Mumbai, December 23: Nana Chudasama, former Mumbai Mayor, noted jurist and social activist, died on Sunday after brief illness. The 85-year-old civil society member breathed his last at his Colaba-based residence. On his demise, top leaders of the state, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Governor C Vidyasagar Rao paid their tributes.

"Chudasama was truly connected to citizens with several NGOs and has always supported the activities. His two liner message board at the Marine Drive was a reflection of his personality," Fadnavis said.

Rao said, "The contribution of Nana Chudasama to Mumbai's socio-economic and cultural life was of a high order. He was among the foremost champions of a clean and green Mumbai."

The Governor further added that Chudasama was a conscience keeper of the financial capital. "Through his initiative I Love Mumbai, he organized plant shows and promoted tree plantation. Through his popular banners on the Marine Drive, he commented upon the paradoxes of public life and polity in a humorous way."

"As the founder of service organisation Giants International, he rendered social service in many areas. In his demise, the city of Mumbai has lost a conscience keeper of Mumbai," Rao added.

Born in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, Chudasama engaged himself in social work after serving in a private company. He founded an NGO, Giants International, which has presence in several cities in India as well as abroad.

Chudasama carried out social work through his NGOs such as I Love Mumbai, the National Kidney Foundation and the Forum Against Drugs and AIDS. He was known for his succinct messages and comments on important issues of the day displayed through banners put up above a popular pizza joint at Marine Drive, South Mumbai.

Chudasama was awarded Padma Shri in recognition of his work in the social sector. His daughter Shaina NC is a BJP spokesperson.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2018 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).