Samartha Shatabdi Bhavan

Shree Samartha Vyayam Mandir, was founded by the revered Late Vyayam Maharshee Pralhad Lakshman Kale Guruji. The Institution was inaugurated and named by Dharma Bhaskar Vinayak Maharaj Masurkar, a well-known Social reformer in the twentieth Century, on the auspicious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, on 23rd August 1925. The activities of the Institution were started in a tent, which was soon transformed in a tin shade. As it was the pre independence era, many great revolutionaries, such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Hutatma Rajguru, Sardar Prithvising Azad, Swatantryaveer Savarkar, who kept the flame of freedom struggle live, stayed here, during their underground period. Master wrestlers from all over the Country, came to the ‘Akhada – the Mud pit wrestling Arena’ for wrestling practice and advance training. The expert training of all kinds of Indian Martial Arts, like Lathi-Kathi, Jambiya, Bhala, Fari-Gadka, Baneti, was imparted there. Kale Guruji trained several young dedicated trainers, which included Chintaman Anandrao Soparkar, Sadashiv Mahadev Pulekar, Jagannath Sudam Padwal, Anand Wamanrao Hajirnis, Jayawant Moreshwar Kirtikar, Sant- Nikam, Rohidas Anant Thakur, Muralidhar Dattatray Sabnis, Sudhakar Kashinath Dekhane & many more, who have given back their contribution to the Institution for many years. In the year 1965, a grand fund-raising event was organized at Shanmukhanand Hall and the amount collected was utilized for constructing a three storied building in place of the tin shed. The activities of the Institution started in big way and for these flourishing activities the need for more space was felt.

Since the Institution had an additional area of 17 feet, a construction plan was made in 1985, on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee. A three storied structure was added to the existing building, but unfortunately the ‘expansion joint’ did not get sealed properly, all efforts to rectify the same did not help. Slowly and steadily, rain water seepage and leakages spoiled the whole structure and now the building is in totally dilapidated condition. Municipal Corporation has sent notice to stop all the activities of the Institution, in the said building. There were three options for the repairs and reconstruction of the said building,

1. supporting the building with the help of scaffolding structures of Bamboos & Ballies
2. major repairs with water proofing, geniting & plastering
3. constructing a totally new building by demolishing the old structure.

After deliberate discussions, looking at the cost and benefits, it was realized that new construction of the building is the viable option. In the past few Annual General Body meetings of the Institutions, it is unanimously decided that, the Institution should reconstruct the building on its own and should not give it to any developer. The Trustees and the Managing Committee have accordingly prepared an ambitious plan of Samartha Shatabdi Bhavan, which we hope to complete by the Centenary Year 2025. The concept of Samartha Shatabdi Bhavan is conceived by Shree Shreyas P. Mhaskar, an enthusiastic Mallakhamb & Gymnastics trainer and the Trustee of the Institution, Shree Rohit Dixit, professional Architect of repute, Shree Neetin Khedkar, Project Management Consultant, Shree Sujay Kalele, Project Director, are persistently working on it. Many of the Municipal permissions, D. P. Remarks have been received and now the file is submitted for the fire permissions. According to the prevalent B. M. C. Rules, availing 4 FSI, the Samartha Shatabdi Bhavan will be a gigantic 22 storied building and we hope that without any non-sport commercial venture, it will be identified as iconic Sports Complex, unique not in our State, but in the whole Country. The special features of this Samartha Shatabdi Bhavan are,

1. ‘Free weights Gymnasium, Mud pit wrestling Arena, Traditional Indian Style exercises, Mudgal, Indian clubs etc.
2. A new upgraded State of the art Gym with Treadmill, Steam Bath, Sauna Bath, small Swimming Pool etc.
3. Mallakhamb, Artistic & Rhythmic Gymnastics Halls, Oriental Physical Training Centre, Yoga & Meditation Halls.
4. Renowned Physiotherapists – for prevention and treatment of injuries, and for Sports Medicine advise.
5. Expert Dietitians will be available for competitive & non-competitive diet of the sportsmen
6. Professional Sports psychologists – to deal with psychological aspects of sports performance.
7. Dormitory accommodation for outstation players and foreign students, special rooms for Coaches
8. Multipurpose Halls, Dining facility, Conference & Meeting Rooms and Canteen
9. Staff and Servant’s Quarters
10. Provision for Parking space

The total cost of the building, as on today, including the Civil Construction cost Rs. 40,00,00,000/- and Interior & Equipment cost Rs. 20,00,00,000/- will be approximately Rs. 60,00,00,000/- (Sixty Crores) only.

We totally rely upon the generous contribution from Central Government, State Government, Municipal Corporation, Corporates, Banks, Philanthropists, Donors and Sponsors, Ex-students, Parents, Life Members and well-wishers. We dream to organise the grand centenary celebrations in the New Samartha Shatabdi Bhavan. Let’s come together, join hands & work collectively for this dream project.