In celebration of its first anniversary, NDTV Marathi hosted a flagship event, the NDTV Marathi Manch, bringing together key political figures, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts to deliberate on Maharashtra’s growth trajectory and its vision for the future.

The event, which touched upon governance, infrastructure, public health, environmental challenges, and national security, was an insightful platform for dynamic discussions. This is an official press release from NDTV Marathi.

Among the key highlights, political leaders including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other members of the Mahayuti coalition addressed critical issues affecting the state. A prominent topic of discussion was the farm loan waiver, with Fadnavis acknowledging the ongoing financial stress faced by farmers in Maharashtra. He emphasized that the state provides substantial support, including insurance and annual assistance of ₹12,000 to farmers. However, the farm loan waiver remains a point of contention as the government faces mounting questions regarding its execution.

The event also featured the program ‘Nava Gadi, Navam Rajya,’ where Maharashtra’s newly appointed ministers shared their visions for the state. Ministers such as Shivendraraje Bhosale (Public Works), Prakash Abitkar (Public Health and Family Welfare), and Meghna Bordikar (Minister of State) provided updates on their respective departments and outlined the challenges they face while delivering public services.

An engaging session with filmmaker Om Raut and actress Pallavi Joshi added a cultural touch to the proceedings. Raut, known for directing films like ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ and ‘Adipurush’, spoke about his creative journey and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. Joshi, with her career spanning decades, offered insights into the role of actors in shaping Indian cinema and discussed her iconic roles, including her recent performance in ‘The Kashmir Files’.

Maharashtra’s digital influencers also had their moment in the spotlight. A panel featuring prominent Marathi digital creators such as Rohit Mavle, Siddhesh Lokare, Saurabh Bhosale, and Ganesh Vanare shared their experiences in building large online communities. They discussed how their content not only entertains but also preserves and celebrates Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage. Their stories highlighted the power of digital media in influencing modern-day cultural narratives.
The infrastructure developments in Mumbai, a focal point of the event, were also discussed. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani provided insights into the ongoing efforts of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to improve civic services, while Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation MD Ashwini Bhide shared updates on the Metro-3 project, revealing that Phase 2 of the metro system is expected to begin operations in May 2025, marking a major milestone in Mumbai’s public transport network.

The event also addressed some recent political speculation surrounding Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale refuted rumors suggesting discord, stating that Shinde’s visits to his village in Satara were normal, routine events. Both Bhosale and Minister Meghna Bordikar emphasized the importance of media narratives and clarified that the political relationship between Chief Minister Fadnavis and Shinde remains strong.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, a key figure in the state’s economic development, stressed the importance of infrastructure, noting that it contributes significantly to Maharashtra’s GDP. He highlighted the state’s leadership in sectors like infrastructure, services, and agriculture, urging continued focus on these areas for sustainable growth.

Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced a major initiative aimed at regulating diagnostic laboratories in Maharashtra. He explained that the state has been working on drafting legislation to ensure better oversight of these labs, with irregularities being addressed through stringent checks.

National security also took center stage, with RSS leader Prabhakar Sunil Ambekar condemning the recent terrorist attack on Hindus in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which claimed over 26 lives, was described as an effort to disrupt peace in the region. Ambekar called for decisive action against the perpetrators to prevent further violence.

The environment was another key theme, with MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam discussing measures to tackle urban pollution. Furthermore, Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane presented the transformative potential of the Vadhan Port, which promises to create significant employment opportunities, boosting Maharashtra’s maritime economy.

In the business and innovation sector, industry leaders shared their thoughts on the startup ecosystem in Maharashtra. Speakers such as Indranil Chitale (Chitale Industries) and Vilas Shinde (Sahyadri Farms) discussed both the challenges and potential within the state’s startup landscape. They also highlighted opportunities in sectors like agriculture and services.

Maharashtra’s infrastructure development was further emphasized by Charudatta Deshmukh, Planning and Design Head of Navi Mumbai International Airport. Deshmukh shared that the airport’s first phase is set to be inaugurated in August, underscoring the project’s global design standards and its importance for the region’s connectivity.

The NDTV Marathi Manch concluded with discussions on emerging career paths. Girish Kamble, CEO of Vayudoot Education Pvt. Ltd., spoke about the growing demand for commercial pilots, while Rajendra Chodankar, Chairman of RRP Electronics, highlighted India’s expanding semiconductor sector.

As Maharashtra continues to evolve, the NDTV Marathi Manch remains a vital platform for fostering dialogue and empowering citizens, reaffirming its role in shaping the state’s future.