Mumbai, 16th April 2025 – The grand 75th anniversary celebrations of the Shree Market Silk Merchants Association (SMSMA) concluded with great pride and splendour on 14th April 2025 at Garware Club House, Mumbai. The Amrit Mahotsav marked a significant milestone in the association’s journey, bringing together industry stalwarts, policy leaders, and textile community members.
During the celebrations, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha presented the “Lifetime Achievement Award” posthumously to Late Dhirubhai Ambani, Founder of The Reliance Group. The honour recognized Ambani’s transformative contribution to the Indian textile industry. Minister Lodha also unveiled a special Textile Souvenir to mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Lodha highlighted India’s rich textile heritage, recalling how centuries ago Dhaka’s muslin sarees could pass through a ring. He remarked that the second phase of industrial textile growth was driven by Dhirubhai Ambani, who built massive production capacities across fibre, yarn, and fabric. Lodha added that the third phase is now underway under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through initiatives like ‘Make in India.’
Padmabhushan Kundanbhai Vyas, Guest of Honour, pointed out that while Surat and Ahmedabad are surging ahead in textile production, Mumbai has fallen behind. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the eight ageing textile markets in the C Ward and improving connectivity to revitalize Mumbai’s position as a textile distribution centre. According to him, the prosperity of Bhiwandi’s power loom sector and Dombivli’s processing industry will play a key role in reviving the city’s textile trade.
Neeraj Mehta, the newly elected President of SMSMA, reflected on the association’s 75-year legacy and called for embracing new opportunities in sustainable fashion, digital innovation, and global trade. He stated that the association is poised to take its influence beyond Maharashtra to a national and international level. Mehta also shared that with the support of the Reliance Foundation, the association has provided educational assistance to 650 students in the last four years, benefiting the families of staff, gumasta, and mathadi workers through the SMSMA Education Fund.
Narendra Mehta, former President of SMSMA, spoke about the association’s vital arbitration services. He explained that the association strives to resolve trade disputes amicably through mutual dialogue and settlement, with legal guidance from Advocate Rakesh Jain. The awards given by the association’s arbitrators are legally recognized, further underlining the institution’s credibility and role in the textile business ecosystem.
Pankaj Sheth of Orbit Exports Ltd., Guest of Honour and sponsor of the event, described the association’s journey as a reflection of tradition, trust, and community. He remarked that textile merchants act as a vital bridge between weavers and consumers, playing a service-oriented role in the industry’s value chain.
Smt. Sushma Morthania, Founder and Director of India SME Forum, informed attendees that 75 new industrial hubs are being developed across the country. She encouraged the textile sector to take advantage of these emerging opportunities for scaling and innovation.
Jayantilal Jain, Honorary Secretary of the association, extended a warm vote of thanks to all dignitaries, guests, and members for their presence and contributions to the successful celebration.
PHOTOLINE:
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha is seen presenting the “Lifetime Achievement Award” posthumously to Late Dhirubhai Ambani, during the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association on 14th April at Mumbai.
Seen Left to Right: Devang Shah, Narendra Mehta, Jayantilal Jain, Niraj Mehta, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Kundanbhai Vyas, and Ashwin Malkan.
