Maharashtra Sadan , A Home Away from Home in Delhi

Maharashtra Sadan , A Home Away from Home in Delhi

It’s been over thirty years since I first set my eyes on Maharashtra Sadan. As a young officer of the Maharashtra State Civil Services, I had come to Delhi for the Union Public  Service Commission interview. Tiil date I remember that moment vividly since I had felt a sense of awe, curiosity and pride representing my state in the capital. Today, as the Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra in Delhi, I find myself flooded with nostalgia every time I step into this place.

Maharashtra Sadan , is the symbol of Maharashtra’s  identity, culture, and resilience  welcoming Maharashtrians in Delhi with open arms, much like a warm embrace. Delhi being vast maybe overwhelming and appear chaotic at times. But within this bustling metropolis lies a sanctuary that feels steadfast and familiar like a piece from Maharshtra.

What makes Maharashtra Sadan very special is that it’s not just a guest house but a  cultural sanctuary, a home that reflects the pulse of Maharashtra. Unlike other state “bhavans,” it’s called a “Sadan,” which means “home” a word that perfectly captures its spirit. Its architecture symbolises the majestic forts and heritage of Maharashtra, creating an environment that represents dignity, pride and warmth. As I walk through its corridors, I  bow with respect to our great leaders Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj whose statues add grace to the Sadan, inspiring us with their visions of leadership and reform.

However, Maharashtra Sadan is more than a guest-house or a monument; it is a vibrant living experience. It's welcoming lobby and hundred cozy rooms offer shelter to Maharashtrians far away from home. The authentic Maharashtrian food from it’s canteen make it more welcoming when the aroma of delicious vada pav, spicy misal pav, sweet puran poli, pitla, zunka bhakri, poori and  shrikhand waft through it’s dining halls.  During festivals like Gudi Padwa, Maharashtra Day, Shivaji Jayanti, and Ganesh Utsav, the Sadan is transformed into a celebration of Maharshtra’s rich traditions. This year’s Ganesh Utsav was more  special, with stalls by women’s self-help groups showcasing their handicrafts and delicacies like Ukdiche Modak ( steamed modak ) reminding us of home, culture and tradition. 

The Sadan also serves as a hub of Maharashtra’s vibrant art. It’s shops sell traditional attire and handlooms, Kolhapuri chappals and handicrafts, which bring alive the creativity of our people. But above all this,  the Sadan has been playing a vital role during natural calamities and disasters by providing immediate relief and comfort. Recently the Sadan helped in evacuating hundreds of Maharashtrians by offering them support during times of crises like security threats in Kashmir or Nepal. Hundreds of  aspirants preparing for civil services, get coached by mock interviews after getting through the UPSC Main Examination. 

I can therefore feel the spirit of Maharashtra alive as I walk through it everyday. It’s certainly a place where history, culture, and community converge to create a space that sustains the glory and culture of our people. Whether it’s students, government officials, families, or travellers everyone coming here get a sense of belonging and find a connection with their roots. 

Often I feel awed with what Maharashtra Sadan represents, a living example of Maharashtra’s courage, progress, and collective spirit. It’s more than bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to our state’s enduring legacy. Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of Delhi, we keep Maharashtrian traditions alive and vibrant, celebrating our festivals with joy, sharing our art with the world, and standing united through challenges.

To me, Maharashtra Sadan is not just a building; it’s a home a true reflection of Maharashtra’s heart in the capital city of India. And each time I walk through its gates, I am proud to carry the legacy of my land, knowing that here, our culture, heritage, and spirit continue to thrive.

R.Vimala,  IAS 

Resident Commissioner,  Maharashtra 

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Navaratri : From Nine Nights to Turning a New Leaf...

Navaratri : From Nine Nights to Turning a New Leaf...

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणी नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Salutations to Goddess Narayani , the auspicious among the auspicious, the fulfiller of all objectives, the refuge of all, and consort of the three-eyed Lord...
Navaratri is the celebration of the goddesses , of Maa Shakti, the divine energy in all her forms, whether Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati or Ambe Mata. Beginning with Ghatasthapana and culminating in Vijayadashami, it is a time when the entire country immerses itself in devotion, festivity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Festivals in India each have their own charm, but the splendour, vigour and vitality associated with Navaratri makes it altogether unique. The Durga Puja of Bengal or Garba of Gujarat is famed across the country. As a child, I experienced the grandeur of Durga Puja at the Bengali Association in Bhusawal railway colony. I eagerly awaited not just the puja but also the bhog of begoon bhaja, payesh, and other delicacies.
At home and in Tamilnadu, Navaratri means “Golu” , also known as Bommai Golu , the creative display of idols and dolls on odd-numbered steps, be it three, five, seven or more. Setting up the steps, arranging the idols, and decorating the space was sheer joy for me and my siblings. Visiting neighbours, singing, and sharing sundal (boiled lentils) added to the festive warmth.
After marriage, I continued this tradition with my mother-in-law. Her passing in 2001 left a void, but a few years later I felt drawn to revive Golu. That was twenty-one years ago and it has since become a cherished part of our lives. Navaratri also blessed us with our son, Vishnuchittan, now twenty, whose life has grown alongside two decades of Golu celebrations at home. Each year has been special, filled with camaraderie, joy, and divine grace.
Across India, Navaratri is celebrated with different hues,  Durga Puja in the east, Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Golu or Batukhamma in the south, and Ram Lila in the north. The message in all these celebrations remains the same, the victory of light over darkness. So Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana symbolize the same eternal truth that ultimately darkness gives way  to light.
Navaratri also has a day devoted to  Saraswati Pooja , a day for students to seek blessings of the Goddess of knowledge, and for artisans and workers to worship their instruments in Ayudha Pooja. It is a reminder that wisdom and work when guided by devotion become  purposeful and sacred.
Yet Navaratri is not only about rituals,  it is also about renewal. Each night can be the start of something “new.” Just as Ravana’s effigy is burned on Dashera, we too can burn away anger, grudges, and negativity. We can pledge to give up harmful habits, embrace eco-friendly living and protect our Matrubhumi , our motherland and planet. Planting trees, reducing waste, and nurturing harmony can be our true offerings to the Goddess.
This Navaratri, let us not only celebrate with joy, dance, music and devotion, but also resolve to live with greater purpose  for our families, our communities, and our world.
May this festival bring prosperity, peace, and new beginnings into all our lives.
Happy Navaratri !
ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥
May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see only good, may none suffer or be in sorrow.

R.Vimala,  IAS, 

Resident Commissioner,  Maharashtra, 

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Navaratri Reflections: Hope in the Midst of Struggle

Navaratri Reflections: Hope in the Midst of Struggle

This Navaratri feels different for me as  I am in Delhi, posted as Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra.  For the first time, I am celebrating away from home, with a symbolic Bomma Golu. It is not that I couldn’t take leave or travel back. I consciously chose to stay back at Delhi. One reason was to experience the Navaratri festivities in North of India, specially Delhi, the country’s capital. The other is  more personal, about the ongoing struggle around my dream home, which today stands as a reminder of how trust can also leave a lasting wound.

Life has it's way of testing at unexpected times. Reconciling with the fact that one’s dream home has been insensitively compromised is never easy. To admit it honestly it is extremely painful. A home is never just bricks and walls,  it carries years of savings, prayers, and dreams woven into its very foundation. To see it marred by someone’s carelessness and selfishness is disheartening more so when that dream turns into a source of stress and conflict.

 Yet, as I arranged the dolls on the steps of my cute little Golu, I was reminded that Navaratri itself is a festival that teaches us to rise again, to let hope triumph over despair.

At its core, Navaratri is not just about rituals or celebrations, but about rekindling hope. Hope that however difficult the situation maybe, renewal is always possible. Hope that light will end the darkness, hope that justice will prevail and broken dreams will be rebuilt. Hope that new beginnings are waiting because the spirit of this festival whispers to us that despair can easily be overcome. 

It is also a festival of love. The love we place in traditions, in building families and relationships, in nurturing friendships, communities, and in holding on to faith when the ground beneath us feels shaky. Love softens the sharp edges of disappointment and gives us the courage to continue. Together hope , love and faith is what keeps us from being consumed by bitterness.

And above all, Navaratri reminds us of the importance of being trustworthy. Trust maybe  fragile but it the most essential aspect in human relationships. In a world where broken promises and betrayals hurt the deepest, it is our integrity that defines who we are. Trustworthiness is what makes life liveable and makes celebrations meaningful. When it is betrayed, as I have felt in my own housing ordeal, the pain doubles leaving scars, but when nurtured, trust becomes the very  foundation of relationships, communities, and even nations.

As I placed the dolls in my symbolic Golu here in Delhi, I could feel the pain of what has been lost but not without the hope of that it will be restored. My wish this Navaratri is simple that the money invested in our dream home is recovered and that the future holds celebrations free of trauma, in a home which we rebuild on love, respect, trust and care.

Because Navaratri is not just a mythological triumph of goddess over demon it is a reminder of the daily triumphs and trials each one of us must face and accept in our own lives. To choose hope over despair, love over bitterness, and trust over betrayal that, perhaps, is the real celebration. Shubh Navaratri….

R.Vimala,  IAS, 

Resident Commissioner,  Maharashtra 

Compassionate Civil Servant &

 PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Celebrating Engineers Day : Honouring the Unsung Heroes

Celebrating Engineers Day : Honouring the Unsung Heroes
Last week, we celebrated Engineers Day, a day dedicated not just to machines, bridges, and buildings, but to the brilliant minds who imagine, design, and create them. It is also the day we remember Bharat Ratna Sir M. Vishveshvaraya, one of India’s greatest engineers and the visionary Dewan of the Mysore Kingdom.
We rarely stop to think about how seamlessly engineering touches our lives. In reality, the electricity in our homes, water in our taps, the smartphones in our hands, or the Wi-Fi that connects us exist due to  engineering. From the houses we live in, the roads, aircrafts and railways we travel, to the bridges that connect cities across rivers and seas, engineering is the silent backbone of civilization.
Sir M. Vishveshvaraya’s genius was legendary. It is said he could detect faults in a railway track just by listening to the sound of passing wheels. While we occasionally hear such stories, the truth is most engineers remain unsung heroes.
In my own family, engineering runs deep. My father was an electrical engineer, and today, we proudly count five engineers in the family, with my son soon joining their ranks. Without doubt, I keep getting overwhelmed by their heavy textbooks filled with formulas and diagrams that I can never make sense of. I always wonder how does a bridge stand tall in the middle of the ocean, unshaken by waves? We admire marvels like the Atal Setu or the Samruddhi Expressway, but how many of us including me know the names of the engineers who designed them? We remember names of film stars and sports icons instantly, yet engineers, the real nation-builders are rarely recognised. That’s why celebrating Engineers Day is important. It is a reminder to pause and  acknowledge their vital role in our day to day life.
Engineering has been a part of our ancient civilizatios. The first stone tools, the discovery of fire, the invention of the wheel and the plough were all engineering breakthroughs. Over the centuries, engineers have been central to human survival and progress. Nations cannot develop without them.
Agriculture, for example, has been transformed by irrigation systems, modern machinery, and fertilizers which are products of engineering. Healthcare , with it's surgical instruments , advanced machines manufacturing life-saving medicines owes much to engineers.
Today, we rely on engineers in almost every field, and they are shaping our world through aeronautics, robotics, nanotechnology, computing, and space exploration.  Our modern lives would collapse without their innovations.
It is very encouraging  to see engineers focusing on rural India, designing technologies that bring electricity, clean water, and better infrastructure to villages. This effort is vital if India is to  narrow the urban rural divide and truly achieve our Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Development cannot be urban alone; it must touch every corner of the nation. Engineers are key to making that happen.
Sir Vishveshvaraya believed in service beyond personal gain. His words can only inspire: “To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money.” His principles of self-help, teamwork, efficiency, and supporting Indian industries remain deeply relevant today.
On Engineers Day, let us pause to recognize these silent builders of our nation. They are no less than celebrities since  their legacy is etched in every road we drive on, every bridge we cross, every building we work in, and every piece of technology we use.
As India marches toward progress, it is our engineers who will lead the way by designing, innovating, and building the future. Their work is not just about structures and machines; it is about hope, growth, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
So, here’s a salute to the engineers, the dreamers, the doers, the unsung heroes who continue to shape our world.

R.Vimala,  IAS
Resident Commissioner,  Maharashtra,
Compassionate Civil Servant
& PhD Scholar at ADCPS, IIT Bombay 

Umaji Naik Jayanti and Remembering A Forgotten Hero of India’s Freedom Struggle

Umaji Naik Jayanti and Remembering A Forgotten Hero of India’s Freedom Struggle

Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating the jayanti of Umaji Naik at Maharashtra Sadan.
How many of today’s generation would have even heard about Umaji Naik? After all, he is not glamorous like any film star, nor has any blockbuster been made in his name. Yet his bravery was far beyond any screen persona.
Umaji Naik was among the very first revolutionaries who dared to rise against British rule in India. He was not just a rebel but lived and died for freedom. His story is one that deserves to be retold to generations and so this blog.
Born in 1791 in a village near Pune, Umaji Naik grew up amidst hills and forests of Maharashtra and these may have shaped his untamed spirit making him resilient, and fiercely independent. He belonged to the Ramoshi community, traditionally known for their courage and survival skills.
From an early age, he displayed a spirit that could not be restricted by oppression. At a time when the British were tightening their grip over India, he dared  to challenge them.
He could not remain silent when he saw his land and people suffering under colonial oppression.
Much before 1857, when the First War of Independence is said to have begun, Umaji Naik had already taken to the rugged Sahyadri hills with his band of fighters. Using guerrilla warfare, he struck at British outposts, disrupted their revenue collection, and gave ordinary people hope that resistance was possible.
His knowledge of the terrain made him a formidable enemy, he was here one moment and gone the next, a shadow the British could never fully capture till he was betrayed by another Ramoshi, Nana Raghu Chavhan when he was captured and executed in 1832. Though his life was reduced, his courage and sacrifice inspire future generations of freedom fighters because he chose to rebel against one of the most powerful empires in the world.
When we celebrated his jayanti at Maharashtra Sadan, it was not merely a tribute—it was a reminder. Umaji Naik represents a kind of heroism that is quiet rare.  He stood against the British even when he had no fame, no stage, no riches but just had the courage to stand against an empire.
Today, when our idea of heroism is often shaped by cinema and celebrity culture, remembering Umaji Naik becomes even more important. His life was not about glamour—it was about grit, sacrifice, and an uncompromising love for freedom. By keeping his memory alive, we honour not just him but also countless unsung heroes whose struggles built the foundation of India’s independence.
True courage lies in sacrifice and in fighting for justice, even when the odds are impossible.
On his jayanti, and in every remembrance, we must make sure his name is not forgotten. For Umaji Naik’s life is not just history it is a lesson in resilience, bravery, and love for the motherland.

R. Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra,
Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

When Sorrow Walks in During Celebration...

When Sorrow Walks in  During Celebration...

Some days arrive with unexpected sorrows. I was getting ready for the ninth day of Ganesh Utsav, looking forward to the morning Arati at 9 a.m wiith its vibrant energy. However, a sad news through a call from my staff left me shaken.
Shri. Sehrawat, the seniormost driver at Maharashtra Sadan, had passed away suddenly.
The news felt unreal since the  night before, we had been told he was recovering in the ICU. I had woken up to get  ready for celebration, but found grief sitting on my doorstep. And a question rose in my mind,  How could this happen in the midst of Ganesh Utsav, when our days are supposed to be filled with blessings and Bappa’s grace?
Sehrawat was more than a driver. He was dependable, kind, always cheerful and deeply committed to his work. He was trusted by Governors, Chief Ministers, Ministers, senior officers, in fact by everyone who had the privilege of sitting in a car he drove.
Recently, when Maharashtra Sadan had procured six new vehicles, Sehrawat played a key role in their selection. It was him who guided the process with care and responsibility and when the vehicles arrived, it was he who led the prayers, offering gratitude for their safe service ahead. That day his face was lit with joy and pride. Today,  that very face kept flashing before my eyes and I could not believe he was no more.
As I stood at his cremation, surrounded by his family colleagues and friends, my own sorrow was  deep, but I could not help thinking of his family. His sudden death was so painful for me, so how greater must be their grief? In silence, I prayed for them, for strength and courage to carry this unbearable loss.
In the evening we came together for mourning his loss but  had to continue with the  Ganesh Utsav. The Arati was devoid the vigour I had experienced over the last nine days but it was followed by the energetic Jhanjh Pathak and Lezim performances by the Kolhapur Sambhaji Brigade and Jijau Lezim troupe. The beats of the drums, which in the normal course would have been uplifting, felt different. My  hands clapped, my feet moved, but my heart was certainly heavy.
And yet, that very paradox reflected a deeper truth that life does not pause, when we get  engulfed by sorrows.
In fact, Ganesh Utsav itself teaches us this lesson of  arrival and departure with the staphana and visarjan of Ganapati Bappa, as also of creation and dissolution, of joy and sorrow. The festival that celebrates Bappa as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, also reminds us that obstacles, losses, and endings are an inseparable part of life.
Sehrawat’s sudden demise gives an important message to all of us:
• That we must not neglect our health no matter how demanding or important our work may be.
• That life is uncertain and  fragile, so we must learn to appreciate and cherish  those who are a part of our life.
• That grief and devotion  coexist because remembering and celebrating life are both forms of prayer.
As we lit the evening Arati lamp and immersed ourselves in the beats of the dhol, tasha and lezim, I felt that we had not left our grief behind but were carrying it with us, just like our faith in Ganesha.  Perhaps resilience is becoming aware that sorrow and celebration walk together, and holding on to memory as we move forward.
As they say, life goes on, but not untouched as it carries  memories of those who have left us, shaping us with their presence even in their absence.
For me, every Ganesh Utsav in future will bring memories of Sehrawat, the man who joyfully prayed on the arrival of six new vehicles in Sadan. His spirit may have moved on, only to leave  behind lessons to live fully, work sincerely, and care for our own health and for our loved ones.
As I close my reflections, I bow my head to Bappa and whisper a prayer:
“Ganpati Bappa, may you welcome Sehrawat ji with the same warmth with which he welcomed every person arriving at Delhi. May his soul rest peacefully, and may his family find the strength to bear this loss. Dear Bappa, bless us with compassion, resilience and gratitude for the gift of life.”

R. Vimala, IAS,

Resident Commissioner, 

Maharashtra,

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Ganesh Utsav at Maharashtra Sadan : A celebration of Tradition, Culture, and Togetherness

Ganesh Utsav at Maharashtra Sadan : A celebration of Tradition, Culture, and Togetherness

Ganesh Utsav has always been one of the most popular festivals in Maharashtra. Yet it is more than a religious occasion since  it brings families, friends, and entire communities together. The roots of this tradition go back to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who transformed Ganesh worship into a movement to awaken the national spirit, unite people against British rule, and strengthen cultural pride. What began as a socio-religious movement in Maharashtra is celebrated all over India the world today.
My own journey with Ganesh Utsav began in my childhood, at Bhusawal. I still remember the thrill of visiting Ganesh Mandals and being mesmerized by the dazzling music lighting which was a new concept then. Later, as a student at Pune University, I got to experience the grandeur of the Pune Ganesh Festival, known for its traditions, cultural richness, and artistic excellence.
When I moved to Mumbai, Ganesh Utsav became even more special. Visiting pandals across the city, especially the iconic Lalbaagcha Raja, which symbolizes faith and devotion became an inseparable part of life.
One of my cherished activity is visiting the Ganesh Pandals in Mulund with my son Vishnu, his friend Aryan, and Aryan’s mother Komal which not  only reflects devotion, but also binds our children to culture and tradition and the true festive cheer of Ganesh Utsav.
This year is different as I am posted in Delhi as the Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra, away from Mumbai and its vibrant pandals. Yet, the festivities at Old Maharashtra Sadan on Copernicus Marg have brought me a sense of home and belonging.
The Sthapana of Ganapati Bappa on 27th August by Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Dr. Shrikant Shinde, was a special moment. Soon after that he inaugurated a unique exhibition adding to the festive spirit.
Since then, the celebrations have been full of life with mesmerizing folk dances by artists from Dombivli, soulful music by Debu Mukherjee, and devotional Santwani by Pandit Dr. Sanjay Garud.
A special highlight has been the Live Modak Counter, where ladies from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Thane have been preparing Bappa’s favorite delicacy. The exhibition of Self Help Group  products has been equally inspiring  with stalls displaying children’s garments, bags, kurtis, banjara jewellery, handicrafts, masalas, traditional foods, khadi, and beautiful artworks. These women-led groups embody self-reliance and empowerment, while also giving visitors a chance to support local craftsmanship. This spirit of being vocal for local blends perfectly with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat as emphasized by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
But amidst all the joy and devotion, we must also pause to reflect on our responsibility. Festivals are meant to celebrate life, but they must also respect the environment. As responsible citizens, we need to avoid excess use of plastic, reduce sound pollution, and promote eco-friendly practices to ensure a sustainable future.
Personally, while I do miss the grandeur of Mumbai’s Ganesh Utsav, the celebrations at Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi have been deeply fulfilling. They remind me that the heart of Ganesh Utsav lies in its power to unite people, wherever they may be. From Bhusawal to Pune, from Mumbai to Delhi, the spirit of Ganesh Utsav continues to keep alive our traditions, devotion, and community spirit.
Since its inception, the festival has carried a timeless message of unity, culture, and service. That message is equally relevant today as it was in Lokmanya Tilak’s time.
On this Ganesh Utsav, let us all pledge to remain united as a community, be vocal for local by supporting Self-Help Groups, village industries, khadi, local artisans, and celebrate responsibly by choosing eco-friendly practices. Most importantly, let us carry forward our culture with devotion, joy, and harmony.
Ganpati Bappa Morya!

R. Vimala,IAS,
Resident Commissioner,
Maharashtra Sadan,
Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay

P. S - All are invited to Old Maharashtra Sadan, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi, till 6th September 2025 for Ganesh Darshan & The Exhibition