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