Priyadarshini Park, at Napean Sea Road, is celebrating two decades of existence with a range of activities.
The moment you step into the park, you can feel the energy and enthusiasm of a 20-year-old ready to take life on. Priyadarshini Park, at Napean Sea Road, is celebrating two decades of existence with a range of activities.
The celebrations began on Children’s Day with a painting competition for slum children. Five of the 150 participants were awarded carrom boards.
Other events planned are a state-level school football tournament, a photography exhibition, a blood donation drive, and a two-day ‘PDP Jazz Utsav’ starting November 21, where artistes of repute like Wayne Krantz and Anthony Jackson will perform.
“It was quite a struggle to get this place and so we want to celebrate,” says BA Desai, president of the Malabar Hill Citizens’ Forum, which manages the place.
“I love coming here because it’s breezy and makes for a pleasant walk with a view of the sea,” says Fana Bhaani, 21, a Nepean Sea Road resident, as she takes a round of the walking track.
The ground attracts hundreds of people like Bhaani from all over the city to enjoy a blend of sports and nature. Over the years, it has developed into a sports complex with facilities for athletics, aerobics, gymnastics, karate, football, tennis, yoga, kickboxing and taekwondo. It also has a gym, a spa, and a salsa class.
“It is free for all,” says Susie Shah, Desai’s daughter. “We have a synthetic track to train for the Olympics. It opens at 5am and stays open till 9pm. We have also arranged for coaching activities for a measly sum.”
In the 1970s, the residents fought hard to save the plot from being taken over by the state. “In 1985, we got the land after it was given by the government to the BMC,” recalls Desai. “We developed it by 1989. We also formed the Save Breach Candy Association to ensure that the place is not exploited commercially. Eminent people like Sunil Gavaskar supported us.”
But the park’s future is shaky, with the government considering landing the sea link there. “We have made a presentation to the chief minister,” says Desai. “I am sure he will understand our point of view.”
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