MUMBAI: In its zest to engage listeners and create innovative content for Maharashtra Day, Big FM Mumbai recognized and applauded three listeners.

Under the initiative ‘Maharashtra Ki Asli Pehchaan’, the station felicitated three listeners who were nominated for their contribution towards the betterment of the society. The awards encouraged values like honesty, simplicity, respect for women and the urge to serve.

Sandeep Desai, a 52-year-old professor, who begs in local trains to raise money to fund English medium schools for underprivileged children in rural Maharashtra and Rajasthan was honoured. Over the past two years, he has collected more than Rs 50 lakh that currently funds four schools, with a fifth one due to open next month in the Ratnagiri district of Mahashtra. The station acknowledged his effort and awarded his values of simplicity and patience.

Acclaimed Bollywood and Marathi film and theatre personality, Sachin Pilgaonkar, along with his daughter Shriya presented a Certificate of recognition to these strong-willed listeners. He also revealed the first-look of his upcoming Marathi film ‘Ekulti Ek’.

Also featuring his daughter Shriya in a lead role, the movie speaks of a father-daughter relationship and highlights the value of family and togetherness. Interestingly, through ‘Ekulti Ek’, veteran actor Pilgaonkar is also celebrating his Golden Jubilee of being a part of the Indian film industry.

Big FM business head Ashwin Padmanabhan said, “Maharashtra Ki Asli Pehchaan is a unique initiative which has been undertaken by Big FM Mumbai to celebrate Maharashtra Day and there is no better way to do so than to commemorate the spirit and values of the state’s populace. Our listeners bring forth some incredible stories of their journey towards the betterment of the society and we’re proud to bring them to the limelight. We are honoured that actor Sachin Pilgaonkar and his daughter, Shriya, are supporting us in this venture, and would like to wish them great success for their upcoming movie Ekulti Ek.”