Mumbai: The city’s much adored landmark monument Kessowjee Nayak Fountain and Clock Tower, about 140 year old heritage is all set to get the much needed facelift. It is also an emotionally overwhelming moment for the Kutchi community in the city as the monument was built by the Kutchi Dasha Oswal Community’s Shiromani or the most revered person Late Shri Kessowjee Nayak and was inaugurated by Mumbai’s then governor on January 8, 1876.

The history has been rewritten as the same community has renovated the monument and it was unveiled by the Hon Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadanvis. The Chief Minister respected the sentiments of the community and marked his presence for the historic event. Kutchi Dasha Oswal Community, better known as ‘KDO’, which is India’s one of the minority communities with most of its presence in the city of Mumbai alone, came forward to renovate a historical ‘Fountain-cum-Hut’ monument located at Bhaat Bazar, Masjid Bunder, Mumbai. For the first time ever any community has done restoration  work for the Mumbai city. After the renovation, this 20-plus feet monument, which has been recognized as a ‘Grade II Notified Heritage’, will be once again presented to the city of Mumbai.

The KDO Community, ascended from Kutch region of Gujarat and well-known for their entrepreneurial spirit, migrated in large numbers to Mumbai in the 18th century. KDO Community has been reviving its ties and taking active interest in restoring cultural values and makeover of ‘fountain cum drinking-water facility’ (parab) as part of the same.

It also had a watershed for animals (Havaado) the structure was made from basalt, limestone and Malad stones and red stone. With excellent carving, metal dome and tower clock, it had become a landmark no sooner.

Mr Nayan Bheda, Developer and President of KDO community, Said “We have undertaken the renovation work of this monument to preserve our community’s pride and the glory of commendable work done by our eminent predecessors like Late Shri Kessowjee Nayak and Late Shri Narsi Natha. Their relentless hard work and contribution to Mumbai’s KDO community has been exemplary and we want to tell their inspiring work to the coming generations. This renovation will reclaim the lost glory of this monument and will soon become Mumbai and Masjid Bunder’s most interesting places to visit”.

Source : Sachin Murdeshwar