Salaam Bombay Foundation Honours the “Safaai Karmacharis” of Mumbai on the Occasion of India’s 72nd Republic Day
Mumbai: As a tribute to one of the most important days in the history of India, Salaam Bombay Foundation has honoured 75 BMC Marshals from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (Bombay Municipal Corporation – BMC). To honour the selfless dedication of these real superheroes, the Foundation gifted each of the Marshals with personalised “Thank you” mugs. The ceremony took place at Nariman Point, at the BMC – A South Ward and was attended by Mr Atul Prabhakar Jatigavker, Assistant Head Supervisor, A Ward, Mr. Narendra Parmar, Supervisor (A Ward – South), Mr. Bhagvan Babu Kamble, Supervisor (A Ward – North), Ms Smruti Kasulwar, Vice President – Human Resources, Salaam Bombay Foundation along with the Foundation’s employees who came out in support of the Marshals.
Speaking on the occasion, Akshay Amberkar, Assistant Manager – Human Resources, Admin, Salaam Bombay Foundation said, “The BMC has been one of Salaam Bombay Foundation’s greatest and long standing supporters since we began our operations in 2002. It is indeed a moment of immense pride for us as we take this opportunity to be associated with the BMC and felicitate our real superheroes – the Clean-up Marshals of Mumbai. We would like to thank each and every one of them for their relentless efforts and commitment that they showcase to keep the city clean especially during the pandemic and save the citizens from various health diseases. This is a small token of appreciation to boost their morale for the tough work that they are involved in which is mentally as well as physically demanding.”
Mr. Narendra Parmar, Supervisor (A Ward – South) added, “We would like to thank Salaam Bombay Foundation for this honour. The “Safaai Karmacharis” are the true superheroes who work day and night to keep the city of Mumbai clean while risking their health to take care of the waste management system. While community health volunteers (CHVs) have been the backbone of the BMC’s COVID-19 battle, sanitation Marshals are putting their lives on the line, facing a multitude of hazards and health risks. Some of the relentless work carried out by our brave Marshals during the pandemic include sanitising the homes of people who tested positive for the virus, cleaned and sanitised the premises of Kasturba Hospital which was at the frontline of fighting the pandemic besides helping the BMC monitor and ensure safety protocols were being carried out by the public. So many BMC Marshals even tested positive, but despite the risk to themselves and their families they were back to serving the city as soon as they recovered. We salute their courage!”
Honoured by this recognition, Vitthal Govind Jadhav, Mukadam, said “We are so happy and thankful to Salaam Bombay Foundation for recognising our hard work. We have also received certificates from our respective unions. The BMC too has taken good care of us during these difficult times, giving us extra pay, providing us with safety gear like masks, gloves and sanitisers, besides covering our travel and food expenses ever since the threat of the virus began in February 2020. Recognitions such as these renew us with energy, motivating us to come to work every day even during a pandemic.”
Salaam Bombay Foundation has always been at the forefront of voicing their support and boosting the morale of the unsung heroes of the city. Last year the Foundation honoured 40 fire-fighters of Mumbai for their ground breaking work and the courage that they have displayed from time to time to save the lives of the citizens during emergencies. The Foundation has also tied up with Robin Hood Academy as they are undertaking a unique project #AcademyGreens – Trees for 2050. Through this association with the Foundation, 270-300 trees will be planted on the occasion of Republic Day across 26 BMC schools, 3 Zilla Parishad Schools, 3 Police Station grounds and 2 BMC offices.