Mumbai gets its first East Indian Bhavan at Juhu Koliwada

Mumbai's East Indian community inaugurated the Kaka Joseph Baptista East Indian Theme Garden and Bhavan at Juhu Koliwada on Sunday, 17th May 2026. The day was also observed as East Indian Day. Developed on government land through the efforts of BJP MLA Ameet Satam and the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, the 25,000-square-foot facility includes a life-size statue of Kaka Baptista, a children's play area, a skill development centre, an open-air mandap for a thousand people, and an East Indian village selfie point.

The idea for the bhavan was first mooted in 2009, according to Gleason Barretto of the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat. After unsuccessful approaches to various leaders, the demand was revived when Satam was elected MLA in 2014. He raised the matter in the Maharashtra Assembly in 2018, and after constant follow-ups, the project was completed. Speaking at the event, Satam said the building symbolises the community's history, heritage, and contribution to Mumbai and India.

The facility also houses the East Indian Museum, relocated from Manori, showcasing artefacts of the community. The Mobai Gaothan Panchayat has initiated a project to promote awareness about Kaka Baptista, a freedom fighter associated with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the slogan 'Swaraj is My Birthright'. The family of Kaka Baptista, including his great-grandniece Shaila Baptista, attended the inauguration.