Former Sheriff of Mumbai Nana Chudasama passes away at 86

Mumbai’s former sheriff and noted jurist Nana Chudasama passed away on Sunday (30) after a brief illness. He was 85.

“With profound grief, we inform you that our beloved father Nana Chudasama breathed his last today,” BJP leader Shaina NC said in a statement.

Chudasama was born in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat and he was actively involved in charitable and environment-related initiatives.  He is the founder of Giants International, an NGO that has its presence in several cities in India as well as abroad. He was also actively involved in NGOs such as I Love Mumbai, the National Kidney Foundation and the Forum Against Drugs and AIDS.

For his contribution to the development of society, Chudasama was awarded the Padma Shri in 2005. He was the only person ever to hold the position of both sheriff and mayor of Mumbai.

Expressing grief over Chudasama’s demise, Maharashtra governor, C Vidyasagar Rao said the state has lost an "alert Mumbaikar."

Rao said, "The contribution of Nana Chudasama to Mumbai’s socio-economic and cultural life was of a high order. He was among the foremost champions of a clean and green Mumbai."

"Through his initiative I Love Mumbai, he organised plant shows and promoted tree plantation. Through his popular banners on the Marine Drive, he commented upon the paradoxes of public life and polity in a humourous way.

"As the founder of service organisation Giants International, he rendered social service in many areas. In his demise, the city of Mumbai has lost a conscience keeper of Mumbai," said the Governor.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis praised Chudasama for his socio-cultural initiatives in Mumbai.

"Chudasama was truly connected to citizens with several NGOs and has always supported the activities. His two liner message board at the Marine Drive was a reflection of his personality," Fadnavis said.