MUMBAI: He was the proud sentinel of the 19th century Bombay (as the metropolis was then known). Namdar Jagannath Shankarshet aka Nana Shankarshet (1803-1865) created from the ribs of a nondescript, mosquito-infested fishermen’s village in western India the modern, progressive Bombay, which soon became the centre of learning, commerce and culture.

Prominent Mumbaikars met at Y B Chavan Centre last Saturday to commemorate the 150th death anniversary of the legendary social reformer-philanthropist whose life was closely intertwined with the City of Gold. Justice B N Srikrishna presided over the solemn function held jointly by Chavan Centre and the Mahila Vikas Mandal of Colaba. Padma Shankarshet, the fifth generation ‘bahu’ of the renowned family, played the perfect host.

The select gathering was mildly surprised—and immensely delighted—when Justice Srikrishna started off in impeccable Sanskrit, the language dear to Jagannath Shankarshet. In academia, the Nana Shankarshet Sanskrit scholarship carries huge prestige. Justice Srikrishna said he missed the badge of honour by two marks!

Former city municipal commissioner Sharad Kale, also secretary of Chavan Centre, said Shankarshet’s committment to Mumbai was unflinching and unparalleled.