12/04/2015

To,
The Municipal Commissioner, MCGM
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Municipal Head Office, Mahapalika Marg,
Mumbai-400001.
Copy to:
1. The Chief Engineer-Development Plan
5th Floor, Municipal Head Office, Annex Building
Mahapalika Marg, Fort
Mumbai-400001
2. Shri. Yashodhar P Phanse, Chairman
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Municipal Head Office, Mahapalika Marg,
Mumbai-400001
Subject:- Objection Against Development Plan 2014-2034 Somaiya Vidyavihar
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a student of K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research,
Somaiya Vidyavihar.
I have been a resident of Mumbai for over 21 years and I love my city. What makes
Aamchi Mumbai so special is its diversity. Its diversity, not just in terms of culture or
people or languages, but in terms of many other things. These things include roads,
places of residence, historical sites, educational institutes and a lot more.
The first time I visited Somaiya Vidyavihar, was to appear for my post-graduation
entrance exam. I had never seen such a beautiful place in Mumbai. I fell in love with
this place and its surroundings instantly. Along with having trees and greenery all
along, this was another world within Mumbai. The beauty of this place lied not just
in its aesthetically built buildings, greenery, chirping birds or in its openness. The
beauty of this place lied in the fact that I saw tens and hundreds of young, bright,
carefree, happy faces all around like I have never seen before. It lied in the fact that
this was an atmosphere which was perfect for nurturing the future.
Home to a carefree educational zone, Somaiya Vidyavihar impressed me a lot! This
was one of the things diverse about a city like Mumbai. Educational Hubs such as
Somaiya are and should be the pride of our city and state. Teachers, students,
support staff, children, parents strive to maintain the integrity and beauty of this

place. A major differentiating factor for educational hubs like Somaiya Vidyavihar is
the environment and space in and around it. The Somaiya family has been striving
to churn out extremely capable leaders and change-makers for the society, for the
city of Mumbai and for the country. For this, the best of faculty and teaching staff
must be attracted. In a city like Mumbai, it may be difficult and expensive. It is a
challenge to find a safe and affordable place to stay in Mumbai city. Hence, SIMSR
renders that to our staff and faculty. It not only provides residential facilities for our
faculty , but also many amenities like laundry, lounges, pantry / kitchens,
cafeterias, business centre, computer laboratories and recreational areas.
The Somaiya Vidyavihar educational zone was going to be used for extremely
important facilities like Humanities, Pure and Applied Sciences, Incubation Centres
and much more. These are essential for students who are opting to study in those
fields of education.
Somaiya Vidyavihar has been maintained extremely well for the benefit of students,
which a public open space would never allow. Students feel safe moving from their
hostel to libraries during evenings.
A DP road cutting through the campus would seriously diminish the quality of the
environment we students study, live and get nurtured in. The campus is home to
male as well as female students and ensuring safety of these students is crucial.
Would Ahmedabad try to change IIM(Ahmedabad) campus in any way? Would
Massachusetts try to change the atmosphere and structure at Harvard? Would you want to create a road
through the Gateway of India? Why would you want to change a gem like Somaiya Vidyavihar which is
and should be the heart of the city?
I request and implore the authorities to see reason and not make any changes to our campus. Support
and help us as our founders have been striving to and succeeding at constantly making Somaiya
Vidyavihar a haven for the enrichment and holistic development of young minds and souls.

Aakash Jhunjhunwala
PGDM-IB (2014-16 batch)
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies&Research
Vidyavihar, Mumbai.