The Managing and Mahila Shakha Committees of G.S.B. Sabha, Mumbai, jointly presented a Community Get-together “Sneh Milan” programme on Sunday, 29th March 2026, at the Pracharya B.N. Vaidya Sabhagriha in Raja Shivaji Vidyalaya, Dadar, Mumbai. Shri Shashikant Shanbhag, Founder Director, Galaxy Surfactants was the Chief Guest.
The cultural program was a mesmerizing all-women GSB Sabha production of the Konkani fictional musical drama “Dev Ghara Ailo”, showcasing the life of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and his wife Avali. Smt. Bina Shenoy’s concept and direction brought this 60-minute musical masterpiece to life, with Smt. Prathima Pai, Smt. Gautami Acharya, Smt. Jaya Kamat and Smt. Radha Vikram Bhat, delivering captivating performances. Soulful bhajans and impressive stage presence left the audience spellbound.
The cast were supported by Malu Gaonkar (Paypeti), Ashok Shinde (Tabla), Ritikesh Dalvi (Pakhawaj) and Ravindra Shenoy (Percussions).
Music support and coordination by Pt Sudhir Nayak, on sound console was Gahna Acharya,
Damodar Mallya on lights, background score mixing- Ajay Ginde
The play explores Tukaram’s life through Avali’s lens, blending humour, philosophy, and devotion. Set in their humble home, it showcases Avali’s wit and warmth as she navigates grief and faith. A highlight is Avali’s playful banter with Vithoba and Rukmini, who appear as travellers. The dialogue sparkles with humour, revealing profound reflections on devotion and daily life. The play’s emotional core lies in Avali’s loneliness after Tukaram’s passing and her quiet strength. It closes with a tender monologue, suggesting devotion is found in everyday resilience and love.
Following a brief intermission, Mahila Shakha President, Smt. Amita Kini, welcomed the audience and updated them on the Mahila Shakha programmes and initiatives. Shri Uday Malya and Smt. Bina Shenoy anchored the event.
Awards were presented as under.
- a) The K.M. Kamath Memorial G.S.B. Sharada Sanman Puraskar (Founder Sponsor: Shri K. M. Kamath family) to Vidhyavachaspati Pt. Naraminha Acharya- Mangaluru, an eminent scholar on vedic text, rituals, philosophy, culture and sacred teachings.
- b) The Smt. Vatsala Shenoy Memorial G.S.B. Mahila Udhyamee Puraskar (Founder Sponsor: Smt. Sadhana and Shri Sunil Shenoy, USA) to Dr. Ushaprabha N Nayak – Mangaluru, for her entrepreneurial spirit in establishing a group of educational institutions of repute.
- c) The G.S.B. Dhanavantri Puraskar (Founder Sponsor: Smt. Suman and Dr. R.N. Kini) to Dr. Sadanand Vinayak Nadkarni, former Dean of L.T. M. Medical College and an eminent doctor for his yeomen and selfless services to the medical fraternity.
- d) The newly instituted G.S.B. Tejaswi Yuva (Founder Sponsor: Family of Late Dr. V R Prabhu) to Sqn Leader Reshmi Bhat, Kochi, an accomplished engineer and serving in the Indian Air Force
- e) The Dr. B.M. Acharya Memorial G.S.B. Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar (Founder Sponsor: Dr. B.M. Acharya Memorial Trust) to Shri Pradeep Pai, Managing Director, Hangyo Ice Creams, Mangaluru for his outstanding contributions in setting up a fully integrated Ice-cream business, a brand at a national level and his contributions to various industry and non-government organizations.
All the awardees thanked the Sabha for the honour and mentioned that it is always a special feeling to be recognised and felicitated by the Community.
Shri Pradeep Pai said that GSB Sabha has been working for samaj upliftment since last 9 decades is praiseworthy. He dedicated this award to 1200 Hangyo employees, family and his wife, Deepa Pai. He mentioned that Vishwa Konkani Kendra has been helping thousands of students to meet their professional ambitions. He said with great pride that Sqn. Leader Reshmi Bhat was one of the beneficiaries. He asked Samaj Bandhavas present to give one portion of their earnings to the charitable initiatives of the Sabha and concluded by saying that the Sabha President Laxmikant Prabhu and team helping Samaj people is exemplary.
“ Today we do not discriminate between boys and girls in education. Today’s girls are waiting for the country as smart leaders, so we should welcome this change with an open mind. We should have a mentality that changes with the times. Amidst the wave of technology like artificial intelligence, only when the inner strength of a person and the foundation of education are strong can a society become a true superpower” said Dr. Ushaprabha Nayak in her award acceptance speech.
Sqn. Leader expressed saying “ As a child, my parents taught me the value of money and the importance of hard work through their own life experiences. I come from a humble background, but my goal was clear. I wanted to be a role model for society, not just work for money or power. Dreams and determination will lead you to success”
Pt. Narasimha Acharya appreciated the great work done towards the preservation of our community culture with events like week bhajan seva, Durga namaskar pooja, Haldi Kumkum etc. He expressed concerns of the youth not able to speak our mother tongue, Konkani and requested the Sabha to address this challenge. He blessed the Sabha as it marches towards its centenary
Dr. Nadkarni narrated his firsthand experience while working as the Dean, initiatives like the Golden Hour project of helping the accidents victims. The turn around time set for the patient being treated. He appreciated the activities of the Sabha and conveyed his best wishes.
The Chief Guest, Shri Shashikant Shanbhag congratulated the awardees and applauded the work done by the Sabha. He went on to add that Sabha should work with a mindset that resources are unlimited for the right projectA defined approach will help garner support for the Sabha’s initiatives. He added “A well organised event with dedicated team of highly qualified persons” He expressed his intent to support the Sabha to meet its objectives of “Enhancing community well-being”
Sabha President, Shri Laxmikant Prabhu thanked the awardees for accepting Sabha’s invitation and being present to receive the felicitation. He spoke about the various initiatives of the Sabha and requested people to contribute in tana-mana-dhana towards the same.
Over 400 attendees enjoyed a traditional Konkani dinner followed by a generous helping of Hangyo ice cream sponsored by Shri. Pradeep Pai.
The programme was sponsored Platinum Sponsor M. Prakash Hegde, Gold Sponsor SMS Financial ServicesSilver Sponsor Tazo Natural Home Cleaners, Support Sponsors NKGSB Co-op. Bank and M.V. Kini family. Venue support was received from Indian Education Society. We are privileged to have our sponsors support us generously, which motivates us to continue with our mission being followed since 92 years of “Enhancing Community Well-being”
