Mumbai: On the occasion of the 65th Maharashtra Foundation Day, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde honored those who gave their lives in support of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement at Hutatma Chowk.

“On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, May 1, today, I visited the Martyrs’ Memorial in Mumbai and gratefully paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for a united Maharashtra,” Shinde wrote on X.

“Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelamtai Gorhe, Shiv Sena Women Leader Meenatai Kambli, MP Milind Deora, Chairperson of the Child Rights Commission Sushiben Shah, former corporator Nana Ambole, as well as Shiv Sena office bearers and Shiv Sainiks in large numbers were present on this occasion,” said the post.

In addition, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde emphasized Mumbai’s international prominence as the site of the first Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025, or WAVES.

Additionally, he commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for attending the WAVES 2025 meeting in Mumbai, which brought together global creative professionals and business executives.

“The world is monitoring Mumbai’s significance in the entertainment and creative industries since this is the first time such a summit is being hosted. “I am grateful to Modi Ji for enabling this,” Shinde said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier praised Maharashtra’s important role in India’s film and creative industries, describing the state as a key player in fostering artistic talent and influencing the nation’s cultural narrative.

During his Waves Summit visit to the Maharashtra Pavilion, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the state’s significant contribution to the development of Indian film.

“Maharashtra plays a crucial role in the fields of innovation and film. Generations of individuals connected to the creative and film industries have been fostered by the state. Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage and creative vitality still have a favorable impact on the entertainment industry. PM Modi wrote on X that he had visited the Maharashtra Pavilion at the Waves Summit.

Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, and Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, the deputy chief ministers, accompanied the prime minister.