The Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) marked its 48th Foundation Day as “Vyapari Ekta Din” with an inspiring celebration that brought together Maharashtra’s leading traders, industrialists, professionals, and association leaders. The event highlighted the power of unity, ethical business practices, and knowledge-driven growth while addressing key issues shaping the future of trade and industry in India.
In a grand celebration of trade unity and economic leadership, the Federation of Associations of Maharashtra (FAM) commemorated its 48th Foundation Day with a prestigious event titled “Gyaan Manthan Wisdom for Success & Security” at the iconic Garware Club House Banquet, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The programme witnessed participation from more than 360 dignitaries, industrialists, entrepreneurs, professionals, and trade association representatives from across Maharashtra, reaffirming FAM’s role as one of the most influential trade bodies in the state.
Founded with the mission of strengthening and safeguarding the interests of traders, FAM today represents over 750 trade associations across Maharashtra. The Foundation Day celebration, observed as “Vyapari Ekta Din,” became a powerful platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and dialogue on the evolving challenges and opportunities within India’s business ecosystem.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering, FAM President Shri Jitendra Shah spoke passionately about the importance of unity within the trading community. He highlighted that although the venue accommodated a few hundred attendees, each participant represented thousands of traders and business owners from different regions of Maharashtra. His address reflected pride in the solidarity, dedication, and collective spirit that continue to strengthen FAM’s influence.
Reaffirming FAM’s long-standing mission of “Vyapar Badhao! Vyapar Bachao!”, Shri Shah emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for traders while simultaneously encouraging business growth and modernization. He praised the Maharashtra Government for its large-scale infrastructure initiatives such as the Coastal Road Project, Atal Setu, Metro Network, Missing Link Project, and Samruddhi Mahamarg. According to him, these transformative developments have significantly reduced travel time, improved logistics efficiency, and strengthened commercial connectivity across the state.
Shri Shah also highlighted Maharashtra’s dominant contribution to India’s economy, noting that the state continues to lead in GDP generation, GST collection, and income tax contribution. He credited this success to the strong collaboration between the Government and the business community over the years.
However, alongside celebrating achievements, the event also addressed pressing concerns affecting traders and industrial stakeholders. One of the major issues raised was the Bombay Port Trust (BPT) land redevelopment matter, which has created uncertainty for lakhs of traders and tenants operating shops, warehouses, and offices in affected areas. Shri Shah clarified that the trading community fully supports development and beautification initiatives but stressed the importance of fair rehabilitation policies. He advocated for a “land against land” rehabilitation approach in nearby areas to protect livelihoods and ensure business continuity.
Additional concerns discussed during the programme included the increase in Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on scrap from 1% to 2%, which has placed financial pressure on traders by impacting working capital and cash flow. Long-pending BIS implementation issues in the stainless steel and utensil sectors, along with various GST compliance challenges, were also highlighted as major obstacles faced by businesses.
The event’s Chief Guest, Shri Milind Deora, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), acknowledged the validity of FAM’s concerns and assured full support to the trading fraternity. Reflecting on his late father Shri Murli Deora’s strong relationship with the trading community, he recalled how his father had firmly opposed Local Body Tax (LBT) in Mumbai and stood by traders during difficult times. Shri Deora assured attendees that he would continue supporting FAM’s initiatives and facilitate discussions with the Central Government to address important trade-related issues.
The evening also featured insightful keynote sessions by prominent experts and thought leaders. Renowned economist Shri Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mutual Fund and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, delivered a compelling keynote on “Business Growth in Today’s Environment,” sharing valuable perspectives on economic trends, investments, and future business opportunities.
Technology and innovation also played a central role in the discussions. Shri Prashant Thadeshwar and Shri Hiren Thadeshwar of GrealMinds Fintech Pvt. Ltd. spoke about AI-driven financial solutions that are transforming credit management, collections, and operational efficiency for traders and SMEs. Meanwhile, Dr. Jaykrishna Pathak delivered a thought-provoking session on “The Conscience of Trade,” emphasizing the values of Karma, Dharma, and Kartavya in both business and life.
One of the most emotional and inspiring moments of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious FAM Gaurav Awards 2026. The awards honoured veteran leaders and contributors who dedicated their lives to strengthening trade associations and empowering the business community across Maharashtra.
The celebration concluded with renewed energy, optimism, and a strong message of collective progress. Through meaningful discussions, recognition of industry leaders, and future-focused initiatives, FAM’s 48th Foundation Day successfully reinforced the importance of unity, ethical leadership, and knowledge-driven growth in shaping Maharashtra’s vibrant trading ecosystem.
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