Meena Thackeray Biography

Meenatai Thackeray, also known as Meena Thackeray, was married to Bal Thackeray, an Indian politician famous for establishing the Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sena is a political party that advocates for the rights and interests of the Marathi-speaking people and promotes Hindu nationalism. It primarily operates in the state of Maharashtra. Meenatai Thackeray lived from 1932 to 1995.

Meena Thackeray’s Profile Summary

About Family Relationship

She got married to Balasaheb Thackeray on June 13, 1948. They had three sons named Bindumadhav Thackeray, Jaidev Thackeray, and Uddhav Thackeray. Bindumadhav was a filmmaker who gained recognition for creating the Bollywood film ‘Agni Sakshi.’ The movie featured popular actors Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, and Manisha Koirala. Unfortunately, Bindumadhav passed away in a car accident on April 20, 1996. Following in his father’s footsteps, Uddhav Thackeray entered politics and eventually became a leader of the Shiv Sena party.

Religious Beliefs

During an interview, Bal Thackeray spoke about his wife Meena, describing her as a profoundly religious and devout woman. He recounted an incident where they attended a Ganesh Chaturthi function in Bombay but forgot to bring along her essential medicine when they later traveled to Karjat. Bal Thackeray considered this situation as a test for gods and goddesses, believing that it was the responsibility of a higher power to remind her about the emergency bottle. If they were not reminded, he felt that it would challenge both their faith and the path they followed.

Legacy Of Love

There are several commemorative places and institutions named after Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray, honoring her legacy and contributions. Some of these include:

• Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray Smarak outside Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
• Minatai Thakare Stadium in Nashik, Maharashtra.
• Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray Hospital is located in Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
• Meenatai Thackeray Blood Bank at Siddharth Hospital in Goregaon (W) Mumbai.
• Meenatai Balasaheb Thackeray Banquet Hall in Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra.
• Maasaheb Minatai Thakre Maternity Home in Sion Chunabhatti, Mumbai.

These places and institutions serve as a tribute to Maasaheb Meenatai Thackeray and aim to carry forward her name, values, and contributions in various fields such as healthcare, sports, and social welfare.

Facts About Meenatai Thackeray

• Meenatai Thackeray was affectionately called Maa-saheb by the devoted followers of Shiv Sena, known as Shiv Sainiks. Even within the Thackeray household, including Bal Thackeray, she was lovingly referred to as Maa.
• During the 1980s, Meenatai and Balasaheb viewed a black and white film that revolved around the life of Gadge Maharaj, an Indian social reformer and mendicant-saint.This film showcased Gadge Maharaj’s efforts in establishing residential centers where people could find shelter and spend their remaining days. Inspired by this, Meenatai decided to start a similar initiative.
• Balasaheb supported Meenatai’s idea, and in 1990, they laid the foundation of Ramadham Old Age Home near Khopoli, Maharashtra. This initiative aimed to provide a safe haven for the elderly, following the example set by Gadge Maharaj in the film they watched.
• Meenatai played a vital part in establishing The Mahila Aghadi, the women’s division of the Shiv Sena, which was founded by Bal Thackeray in 1985. Her involvement was instrumental in empowering and representing women within the party.
• Following Meenatai’s passing, Balasaheb experienced a shift in his beliefs. He became agnostic and chose to discard the rudraksha malas given to him by Swami Gagangiri Maharaj. In an interview, Balasaheb expressed his disappointment that when Meenatai needed medicine and it was not available, he felt let down by the gods. As a result, he removed all pictures of Ganesh from his house, except for her picture, which held a special place in his heart.