Remembering our Founder – Dr. Manibhai Desai

Remembering our Founder – Dr. Manibhai Desai

by | Apr 27, 2023 | Events

Apr. 27, 2023: The 103rd Birth Anniversary of our Founder, Dr. Manibhai Desai was observed as a day of fond remembrance, immense admiration, gratitude, pride and inspiration.  While many have had the privilege of working with Dr. Manibhai Desai, there are others who have never met him but have drawn inspiration from his dedication and commitment to Rural Development. The rich legacy left behind by Dr. Manibhai Desai in the form of an organization which is continuing his noble mission and Gandhian ideals which are responsible for sensitization of every member of the BAIF family to the chronic problems of the rural poor, are the most valuable assets of those associated with BAIF.  Thus, the observance of his birth anniversary across BAIF renewed the devotion of the staff to the organization and determination to continue to contribute to the goals of sustainable development and a clean environment.                 

The Indo-French Connection

The Indo-French Connection

by | Apr 21, 2023 | Events

BAIF and INRAE Partnership Consolidated

Apr. 21, 2023:

“Namaste from France” set the tone of the process of consolidation of the more than four decades-old BAIF-INRAE association. This cordial expression by Philippe Mauguin, CEO, National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), Paris, France, who along with his senior team of scientists comprising of Madame Segolene Halley Des Fontaines, Director, International Relations and Dr. Edmond Rock, Scientific Officer, visited the BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan near Pune on Friday, April 21, heralded the extension of the historical alliance between the two organisations. BAIF and INRAE signed the Framework Cooperation Agreement for the purpose of setting the bases for the reinforcement of collaborative activities between BAIF and INRAE in each of the priorities, namely, Genetics/genomics of livestock and crops, Production Systems with agroecology transitions (land and water restoration, agrobiodiversity conservation, agroforestry, nature-based solutions), Environment Interface with a focus on IPM and pollination, Food security, Nutrition and Health included in a systemic approach at the food system level and Climate change (adaptation and resilience), carbon sequestration and emission-based models of land use patterns with circular use of resources. A Letter of Intent for Climate-Smart and Nutrition-Sensitive Food System and a Convention for supporting a Living Lab with focus on science and innovation were also signed.

While welcoming the Delegation, Mr. Bharat Kakade, President, BAIF traced the growth of the INRAE-BAIF association and expressed that this collaboration has always been based on mutual respect and confidence that the partnership will be able to benefit small and marginal farmers in India and these were the reasons for conceiving the agreements for future extension. He also highlighted the extent of this association by quoting that more than 50 scientists from BAIF have been trained at INRAE and other research institutes in France in advancements in livestock research, more than 20 scientists from INRAE have visited BAIF for collaborative research programmes and about 60 students from French academic institutes have been hosted at BAIF for field experiences in livestock and agricultural development.

Philippe Mauguin expressed gratitude for the predecessors from INRAE and BAIF in working out possibilities for cattle management and milk improvement and which has now led to the attention on genomics. He expressed admiration for the progressive expansion of BAIF in various aspects of climate actions such as its immediate focus on reduction in enteric emission and promotion of low-carbon agriculture.

 

Dr. Jayant Khadse, Director – Research, BAIF, highlighted the visit of Mr. Michel Rocard, then Agriculture Minister, France, to BAIF at Urulikanchan in 1983, lunch hosted by Madame Rocard in 1989 in honour of the Founder of BAIF, Dr. Manibhai Desai in Paris, visit of Mrs. Marion Guillou, Président, INRAE in 2007, tripartite agreement between BAIF, INRA and CIRAD in 2003 in Delhi and a MoU signed between INRAE and BAIF in 2018.  

Dr. Ashok Pande, Group Vice President, (Scientific Research and Livestock Development), BAIF, stated that 12 to 13 million doses of frozen semen are produced by BAIF’s state-of-the-art semen freezing laboratories of which 45% is used by BAIF in its field programmes spread across 13 states and the rest is made available for other agencies. He also highlighted the fact that the conception rate of progeny born through BAIF programme is 48% which has been achieved only due to the expertise of the field Artificial Insemination technicians and that the immediate goal was to increase the conception rate to 60%. 

The delegation visited various research facilities such as the advanced animal nutrition, genetics and genomics, semen production bank, molecular genetics laboratory, gene bank native seeds, forage research programme, sustainable agriculture and cactus research trials, Integrated Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture (IRESA) model based on cow dung slurry and BIO-PROM – Phosphate Rich Organic Manure Production Unit,  Ova Pick Up and In-vitro Fertilisation, Embryo Transfer Laboratory and Sex sorted semen laboratory for ensuring production of female calves and thereby enhancing the milk yield, productivity and income of small farmers. 

Later, in the online session with BAIF teams across all the states, Mr. Kakade once again welcomed the delegates and introduced the audience comprising of senior management of BAIF from all the states and from the Head Office of BAIF in Pune to the dignitaries. Philippe Mauguin stated that on the beautiful campus of BAIF, the two organisations had come together to strengthen their partnership.  Dr. Khadse presented an overview of the research programmes being implemented at the BAIF technology development centre at Urulikanchan. Dr. Rajashree Joshi, Programme Director, BAIF highlighted the carbon sequestration effect of the agri-horti-forestry (wadi), land degradation neutrality focus of the natural resources management programme, agrobiodiversity conservation and women empowerment programmes.  Mr. Kakade also apprised the delegates about the fact that the agri-horti-forestry model has so far, covered more than 200,000 families and has been extended by NABARD to almost all the states and the NRM programme of BAIF fitted in well with the United Nations Land Degradation Neutrality parameters.  He also cited the example of the pilot effort by tribal women groups to revive interest in traditional food through the operation of food outlets.    Vision 2030 of BAIF aimed at increasing the number of families from 4 million to 10 million, through climate smart farm, non-farm, livestock, water, and new-age technological interventions, Mr. Kakade added.  Philippe Mauguin expressed confidence in the success of BAIF.

Philippe Mauguin introduced INRAE to the online audience and stated that its vision of science for people, life and earth made it not very far from BAIF.  He highlighted on the strong involvement of INRAE on innovation.  

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Kakade thanked the delegation for showing interest in the work of BAIF and reiterated the value of this partnership and the goal of ensuring benefits to the small farmers and taking knowledge even to African countries.  

 
Cabinet Minister appreciates BAIF’s Holistic Village Development Project

Cabinet Minister appreciates BAIF’s Holistic Village Development Project

by | Apr 7, 2023 | Events

Apr. 07, 2023

The joy and pride of the villagers of Gavandapada, Nyahale Budruk Gram Panchayat in Jawhar block, Palghar district of Maharashtra was evident.  Mr. Ravindra Chavan, Hon. Cabinet Minister – Public Works, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Maharashtra and Guardian Minister of Palghar accompanied by Mr. Govind Bodake, IAS, Collector – Palghar District, Mrs. Ayushi Singh, IAS, Sub Divisional Officer, Jawhar and Project Officer Integrated Tribal Development Programme and Mr. Prakash Nikam, President, Zilla Parishad, Palghar, had graced their village to view the Holistic Village Development Project being implemented by BAIF Maharashtra and supported by Panasonic Life Solutions India.

The project impact was visible.  87% of the village population (around 5603 inhabitants of Nyahale Budruk village) are enjoying access to clean drinking water while 64% families are enjoying livelihood security with wadi, solar-powered drinking water and irrigation schemes, floriculture, commercial vegetable cultivation and innovative enterprises such as strawberry cultivation, spice cultivation, bamboo polyhouses, e-Dost, skill-based farmer group enterprises and income generation activities taken up by women SHGs.  Distress migration has reduced by 40%. Under this project, support is also being extended to Government-managed schools for upgradation of existing infrastructure and promotion of digital classrooms for holistic development of school children. Hence, village development is being well demonstrated.   

The dignitaries expressed appreciation for the development of remote tribal villages like Nyahale Budruk and for promotion of innovative interventions such as strawberry cultivation for upliftment of tribal families.

 
BAIF receives Intellectual Property Patent Rights

BAIF receives Intellectual Property Patent Rights

by | Mar 29, 2023 | Events

Mar. 29, 2023

The joint invention by BAIF and Sankalp Medi-Education Society has fetched intellectual property patent rights from the Government of India for a period of 20 years.  These include exclusive rights for the inventions “Method and System for production of enriched organic fertilizer from biogas slurry separated water” granted on January 18, 2023 and “Method and System for separation of solids in biogas plant slurry for resource reutilization” granted on March 29, 2023 with enhanced scope for value addition and benefit of farmer beneficiaries.    

BAIF Livestock Development Programme – Star Performer at Mega Livestock Expo

BAIF Livestock Development Programme – Star Performer at Mega Livestock Expo

by | Mar 26, 2023 | Events

Mar. 24-26, 2023

Farmer beneficiaries of the innovative Livestock Development programme of BAIF Maharashtra achieved a hat trick of sorts when they won four prizes at the three-day Shirdi Maha Pashudhan Expo organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra on March 24-26, 2023 at Shrikshetra Shirdi in Milking (evaluated on the basis of type of breed and milk yield of cows) and Heifer (determined on the basis of type of breed, growth and body weight) categories.

Shri. Eknath Shinde, Hon. Chief Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra felicitates the prize-winning Farmers under BAIF’s Programme 

Milking Competition – First Prize with a cash prize of Rs. 51,000 was awarded to Ramesh Shankar Gunjal, a farmer from Unchkhadak village in Akole, Ahmednagar district, associated with the cattle development centre at Takali and proud owner of a cow (born out of sorted semen insemination of “Eastern” bull), which in its third lactation, is yielding 40 litres of milk/day; Second Prize with a cash prize of Rs. 21,000 was awarded to Shantaram Sampat Kasar, a farmer from Sangvi Bhusar village in Kopargaon, Ahmednagar district, associated with the cattle development centre at Dhamori and proud owner of a cow (born out of conventional semen insemination of “Hirak” bull) which in its fourth lactation is yielding 35 litres of milk/day.

Heifer Competition – First Prize with a cash prize of Rs. 51,000 was awarded to Uttam Kabaddi, a farmer from Kumbhari village in Kopargaon, Ahmednagar district, associated with the cattle development centre at Kumbhari and proud owner of a 10 month-old heifer (born out of sorted semen insemination  of “Angaraj” bull; Second Prize with a cash prize of Rs. 21,000 was awarded to Bhausaheb Tatyaba Kale, a farmer from Murshatpur village in Kopargaon, Ahmednagar district, associated with the cattle development centre at Kumbhari and proud owner of a 8 month-old heifer (born out of sorted semen insemination of “Halogen” bull.

 

Star Performers at Mega Livestock Expo

These beneficiaries are associated with the dairy development programme of BAIF in Ahmednagar district and benefitting from the cattle development centres operating in Kopargaon, and Akole regions for more than 20 years. Since last five years, 314335 conventional AIs and 26856 sorted semen AIs have been recorded by these centres and 44,237 families have benefitted from 51 breeding and advisory services provided by these Centres.

 
BAIF Madhya Pradesh organises calf rally for better livelihood promotion

BAIF Madhya Pradesh organises calf rally for better livelihood promotion

by | Mar 25, 2023 | Events

Mar. 25, 2023

To promote better livelihoods for dairy farmers of Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh through adoption of advanced sorted semen technology, BAIF Madhya Pradesh organized a calf rally at Parasi Khurd village on March 25, 2023 under the project “Delivering Improved Dairy Genetics through New Technology Intervention of Sorted Semen”.
The event was graced by Smt. Nidhi Sharma, DGM, NABARD Bhopal, Smt. Jaspreet Kaur, AGM, NABARD, Vidisha, Dr. Dakshta Khare, Punjab National Bank, Dr. Rambabu Baghel, Veterinary Officer, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Sri. Pradip Khose, State Head of BAIF Madhya Pradesh in Bhopal.
 
Approximately 130 dairy farmers participated in the rally and 55 improved calves born from the use of sex-sorted semen were displayed. Each calf was evaluated based on standard scoring parameters of weight, general health, breed characteristics and deworming status. The first 3 best maintained calves were identified and their owners were felicitated with the distribution of milk cans. A milk collection unit of Kareela Agro Farmers Producer Company Limited was inaugurated by Smt. Nidhi Sharma. This is the third unit to be opened in this area based on the increasing demand from farmers. The calf rally was a testimony of the growing awareness and adoption of sustainable farming practices among dairy farmers in the region while providing an effective platform for farmers to showcase their livestock and to learn from experts in the field. The joint effort of the FPO members and BAIF field team ensured the success of this event.
Balance for better: BAIF Strategy for Inclusive Development

Balance for better: BAIF Strategy for Inclusive Development

by | Mar 23, 2023 | Events

Mar. 23, 2023

In alignment with the universally adopted theme “Embrace Equity” for International Women’s Day this year, “Balance for better”, the catchword of the pan-BAIF celebration held on March 23 at its Head Office in Pune, struck a balance between women contributors in the field and women contributors at the community level while providing a glimpse into the lives of a cross-section of empowered women in the development index of BAIF and felicitating them on this occasion.

Women Achievers PAN BAIF 

Alka Talaade, community leader from Perimili, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra; Basanti Kispotta, adopter of improved vegetable cultivation and provider for her family from Badhunjharia, Sundargarh, Odisha;  Manju Devi from Lakrkola, Munger, Bihar; Sangeetha Marathi from Devenahalli, Sirsi, Uttar Kannada, Karnataka, role model; Mallamma from Ragareddypally, Gandeed Mandal, Telangana, organic farming practitioner; Minalben Kodiya from Chandvegan, Valsad, Gujarat entrepreneur and trainer; Sunnibai Machhaliya from Vikas Khand, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh Kadaknath poultry breed hatchery manager and trainer for women; Sita Oraon from Kundgarhi, Lohardaga, Jharkhand, floriculture cultivator; Prabhati Nayak from Nua-adhapada, Sambalpur, Odisha, community resource person; Naval Kunwar from Badhawa, Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, energy conservationist; Niruben Bhoya from Arnai, Valsad, Gujarat, mushroom cultivator; Uma Upralae from Silpati, Betul, Madhya Pradesh, master trainer in organic farming; Pushpa Lodha from Moonga Kheda, Chanderiya, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, adopter of improved package of practices; Annubai Baskel from Bhuradabra, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh felicitated by Collector, Jhabua district for promoting organic farming through her SHG. Shanti Mishra, Woman Facilitator and Motivator shared the successful adoption of functional literacy skills by women from Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. On this occasion, bicycles were also distributed to women community functionaries from Lohardaga, Jharkhand for hardship reduction.

Guest Speakers, Ms. Sneha Deokate, Deputy Collector, Pune District, Ms. Shital Pawar, Executive Editor, Sakal Newspapers and Mr. Manish Karnik, CSR Head, Panasonic India, expressed the need for sensitivity to women-related issues, advocacy, community engagement through storytelling and inclusivity while serving as a source of inspiration for urban women. Dr. Rajashree Kashalkar President, Sharada Shakti, Pune, shared their effort in strengthening the role of women in sustainable development.

Dr. Rajashree Joshi, Programme Director, BAIF, reiterated the perception of the Founder, Dr. Manibhai Desai as women being equal partners in development, their social capital worth, involvement in farm, off-farm and non-farm activities; operation of an indigenous cuisine corner – “Nahari”; e-dosts in remote locations; climate action initiatives in Uttarakhand; rehabilitation of widows of Vidarbha region; livestock keepers; custodians of agrobiodiversity resources; Gram Shakti initiative, hygiene of adolescent girls, personal bathing space facility for women in Betul, Madhya Pradesh and presence of 2500 active SHGs reaching out to 30,000 women in BAIF’s locations.

Mr. Bharat Kakade, President, BAIF highlighted the involvement of women in the Livestock, Wadi and Natural Resources Management programmes of BAIF and expressed admiration for “Padma Shri” recipient Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi from the Siddhi community of African origin in Junagadh, Gujarat and a BAIF participant, confidence demonstrated by Jugra Devi from a backward community in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh many years ago by sharing her experience in promotion of vermicomposting at a national-level meeting in New Delhi, excellent skills demonstrated by women in marking contour lines after being trained in the use of “A” frame and in mango grafting and expansion of BAIF programmes to Tamil Nadu with an outreach of 33 lakh families and women contributing significantly to this growth.

Earlier, Dr. Ashok Pande, Group Vice President, Scientific Research and Livestock Development, Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni, Group Vice President, Finance and Dr. Alok Juneja, Vice President, Programmes and Livestock Development, BAIF, expressed admiration for the contribution of women to the society in general and rural economy in particular, immense contribution of women to the development programmes of BAIF for more than 50 years, their recognition at the national level and the need for greater participation of women, support from their families and equality in terms of wages and remuneration. Ms. Sujata Kangude, Thematic Programme Executive, Women and Development, BAIF, proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Suneeta Kuvalekar, Personal Secretary to the President, BAIF, rendered the opening song.  Those present on the occasion included senior officials from Panasonic India, Mr. Sujit Gijare, Group Vice President, HR and Administration, BAIF and thematic, administrative, finance and marketing teams from BAIF Head Office.

Shri. Giriraj Singh, Hon. Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj visits Cactus Demonstration Site at Wardha

Shri. Giriraj Singh, Hon. Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj visits Cactus Demonstration Site at Wardha

by | Mar 6, 2023 | Events

Mar. 06, 2023

Shri. Giriraj Singh, Hon. Union Minister, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, visited a cactus demonstration site in Wardha, Maharashtra.  Spineless cactus as a xerophytic plant, has tremendous potential. However, it has remained unexplored for food, fodder, fuel, fertiliser requirements and even by the fashion industry (5 F plant). For a complete understanding of the economics of cactus cultivation and its benefits to the farmers, cactus-based biogas, bio-fertilizer, bio-energy and vegan-leather made out of cactus, were demonstrated to the Hon. Minister. The demonstration was jointly organised by BAIF, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) and 3 Miracles. BAIF provided 15 tons of spineless cactus from its Central Research Station, Urulikanchan, Pune for this demonstration. Considering the multiple uses, economic, environmental and nutritional benefits of spineless cactus, the Hon. Minister showed keen interest in promoting cactus in dryland areas of India and provided valuable guidance for developing projects with various stakeholders.

Shri. Bharat Kakade Interacts with Shri. Giriraj Singh

Discussions on economics and benefit of cactus

Mr. Rahul Kardile, District Collector, Wardha, Mr. Rohan Ghuge, CEO, Wardha, Dr. Shiv Kumar Agrawal, Regional Director, ICARDA, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, NIIST, Dr. Hukum Singh Meena, Additional Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Mr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, Dr. Vitthal Kauthale, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, BAIF, Mr. Ravi Madan and Streekaya team, Mumbai and Mr. Manish Aswa, Ahmedabad were present during the visit and discussions.

Participation of BAIF Uttar Pradesh at the farmers’ fair organised at Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural

Participation of BAIF Uttar Pradesh at the farmers’ fair organised at Rani Laxmi Bai Central Agricultural

by | Feb 27, 2023 | Events

Feb. 26-27, 2023

BAIF Uttar Pradesh participated in the farmers’ fair organised at the Rani Laxmibai Central Agricultural University at Jhansi on February 26-27, 2023.  Sri. Surya Pratap Shahi, Cabinet Minister for Agriculture, Agriculture Education and Agriculture Research, Government of Uttar Pradesh accompanied by Sri. Anurag Sharma, Member of Parliament and Dr. Purushottam Sharma, Principal Scientist, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi visited BAIF’s stall and appreciated the BAIF model for improving the livelihood of livestock rearing families in Uttar Pradesh. The stall was also visited by Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Vice Chancellor, Rani Laxmibai Central Agricultural University in Jhansi and by the MLA and Chief Development Officer, Jhansi. The dignitaries were briefed about the development programmes launched by BAIF in Bundelkhand region. The stall was visited by a large number of farmers.  BAIF stall won the second prize at the fair.

Launch of Chonda Gram Panchayat and Community Hall and Girls Hostel in Gujarat

Launch of Chonda Gram Panchayat and Community Hall and Girls Hostel in Gujarat

by | Feb 26, 2023 | Events

Feb. 26, 2023

The Chondha Gram Panchayat, Community Hall and Girls hostel was formally inaugurated by Shri .Kunvarji Halpati, Hon. Minister of State, Tribal Development, Labour and Employment and Rural Development, Government of Gujarat on in the presence of Dr. K.C. Patel, Member of Parliament, Valsad and Dang constituency, Shri. Arvindbhai Pateil MLA, Dharampur, Shri. Atik Desai, Trustee, LTPCT and Ms. Gayatri Oleti, Operations Head, LTPCT. Approximately 500 villagers from Chondha and surrounding villages were present on this occasion along with staff from LTPCT and Anil Naik Technical Training Centre, Kharel. Community leaders and partner NGOs of LTPCT in Navsari and Dang and BAIF Livelihoods Gujarat, were also felicitated on this occasion. Mr. Jayanti Mori, Joint Programme Director, BAIF and Mr. Abhishek Pandey, Additional Chief Programme Executive, Gujarat were also present on this occasion.

Chondha village in Vansda taluka of Navsari district, is the seat of tribal education. It houses the Dr. Manibhai Desai Navchetan Secondary School established by the  Navchetan Manav Vikas Mandir in 2001 with the vision of providing higher education to tribal children especially girls. With the generous support of Larsen and Toubro Public Charitable Trust (LTPCT), a well-equipped laboratory and a residential hostel for 120 tribal girls has been established.

Celebrating the International Year of Millets

Celebrating the International Year of Millets

by | Feb 26, 2023 | Events

Feb. 26, 2023

Unique, flavoured millet-based food preparations, knowledge session on millet crops and their role in nutrition and food security against the background of climate change, interactions with the tribal farmers and seed-savers were some of the key takeaways for 350 participants at the Pune Millets Festival organised on February 26, 2023 by the Department of Agriculture, ISKCON, Pune and BAIF as a part of the United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The Festival aimed at creating awareness and ushering in the goodness of millets into the palates of the general public. The festival was inaugurated by Mr Vikas Patil, Director – Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra in the presence of Mr. Sanat Kumar Das, Director, Govardhan Rural Development (Govardhan Eco Village) and Mr. Pramod Takawale, Programme Director, BAIF.

Mr. Sanjay Patil, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, BAIF, introduced the participants to BAIF’s work on Millet diversity in Maharashtra, its role in promotion and conservation of millets through community-led initiatives, traditional knowledge of tribal communities and research and extension activity undertaken in tribal clusters of Maharashtra. Grassroot millet conservators from various tribal clusters were felicitated on this occasion. Nutritional qualities of millets were discussed by Dr. Archana Thombre, Medical Officer, YASHADA while Ms. Meghna Shukla, renowned recipe writer, demonstrated simple but delectable millet-based recipes. Such festivals with collaborative effort will facilitate efforts to take millet diversity to the masses and in turn, ensure its conservation and value.

CSR Journal Awards received by BAIF MP and BAIF Gujarat

CSR Journal Awards received by BAIF MP and BAIF Gujarat

by | Feb 25, 2023 | Events, Uncategorized

Feb. 25, 2023

BAIF Madhya Pradesh, is implementing the Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme in partnership with Grasim Industries in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh. BAIF is also implementing the Gramsamruddhi Programme in partnership with NAYARA in Jamnagar and Dev Bhoomi Dwarka districts of Gujarat. These two programmes were announced 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up at The CSR Journal Excellence Awards 2022 in the category of Agriculture and Rural Development. The awards were presented to BAIF and its CSR partners at the hands of Shri. Eknath Shinde, Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra at an award  ceremony held in Mumbai.