Smita Dhanraj Patil Elected National President of NAREDCO MAHI: Driving Women’s Empowerment in Real Estate

The real estate sector in India is witnessing a transformative phase, and women are stepping into leadership roles to shape its future. In an inspiring development, Smita Dhanraj Patil from Pune has been elected as the National President of NAREDCO's women’s wing, MAHI. The announcement was made during the prestigious "MAHI Change of Guard Ceremony & Pune Conclave," held at Hotel Sheraton Grand, Pune, on December 22, 2024.  

Paving the Way for Women in Real Estate  

NAREDCO MAHI, established under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is a platform dedicated to empowering women professionals in the real estate and construction industries. Traditionally viewed as male-dominated, these sectors are witnessing a shift as women take on influential roles, breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for others to follow.  

Speaking at the event, Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO and a stalwart in the construction industry, highlighted the growing importance of women in this field. He stated, “The construction sector in India is growing at a business rate of 20% annually and will continue to expand. It is crucial for more women to join this industry to ensure balanced growth.”  

Hiranandani also emphasized NAREDCO's commitment to addressing housing challenges in India. With nearly 50% of Mumbai’s population living in slums, he announced plans for a 10-year strategy to make Mumbai slum-free and provide affordable housing to all.  

Smita Dhanraj Patil’s Vision for NAREDCO MAHI  

As the newly elected National President of MAHI, Smita Dhanraj Patil outlined her vision for the future. She aims to:  

- Increase women’s participation in the construction and real estate industries.  

- Promote sustainable development and environmental conservation.  

- Foster collaboration with allied industries.  

- Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation within the sector.  

During her inaugural speech, Patil launched ‘Shashwat Nirman,’ an initiative under NAREDCO MAHI focused on promoting sustainable practices across the real estate ecosystem. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about eco-friendly practices among developers, homebuyers, and industry stakeholders.  

Patil remarked, “The construction industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, and women must be at the forefront of this change. Through initiatives like Shashwat Nirman, we will create a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative industry.”  

Celebrating Women Leadership  

The event was graced by notable figures such as Shekhar Singh (IAS, Commissioner of PCMC), Rajan Bandelkar (Vice Chairman, NAREDCO), Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar (Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis University), and Dev Gill (renowned actor). The discussions during the conclave highlighted the critical role of women in shaping the future of the construction industry.  

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized the need for real estate organizations to prioritize women-centric initiatives and address gender disparities in project approvals and execution. “Women are leading in several key sectors, and it’s time for the construction industry to follow suit by establishing dedicated platforms for their growth and empowerment,” Singh noted.  

Outgoing President Dr. Ananta Singh Raghvanshi, now the Chairperson of MAHI, reflected on the organization’s progress since its inception. She stated, “MAHI has evolved into a robust platform supporting women in the real estate sector, and I am confident that under Smita Patil’s leadership, we will achieve even greater milestones.”  

Women Driving Sustainable Real Estate  

Sustainability emerged as a central theme during the conclave, with two panel discussions focusing on women’s contributions to sustainable real estate. Experts emphasized the importance of green construction practices, water conservation, and energy efficiency to ensure long-term growth and environmental harmony.  

Patil’s initiative, Shashwat Nirman, aligns perfectly with these goals, aiming to integrate sustainability into all aspects of real estate development. The program underscores the need for developers and homebuyers to adopt environmentally responsible practices, ensuring a better future for upcoming generations.  

Transforming the Real Estate Industry  

NAREDCO MAHI’s initiatives are part of a broader effort to make real estate more inclusive and progressive. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO, lauded the election of Smita Patil as a significant step toward gender equality in the industry. He also highlighted the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign in increasing women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction.  

“Anant Raj’s journey in creating opportunities for women is commendable,” Bandelkar said, expressing his hope that more women would step forward to take up leadership roles in the industry.  

The Road Ahead  

The election of Smita Dhanraj Patil as the National President of NAREDCO MAHI marks a new chapter for women in real estate. Her focus on sustainability, innovation, and empowerment sets the stage for a more inclusive and forward-looking industry.  

As the construction sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, initiatives like Shashwat Nirman and platforms like MAHI will play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory. By encouraging women to take on leadership roles and fostering collaboration across sectors, NAREDCO MAHI is paving the way for a more balanced and progressive real estate industry.  

Conclusion  

The "MAHI Change of Guard Ceremony & Pune Conclave" was a celebration of women’s leadership and a commitment to sustainable development in real estate. Smita Dhanraj Patil’s appointment as the National President of NAREDCO MAHI is a testament to the increasing role of women in the sector and their ability to drive meaningful change.  

With visionary leaders like Patil at the helm, the construction and real estate industries are poised for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can look forward to a sector that prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and equal opportunities for all.