Sudhagad Taluka Residents’ Service Association Celebrates Golden Jubilee with Enthusiasm“Women Deserve Greater Representation in Social Work” – Kailash Mhapadi

Thane, May 2025: The Sudhagad Taluka Residents’ Service Association, Thane, marked its 50th anniversary with great enthusiasm and a strong call for increased participation of women in social work. Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration, senior journalist and member of the Shankarrao Chavan Journalist Welfare Fund, Mr. Kailash Mhapadi, emphasized the need to include women in the leadership and operations of social organizations.

“If given an opportunity, women can bring not only energy and dedication to the organization but also contribute significantly to fundraising,” Mhapadi stated, addressing a packed gathering at Maratha Mandal Hall, Thane. He lamented the absence of women on stage during public programs, calling it a missed opportunity for inclusive growth.

The celebrations featured a felicitation ceremony for the urban mandal presidents and representatives of Sudhagad Taluka and a special social guidance session. An audio-visual presentation highlighting the Association’s 50-year journey in serving Sudhagad residents living in Thane was also screened.

Mr. Vitthal Ghadge, President of the Association, appealed to members and attendees to donate generously to the organization’s proposed building fund in Thane. Responding positively, several mandal presidents and representatives came forward to pledge contributions on stage.

In his address, Mhapadi also urged the community to adopt modern agricultural practices, stressing the need for technical training and innovative water conservation methods. “Water scarcity continues to plague our villages. We must build trenches, harvest rainwater, and apply scientific methods to ensure sustainable farming and prosperity,” he said.

Former President of Sudhagad Taluka Maratha Samaj, Mr. Ganpat Sitaprao, reflected on the organization’s grassroots work during the 1970s and 1980s. He pledged to mobilize support from individuals, professionals, institutions, and industries within Sudhagad for the construction of the Association’s new hall.

The event was efficiently conducted by General Secretary Mr. Raju Patare, with key contributions from Advisor Mr. Suresh Shinde and Sports Committee Head Mr. Rakesh Thorve. The organizing committee, led by President Mr. Vitthal Ghadge, included Secretary Avikant Salunke, Working President Prakash Shilkar, Vice Presidents Shankar Kalbhor and Vasant Lahane, Treasurer Vijay Pawar, and other dedicated office bearers across education, sports, culture, health, publicity, and women’s welfare.

The Mahila Mandal (Women’s Wing) also played a significant role in ensuring the success of the celebration.