for Marathi poetesses called "Navya Shatkachya Umberthyawar" at Vanmali Hall, Dadar. The evening was presided over by Ms Malika Amar Sheikh. Poetesses like Ms. Cecilia Coelho, Ms. Sunanda Bhosekar, Ms. Nirja, Ms. Anjali Kulkarni and Ms. Malika Amar Sheikh participated in it.

Ms. Chhaya Korgaonkar’s poetry collection called "Aakant Priya Majha" was released on this occasion at the hands of Ms. Sheikh. Ms. Pushpa Rajapure shared her views on the contribution of the poetesses in Marathi literature. The dignitaries present expressed their appreciation for Mr. Arun Mhatre of Akshar Chalval. The session concluded with the presentation of Priyadarshni Academy’s appreciation mementos to the distinguished poetesses. The event was actively supported by Mr. Ramdas Phutane, Chairman, Marathi Literary Awards Committee, Priyadarshni Academy.

"Priyadarshni Academy Forum for Protection of Environment " held a meeting with Mr. G. S. Gill, Additional Municipal Commissioner, MCGM, at his office in Mumbai. Mr. B. N. Makhija, represented the Forum. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Nanik Rupani, Ms. Charu Singh and Ms. Shabina Patel, Manager, PR. Mr. Makhija informed Mr. Gill about the aims and projects taken up by the Forum. Mr. Gill who is in charge of environment at MCGM provided details about the steps being taken by the Municipal Corporation for protecting the environment.

Mr. Rupani informed Mr. Gill about the Forum’s efforts to involve other NGOs and public at large in these endeavours. Mr. Gill said that it was possible for the Municipal Corporation to empower certain citizens of Mumbai recommended by NGOs with some of the Corporation’s powers of immediate action against the offenders and to enable them to work in co-ordination with the Corporation’s concerned Ward Officer. The meeting successfully initiated a dialogue between the Forum and the MCGM and prepared ground for future co-operation in the field of environment protection.

(C.L.E.A.N. - Air) Citizens’ Leadership for Environmental Action and Networking organised a meeting under the Convenorship of Ms. Charu Singh and Ms. Zinnia M. Khajotia of Clean Mumbai Foundation as a follow-up of the initial meeting at Max Muller Bhawan on 21st April, 1999. Various NGOs, part of the C.L.E.A.N. - Air participated in the meeting. The serious problem of traffic pollution in Mumbai city, various factors contributing to it and how C.L.E.A.N. - Air could contribute in making a positive difference were discussed at length, at the meeting. It was concluded that C.L.E.A.N. - Air should work in co-ordination with R.T.O. and other agencies to support Government’s initiatives to try and ensure more stringent implementation of its checking process of polluting vehicles.

Priyadarshni Academy’s Forum for Protection of Environment held a meeting with Mr. K. H. Mehta, Member Secretary, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board at the Board’s office in Mumbai. Mr. B. N. Makhija, Mr. G. S. Dahotre, Mr. Nanik Rupani and Ms. Charu Singh attended the meeting. The meeting with Mr. Mehta was held to discuss the project of cleaning up of Mumbai Coastline and prevention of garbage and debris dumping into the sea and to obtain a wider prospective about the role and responsibility of MPCB towards maintenance of clean and pollution free environment in Mumbai. The meeting was very meaningful as it contained a frank discussion on various aspects of environment. The Forum members expressed their grave concern about the deteriorating level of water and air pollution in and around Mumbai and spelt out the objectives of the Forum. Mr. Mehta informed them of the steps taken by MPCB to control industrial pollution which is affecting the rivers, lakes and especially the sea around Mumbai coastline.

The meeting was a significant step in establishing a communication with the concerned authorities in enlisting their co-operation for the environment forum’s endeavours.

Bal Bhawan organised a Laughter Session for children which was conducted by Mr. Kishore Kuvavala, Chairman and Dr. Siddhartha Khandwala, Vice-Chairman of Priyadarshni Laughter Club International. The Session was conducted on Bal Bhawan premises in the morning. 300 children from Mumbai schools and about 50 teachers participated in it wholeheartedly.

Mr. Kishore Kuvavala gave a short demonstration of various Laughters to the children which was followed by Children’s Group Laughing Sessions in different laughter categories. Dr. Khandwala concluded the session by a short talk on the medical benefits of Laughter Therapy. The programme was a great success as it received a very enthusiastic response from Children and Teachers alike. Bal Bhawan expressed their desire to conduct Laughing Sessions for children on regular basis in their institution.

Ms. Charu Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Priyadarshni Academy participated in a closed session for non-governmental organisations and environment enthusiasts which was held at Stuttgart Hall, Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai, in view of the "International Earth Day". It was an interactive session for connecting and inter-linking various NGOs with the common objective of working for environment protection.

Addressing the meeting, Ms. Singh elaborated upon the objectives shortlisted by the Academy’s Forum for Environment Protection and stressed on the need for all the NGOs to work together as a united force. The objectives of the Academy’s Environment Forum received great appreciation and support from all the NGO groups. An Umbrella organisation called C.L.E.A.N. i.e. Citizen Leadership for Environmental Action & Networking was formed for this purpose. Ms. Singh accepted to be the Co-convenor of the same. Participation in the interactive session was an important step in the Academy’s aim to work unitedly with the collective strength of NGOs on environmental issues. The session was organised by Max Mueller Bhawan, along with Clean Mumbai Foundation, WWF - India and Clean Air Island.

Priyadarshni Academy organised a unique programme of cultural exchange in collaboration with Nehru Centre. A group of 14 Japanese students from Osaka University of Oriental Studies performed a Hindi Play "KAYA KALP", a social comedy, at Nehru Centre Auditorium under the guidance of Prof. Tomio Mizokami. Mr. Nanik Rupani welcomed the members of the Japanese group and the guests on this occasion. Dr. S. D. Karnik, former Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, was a special guest for the programme. The programme was also attended by Mr. Yoshio Yamagishi, Consul General of Japan and Mr. S. P. Godrej, prominent industrialist. Mr. Murakami Yuusuke, Mr. Hayashi Shigeyuki, Ms. Miyagawa Aya, Ms. Matoba Nanako, Mr. Okauchi Toshiro, Mr. Matsumoto Daisuke, Mr. Yamagami Kenjiro, Ms. Kasuya Tokiyo and Mr. Ozaki Takeshi were some of the Japanese students who participated in the Play. The Play received great appreciation from the discerning audience as well as critical acclaim from the Media for uniqueness of concept and impressive presentation by the Japanese students. The programme was presented by the well-known Compere, Ms. Tabassum. This goodwill visit of the Japanese students to India, hosted by Priyadarshni Academy was a great opportunity for the Indian and Japanese people for active interaction and cultural exchange.

Jawahar Bal Bhavan organised a State Level Children’s Assembly and Bal Mela on their premises. Mr. Nanik Rupani was the Chief Guest on this occasion. The function was also attended by the dignitaries like Dr. Madhu Pant, Director, National Bal Bhavan and Mr. Ramesh Chandra Kanande, Secretary, School Education, Govt. of Maharashtra.

The theme of the Fair was Maharashtra. The three main geographical regions of the State were presented and introduced to the children through different projects. Children from 23 districts of Maharashtra participated in it and interacted with the children of Mumbai who presented their cultural projects. More than 7000 children participated in different activities of the Fair.

Mr. Rupani addressed the gathering on this occasion. He said that promoting education for children was also an important endeavour of Priyadarshni Academy and he expressed his great appreciation for the efforts of Jawahar Bal Bhavan in the educational and overall development projects for children. Mr. Rupani announced that the Academy will sponsor 6 children’s education, who are members of Bal Bhawan, per year.

Priyadarshni Laughter Club International organised "Laughter Competition 1999" to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The Competition co-sponsored by Union Bank of India was held at 8.00 a.m., at Priyadarshni Park, Naepean Sea Road, Mumbai. More than 400 people from various Laughter Clubs of Mumbai as also the Laughter Club of Rajkot and about 100 school children participated in it. This was the first Laughter Competition of its kind as it focused on spreading the concept of Laughter Therapy amongst children.

The competition started with the welcome address by Mr. Nanik Rupani followed by a briefing on the medical benefits of this therapy by Dr. Siddhartha Khandwala, Vice Chairman, (PLCI). Thereafter, Mr. Kishore Kuvavala, Chairman, (PLCI) conducted the whole programme. The winners were bestowed with a trophy by Mr. Nanik Rupani and other dignitaries. The trophies were sponsored by Shree Dhootpapeshwar Ayurved Trust. Runners up were also awarded the prizes.

The entire area of the venue resonated with the sound of hearty group laughter. The enthusiastic participation of children in particular lent a lot of joy and gaiety to the Function, which was specially held on Valentine Day to spread the message of Love and Laughter amongst all.

Priyadarshni Academy has always held the cause of Environment Protection very close to its heart. The Academy instituted "Priyadarshni Academy Forum for Environment Protection" under the chairmanship of Mr. Y. V. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India. Mr. Sunil Gavaskar, Dr. Rashmi Mayur, Mr. B. N. Makhija, Mr. Hafeez Contractor and Mr. S. P. Godrej are some of the distinguished members of this panel.

The Panel had its first meeting at Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan, Mumbai, at which the following environmental problems were defined and short-listed for future actions, Prevention of dumping of garbage and debris in the sea, solid waste management, measures to control traffic pollution and spreading awareness about these issues in all sections of the society. The Forum is a core pressure group to ensure prompt Government action to fulfill its commitments towards environment protection.

The meeting was specially attended and addressed by Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Public Works, Maharashtra. The meeting of the Forum was followed by a Press Conference to announce the formation of this Advisory Panel. The Press Conference was addressed by Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Mr. Y. V. Chandrachud, Mr. Nanik Rupani, Dr. Rashmi Mayur, Mr. Gopinath Sarangi and other members of the panel.

Addressing the Media, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, expressed his appreciation that such a Forum consisting of various well-known personalities had been instituted by the academy and conveyed his full support for the Forum’s endeavours. Mr. Chandrachud said that the Forum’s main objective is to make people conscious of their obligations to the environment. In his address, Dr. Rashmi Mayur said that it was important for the government to make the information about the pollution in Mumbai city open to the public. Mr. Rupani informed the Media that protection of environment has always been one of the Academy’s important goals and that he was confident that the Forum would be able to contribute very significantly to this cause. He further said that caring for our environment was every citizen’s responsibility and Media has a very important role in spreading awareness and forming public opinion on the issues related to it. The Press Conference was a great success with a significant representation from the Print and Electronic Media.