MULJI JETHANAND GANDHI (MULJIBHA)

Muljibha was born at Thatha in Lurdha family who were early supporters of Shewa Fund, on Radha-ashtmi day in year 1928. He did his matriculation at Karachi in 1946 and joined M/s. Rally Brothers (Now Hindustan Liver). In 1947 the family moved to Bombay and he joined M/s. Burmah Shell (Now Bharat Petroleum) in 1948. He left the job in 1954 to join his ancestral business in Dubai which was then an insignificant desert port without adequate facilities. He took this step to give retirement to his aging father. In company of his elder brother, Tarachand, he helped the business to grow from strength to strength and the firm became one of the leading concerns in Dubai. He maintained close ancestral relationship with ruling family and other prominent locals.

While in Dubai he took keen interest in social and cultural affairs. He was an active member of Managing committee of Indian Association, Indian School and India Club. Looking to the rising Hindu population in the sixties, he felt the need for a crematorium in Dubai. In company of Maghabha and his brother Tarachand he approached the ruler, Sheikh Rashid and obtained, free of cost, a large plot for the purpose. He then collected funds to build the structure for the crematorium which is of great help now. On account of acute spinal trouble he was forced to retire from active business under medical advice and came to Bombay.

In 1977, he was cajoled by Gaghabha and his brother Gopal to join the managing committee of Shewa Fund. He found that there were enough constructive charitable objects on agenda and someone was desperately needed to put them into practice. He offered his unqualified honorary services and we appointed Hon. Administrator. He formulated an innovative strategy and worked with vehemence and considered the job as his mission. “WE WANT EVOLUTION AND NOT REVOLUTION” were the wise words of Rambha and Gopal, which inspired him a lot. He proceeded with the task of implementing the plans. First, he started a membership drive to involve the community and raise its consciousness of Shewa Fund. He helped to restart the Dassera-Diwali function and formed a youth centre. He helped to start Muljimal Thawerdas library, sanatorium rooms, Mahila Vikas Mandal and medical camps. He also helped in vasti patrak work. He was also instrumental in the donation of ambulance van from Pancholia family. He was a member of Thathai Bhatia Panchayat’s Mg. Committee for a few years. He was instrumental to publish community’s 2nd telephone directory under Kewal Baugh banner.

He dreamt of an old age home with home like facilities, a school and above all community’s own native place where we can maintain and develop our own unique and rich culture and identity.

Compiled by Shri MULJI GANDHI

Courtesy Sampark – November 1994 to March 1995 Issue