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.
Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.
MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.
The annual free event, themed “Educate, Illuminate, Celebrate”, drew long queues stretching for miles as crowds gathered for Indian music, dance performances, devotional bhajans, and street food stalls. The family-friendly activities included sari and turban tying, yoga and meditation sessions, henna art, puppet shows, and dance workshops.
“Those of you here are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also proudly Hindu, Sikh and Jain; you can be a proud Londoner and celebrate Diwali,” Khan said, addressing the crowd.
“Yet there are people across our country and across the globe that try and divide communities, try and turn one against the other – turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists, you show our city at its very, very best. You show the importance of the teachings of Diwali… how light defeats darkness, good defeats evil,” he said.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali on Trafalgar Square today and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
I wish a very happy Diwali to London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities as they celebrate next week. pic.twitter.com/sollzFChF0 — Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 12, 2025
The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.
Diwali on the Square was organised in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London (DiL) committee, supported this year by Chinmaya Mission UK as chair, along with partner organisations Remitly, Lidl, and Daawat.
“It has been a privilege to serve as part of the chair team in helping to coordinate this spectacular and popular annual event in the heart of London’s iconic square, which brings together a diverse range of organisations and communities in a spirit of unity,” said Dr Milen Shah of Chinmaya Mission UK.
“This enjoyable, educational, and wonderful event will shine a light on the deeper meaning and purpose of Diwali for all who attend,” he said.
The celebration opened with around 200 dancers from different parts of India performing in the centre of Trafalgar Square, followed by musical performances and dance-dramas depicting the story of Diwali and how it is celebrated across communities.
“At its core, Diwali is a joyful celebration of the universal values of harmony, strength in diversity and hope,” said Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK.
“This festival also epitomises the energy, creativity and contribution of the Indian diaspora and community that has enriched the very fabric of the social life of this great city. It is also a vibrant symbol of the India-UK friendship, and the recently concluded successful visit of Prime Minister Starmer (to India) adds another element of bonhomie,” he said.
Starmer was in Mumbai last week for a two-day visit during which both countries agreed to give fresh momentum to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and build on opportunities from the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) agreed in July.
“We are honoured to join London’s South Asian communities in marking this significant cultural tradition, one that continues to enrich the city’s diverse fabric while inspiring people worldwide,” said a spokesperson for international money transfer firm Remitly.
“As a company dedicated to fostering connection and care, we take pride in supporting this important festival and reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
“With cultural marquees and family-friendly activities throughout the square, there was something for everyone to enjoy,” added Sarita Menon from the Diwali in London Committee.
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