The unveiling ceremony of the statue of Lord Gautam Buddha at Jewel of Navi Mumbai, Nerul, was held on behalf of Navi Mumbai Municipal C o r p o r a t i o n b y Maharashtra State Forest Minister Shri Ganesh Naik, Belapur Assembly Member Shri Mandatai Mhatre, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde in the presence of the chief guest.On this occasion, Additional Commissioner Shri Sunil Pawar, City Engineer Shri Shirish Aardwad, Addi- tional City Engineer Shri Arvind Shinde, former Mayor Shri Sudhakar S o n a w a n e a n d S h r i Jaywant Sutar, former Deputy Mayor Shri Anil Kaushik, former Leader o f O p p o s i t i o n S h r i Namdev Bhagat, Dr. Rajesh Patil, Shri Sidram Oval, Shri Mahesh Khare, Shri. Ravindra Sawant, Shrim. Shashikala Jadhav as well as other former office bearers, former corporators, public repre- sentatives and dignitaries from various fields were present in large numbers. On this occasion, the dignitaries on the plat form were honored with shawls, flower pots and a photo frame of the Pream- b l e o f t h e Constitution.The Jewel of Navi Mumbai, located in Nerul Sec. 26, is well- known as a tourist attrac- tion in Navi Mumbai and at this place, as per the demand of MLA Shrim. Mandatai Mhatre and his consistent follow-up, a

2.80 m. tall statue of Lord Gautam Buddha in medi- tation has been installed. The statue in a meditative posture in the front area has significantly added to the beauty and fame of this area.Expressing his views on the occasion, Forest Minister Shrim. Ganesh Naik specially mentioned that Navi Mumbai is a peaceful city implementing the five p r i n c i p l e s o f L o r d Gautam Buddha and said that the statue of Gautam Buddha has given this area a glow. He appreci- ated the work being done to develop Navi Mumbai as a cultural city along with providing quality facilities.Belapur Assem- bly Member MLA Shrim. Mandatai Mhatre ex- pressed his happiness that the resolution to erect a grand statue of Lord Gautam Buddha at the Jewel of Navi Mumbai is being realized today. He underlined the impor- t a n c e o f B u d d h i s t thoughts by saying that the people of the world do not want war but a Bud- dha who gives a message of peace. Expressing his belief that the citizens visiting this place will carry the message of peace and contentment, he specially mentioned the people who contrib- uted to the erection of the statue. He demanded that the Constitution Sculp- ture and Building as well as Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar IAS Abhyasika be started in Navi Mumbai in the coming time.In Navi Mumbai, which is known as a modern city, the Mu- nicipal Corporation is also focusing on doing things that bring happi- ness to the citizens and enhance social well- being, said Municipal C o m m i s s i o n e r D r . Kailash Shinde, while expressing his introduc- tory remarks, that as a part of this, a statue of Lord Gautam Buddha, who gave a message of peace to the world and filled mankind with inspiring thoughts, has been erected at a favorite place of citi- zens like Jewel of Navi Mumbai. He expressed his belief that everyone will take the message of inner peace from the statue of Lord Gautam Buddha, who gave a cor- rect philosophy to the world and filled mankind with inspiring thoughts. He also said that the Dharan Lake here will be revived and this area will b e m a d e m o r e attractive.On this occa- sion, City Engineer Shri. Shirish Aardwad, Execu- tive Engineer Shri. Madan Waghchoude, Deputy E n g i n e e r S h r i . Pandharinath Choude, Junior Engineer Shri. Sunil Kokate, sculptor of the statue Shri. Pradeep Shinde and other con- cerned persons who con tributed to the installation of the statue were spe- cially honored. Bhante Pragyanand started by offering a prayer. The women's Lezim team participated enthusiasti- cally in this joyful cere- mony by performing. City Engineer Shri. Shirish Aardwad proposed a vote of thanks.In the large passage of the Jewel of Navi Mumbai, a replica of a diamond is located in the middle and a 2.80 meter tall statue of Lord Gautam Buddha in medi- tation has been installed on a high platform in the middle with steps on both sides. This statue has significantly added to the beauty of this already attractive area and along with it, the message of social peace and human- ity is also being spread.