The Hawkers’ Day was celebrated on Saturday, 11th May 2019, at Kedarnath English High School, Nehru Nagar, Kurla (East), Mumbai, from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Lion Mr Deepk Rohra , the Trustee of Kedarnath School was the Chief Guest. Total 120 people participated in the function. The function was inaugurated by Mrs Anubha Dixit, President. Thereafter Mr Ketan Kothari, Hon. General Secretary, briefed about our various activities and services for the overall empowerment of visually impaired people, staying in Greater Mumbai and its adjoining districts namely Thane, Raigad and Palghar. Mr Kothari informed that a number of blind people in Mumbai are earning their livelihood by selling small items such as towels, cutleries, toys etc. in Local Trains and on platforms or nearby Railway Stations etc. Now the rules have become more stringent and the hawking in Trains, Railway Platforms etc. are completely prohibited. Even though we have written to the Hon. Minister of Railways, their reply was not positive. However , every year we celebrate Hawkers’ Day where the blind hawkers would get an opportunity to get-together and exhibit their hidden talents in cultural activities on an open platform. A number of persons actively participated in various programmes. On this occasion we also felicitate four selected visually impaired hawkers with mementoes. This year Ms Kalpana Dolas, Ms Savita Gole, Mr Manoj Palekar and Mr Baban Shinde were felicitated with mementoes at the hands of the Chief Guest. Mr Jayant Pawar a visually challenged person played harmonium very well , and Mr Yusuf Babulal Shaikh sang various songs to entertain the people. The prgramme concluded with National Anthem at 4.00 p.m.
The Association kept on record its sincere thanks to Mr Deepak Alhat, for supplying 100 packets of delicious snacks as donation in kind through the kind courtesy of Mrs Archana Shinde and to , Mr Nitesh Shah for giving common gifts through the kind courtesy of Mr Y D Zope. The Association also kept on record its sincere thanks for the cash donations to Mr Purshottm Patel and to Mr Radhe Radhe and Mr Amar Sunkersett through the kind courtesy of Mr C A Patu.