Unsung hero

A large number of Shiv Sena leaders and followers including Member of the Legislative Assembly Dinaz Patrawala, Member of the Legislative Council, Vilas Avchat, and ex-Corporators Dnya­neshwar Gavde and Saroj Kapadia attended the funeral of Darabji Bomanji Ghadiali who expired on December 8, 2001 at his residence in Bombay. Following a severe heart attack on May 20, 2001 he had been confined to bed.

A public condolence meeting was also held on December 17, 2001 at Narandas Wadi, Fort, Bombay where handsome tributes were paid to the memory of Ghadiali who in 1966 was selected to be a leader of the Shiv Sena’s Fort unit. In 1969, he was selected as its first shakha pramukh (area chief) which office he held for almost 14 years, the longest term for a shakha pramukh.

In the formative years of the Shiv Sena movement, when there was stiff opposition from all quarters, Ghadiali stood like a solid rock behind it and ensured that every program chalked out by it was a thunderous success. He happens to be the first and lone Zoroas­t­rian who identified himself with the sons of the soil theory much before the same was adopted and practiced by the Shiv Sena.

Ghadiali contested the Bombay municipal polls in 1978 against a formidable rival, securing the second highest votes. His was a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspiring personality, an asset indeed to the Fort unit. He was ever ready to help the people irrespective of their community.

Born on October 24, 1923 Ghadiali hailed from Nargol. He started his career as a fire officer in the Bombay Fire Brigade. Later on he left his job to join his father’s business in watches — "Napolean Watch Company” situated at Perin Nariman Street in Fort, Bombay. For many years, he was the president, Fort Traders’ Association and also served as president of the Ganesh Utsav Mandal, Fort. He was the vice president of the Rustom Baug Residents Association, Byculla, Bombay.

This unusual Parsi gentleman strode quite a forlorn path by choosing to join the Shiv Sena movement during its heyday and remained steadfast with it till his last breath.

GOPINATH BHALEKER