Mumbai Central to Be Renamed as Nana Jagannath Shankarsheth Station

Context

The Maharashtra cabinet recently asked the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central Station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth.

About Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

• Architect of Bombay: He was a social reformer, educationist and philanthropist is often described as the “architect” of Mumbai (then Bombay).
  • Contributions: He contributed valuable ideas and money to multiple sectors to lay a strong foundation for the city.
• Inspiration: He was greatly inspired by the legendary merchant and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.
• Nominated to Legislative Council: He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Legislative Council of Bombay.

Significant Contributions made by Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

Education:

• Founder of Native School of Bombay: He founded the Native School of Bombay, which was renamed first as the Bombay Native Institution, and then as the Board of Education.
  • Finally, this institution evolved into the prestigious Elphinstone College.

Religion:

• Bhau Daji Lad Museum: Shankarseth was among the wealthy donors who helped promote Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, which was designed by a famous London-based architect.
• Bhawani Shankar Temple: The Bhawani Shankar Temple near Nana Chowk was Shankarseth’s tribute to his late mother Bhawanibai Murkute.

Railways:

• Headed The Railway Committee: The committee that gave the project(First train In India between Boribunder to Thane ) impetus included Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and Nana Shankarseth.

News Source: Indian Express