Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha
Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of Maharashtra
Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha ji has been involved in working with people at the grassroots level. The son of a freedom fighter, serving people is a trait that Mangal Prabhat Lodha not just inherited but has always believed in. Born in Jodhpur in 1955, his father Shri Guman Mal Lodha was also the chief justice of the Guwahati High Court and a member of the Lok Sabha. An active member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in his youth, Mangal Prabhat Lodha has always been influenced by national issues. Therefore, getting into active politics was a natural transition.
After completing his B Com and LLB from University of Jodhpur, he practised law in the Jodhpur High Court. But when his father became a judge there, he left his practice as he believed that it would be inappropriate to practice in the same court. In 1981, he moved to Mumbai and laid the foundation of the Lodha Group. Over the years, the group has grown into one of India’s leading real estate companies. Having passed on the mantle of running the business to his sons, Mangal Prabhat Lodha made a conscious decision to dedicate maximum time to the service of the people. To him, politics serves as a medium to execute many of the causes that he champions.
Currently, Shri Lodha ji is the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Malabar Hill in South Mumbai. He is the vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Maharashtra and an active social worker.
As a legislator, Shri Lodha ji has made significant contributions. He has played a key role in the enactment of the Right to Information Act (RTI), which has empowered the common man to fight corruption. He was also the first to introduce the RTI bill in the Vidhan Sabha. Despite all odds, he ensured that the Bill was passed. He has also played a crucial role in bringing forth a law against cow slaughter and setting up of the Animal Welfare Board in Maharashtra.
A people-oriented person, Mangal Prabhat Lodha has been influential in bringing separate law/regulations in favour of over 50,000 housing societies. His credibility has always helped him serve as an important link between the government and Mumbai’s business community.
He has implemented many initiatives for the lesser privileged through the Lodha Foundation. These initiatives cover areas like education, healthcare, sports and culture. The foundation also provides medical treatment, education, vocational training, sports training and a lot more to thousands of people.