77th Republic Day Celebrations at WTC Mumbai: Honoring Viksit Bharat and Economic Triumphs

Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (Centre); Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) (Left); Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre, Mumbai (Right) at the Republic Day ceremony, World Trade Centre, Mumbai.  

 

Mumbai, 26th January 2026: MVIRDC World Trade Center (WTC) Mumbai celebrated India's 77th Republic Day with a grand flag-hoisting ceremony hosted by Dr. Vijay Kalantri, WTC Mumbai Chairman and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI) The ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Hon’ble Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, who was the distinguished Chief Guest this year.  

 

Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Hon’ble Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, reflected the nation’s transformation from facing basic manufacturing challenges decades ago to today’s thriving, export-driven economy. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “It is noteworthy that India has emerged as the world's fourth-largest economy under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharashtra's march toward a trillion-dollar economy and India's role as a global provider, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, when India not only met domestic demands but also extended support to the international community, is a testament to our growing resilience and success of this great nation”. Concluding with a call for collective dedication, he urged citizens to build a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant India. 

 

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), speaking on the occasion, underscored the significance of Republic Day. “Our growth story is defined not just by self-sufficiency but by our contribution to the global economy. We have seen the valour of our Armed Forces who stood like a strong wall against the enemies of the nation during Operation Sindhoor last year.” 

 

“As we celebrate one more year of the founding of this republic, we need to be cautious of the challenges which we face in our journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 in times of geopolitical situations like today’s. This year, we are commemorating 150 years of the National Song "Vande Mataram”, 129 years of the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose, and 100 years of Balasaheb Thackeray's whose enduring legacy continues to guide us for our future, noted Dr. Kalantri.  

 

 

 

Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (6th from the left); Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, 

World Trade Center Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI); Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, World Trade Centre, Mumbai (5th from the right), along with consular representatives from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the United States of America, and China at the flag hoisting ceremony at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai.  

 

The presence of senior officials from the consulates of over 15 countries underscored the importance of international friendship and cooperation fostered by WTC Mumbai. Adv. Rahul Narwekar highlighted WTC’s ongoing efforts to bring together global stakeholders and support India's role as a responsible international partner. 

 

With the flag unfurled and patriotic fervour in the air, the event reaffirmed the commitment of MVIRDC WTC Mumbai to the nation’s spirit of unity and pride. 

 

     

 

For further information: 

 

Ms. Priya Pansare,  

Director, Trade and Investment Promotion, 

World Trade Centre, Mumbai events@wetrade.org