Vitthal Sayanna (1864-1932) belonged to the Yadav community of Andhra Pradesh. He came to Bombay in 1870 and initially set up a dairy business before carving his niche as a construction contractor. His work was hailed by renowned personalities, and his acquaintances included the towering freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak and legendary singer and stage actor Bal Gandharva.
Among the iconic structures he supervised included the General Post Office, Prince of Wales Museum, and the Royal Institute of Science. He donated large proceeds of his wealth for public welfare projects and helped all communities of all castes, creeds, and religions. He played a key role in the rehabilitation work during the 1896 plague epidemic and the peace efforts during the Hindu-Muslim riots of 1893. For the latter, the government offered to felicitate him but he refused the honour given his penchant for a simple and secluded life. Thane’s famous Vitthal Sayanna Datta Temple was built from his donation, and hence named after him.
Narayan Sayanna (1902-1978) was Vitthal’s son who followed in his father’s footsteps after matriculation and made name working on landmarks like Radio Club, Loksatta Press, Guilder Tank School, Bandra National Library, and Vitthal Sayanna Gymkhana. He also specialised in drainage and sewage works. He was the founder of the educational institution Dadar Vidya Mandir. In 1936, he built the Vitthal Sayanna Hospital in Thane (which is now being converted into a new 900-bedded Vitthal Sayanna District General, Women and Child and Super-specialty Hospital)
In 1937, he was conferred the title of ‘Dewan Bahadur’ but during the fag end of his life, he preferred a quiet life rooted in dignified detachment, just like his father. Both father and son raised the bar for selfless social service and development, devoid of political ambition or social recognition whatsoever.
As an aside, many illustrious and industrious people from the Telgu Phulmali community (gardeners and florists) of Andhra Pradesh migrated to Mumbai in the 18th century and found their livelihood in the construction business. The area of Kamathipura became their headquarters. Many among these seamlessly merged with Mumbai's Maharashtrian culture.
A Telgu gentleman called Jaya Yallapa Lingu opened the first Telgu-Marathi school in Kamathipura in 1864. He along with his colleague Venku Baloji Kalevar took inspiration from the teachings of Mahatma Phule during the latter's month-long stay in Mumbai. Earlier, they took pride in serving five-course meals to Brahmins, now they took it upon themselves to provide financial help to disabled and deprived students.
One of the leading social reformers of this community was Ramayya Venkayya Ayyavaru (1826 - 1912), contractor by profession and part of the team that built some of the most sterling Mumbai landmarks like the Municipal Corporation. He was instrumental in initiating and supporting several institutions and organizations like the Gynotejak Sabha & Gyanvardhak Sabha (devoted to knowledge conservation), anti-liquor campaigns, libraries, school for Telgu girls, and many forums to promote moral and righteous behaviour in public life. He was also a prolific writer.
Refer to this link for insights on the priceless contribution of Mumbai’s lesser-known engineers, contractors and labourers as chronicled by architect and urban researcher Esa Shaikh: