Youth Initiatives

Rahul Patil

Age 15 • BMC School Colaba

"When Makarand Sir gave us free books and notebooks, my parents were so relieved. They work hard but sometimes couldn't afford all the books. Now I don't worry about materials and can focus on my studies. He came to our school and told us to study well and dream big. I want to become an engineer and make him proud."

Priya Sharma

Age 13 • BMC School Colaba

"The planetarium trip organized by Makarand Sir was the best day of my life! I saw the stars and planets up close and learned so much about space. It was my first time visiting a planetarium. Now I want to study science and become an astronaut. Thank you Sir for showing us there's a bigger world out there."

Rohan Deshmukh

Age 19 • Mumbai University

"I participated in the Radio Club tree plantation drive organized by Makarand Sir. It was amazing to see over 100 students come together to plant trees. He didn't just organize it - he planted trees with us and explained why urban greening matters. He treats youth as partners, not just beneficiaries."

Fatima Ansari

Age 11 • BMC School Colaba

"Getting a new school uniform from Makarand Uncle made me so happy. My old uniform was torn and I felt shy. Now I have a proper uniform and feel confident in class. My mother cried happy tears because she couldn't afford to buy new uniform. He is like a guardian angel for poor students."

Aditya Kulkarni

Age 21 • Sir J.J. School of Art

"Being selected to work on the DSK Lane wall art project under Makarand Sir's initiative was a dream come true. He gave young artists a platform and budget to beautify our neighborhood. The project boosted my portfolio and confidence. He believes in youth talent and creates opportunities for us to shine."

Sneha Naik

Age 17 • Campion School

"The Gandhi Jayanti Cleanliness Drive from Gateway to Badhwar Park mobilized 500+ student volunteers from our schools. Makarand Sir personally led the drive wearing gloves and picking up litter alongside us. He showed us that serving our community is the highest form of education. That day changed how I see civic responsibility."

Karan Mehta

Age 20 • Mumbai University - Architecture

"As an architecture student, the heritage lighting projects across Pasta Lanes and Radio Club corridor are inspiring case studies. Makarand Sir's approach to conservation is progressive - he enhances heritage without destroying it. I've brought my college professors to see his projects. This is the kind of urban development India needs."

Ayesha Shaikh

Age 16 • BMC School Colaba

"Before Makarand Sir started the free books program, 3-4 students in my class would drop out every year because their parents couldn't afford materials. Now everyone has books and notebooks. Our school attendance improved and we won inter-school competitions. When students have resources, they can achieve anything."

Nikhil Joshi

Age 24 • IIT Bombay Graduate

"The renovated First Pasta Lane Garden is where I jog every morning. The transformation is incredible - modern equipment, clean pathways, beautiful landscaping. Makarand Sir created a space where youth can exercise and seniors can relax. It's a model urban park. Other corporators should visit and learn."

Anjali Rane

Age 14 • BMC School Colaba

"I used to miss 3-4 days of school every month because I couldn't afford sanitary pads. My attendance suffered and I fell behind in studies. When Makarand Sir started the free sanitary pad program, it changed everything. Now I never miss school. He broke the silence around periods and made us feel this is a normal health need."

Vikram Singh

Age 18 • Jai Hind College - Engineering

"The INS Vikrant heritage visit organized by Makarand Sir was a patriotic experience. As an NCC cadet, visiting India's first aircraft carrier was a dream. He arranged the entire visit for BMC school and college students. He believes in exposing youth to our military heritage. It strengthened my resolve to serve the nation."

Meera Patil

Age 16 • St. Xavier's High School

"During the cancer screening camp, Makarand Sir organized health awareness sessions for students too. We learned about preventive healthcare and early detection. My grandmother got screened and they found early stage issues. The doctors said early detection saved her. He doesn't just do politics, he saves lives."

Arjun Rao

Age 20 • Mumbai University - NSS Unit

"Volunteering in the food distribution drives organized by Makarand Sir during COVID and festivals taught me compassion. He didn't just fund it - he served food alongside us, treating everyone with dignity. He taught us that service isn't charity, it's solidarity. Youth need such role models in politics."

Riya Nair

Age 17 • Bombay Scottish School

"When Makarand Sir holds community meetings, he invites student representatives too. He asks our opinions on playgrounds, parks, and youth facilities. Most politicians ignore youth voices, but he genuinely listens. He approved our proposal for a skating area in the garden. This is true participatory democracy."

Kavya Iyer

Age 17 • Cathedral & John Connon School

"Attending the Kala Ghoda inauguration with Makarand Sir was magical. He explained how art and culture strengthen community bonds. He supported our school's cultural club to perform at ward events. Politicians usually only care about infrastructure, but he values art and culture equally. That's why youth connect with him."