Lessons from Palkhivala

To listen to Nani Palkhivala’s post-budget speeches was both a pleasure and an education in itself. After attending his scintillating talks embellished with quotations and references, there was no further need to read the newspapers.

On many occasions, I had addressed letters to Palkhivala seeking his opinion on matters concerning the Parsi community. Notwithstanding his multifarious activities, never once did he fail to send his mature replies.

BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA

Way back in 1947-48, Nani Palkhivala was our lecturer in English literature at the Government Law College at Church­gate. The text book prescribed by the then Bombay University was Biography of Younger Pitt — a most boring and dry subject for us Indian students used to reading fictional novels!

But Palkhivala, with his wit, depth of knowledge, and power of oratory, turned it into the most interesting lecture, a ‘must’ for every student.

Malcolm Hall in Jogeshwari with its spacious grounds

He would select one phrase or line from the book e.g. "chip of the old block” (the phrase used by some British Parliament members when Younger Pitt rose to speak), and then go on lecturing on everything connected with the word ‘chip.’ He would talk about fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, which he used to consume as dinner during his stay as a student in the UK, then turn to Good-bye Mr Chips and discuss the merits of that film and the hero. Next he would jump to the chips used in the game of poker and so on. Unluckily for us ‘computer chips’ were not much known at that time.

Another instance was the phrase: "A kingdom trusted to a schoolboy’s care (used by some Brits when Younger Pitt became a Prime Minister). For one full period he dwelled on the various ancient and modern kingdoms of the world. From astronomy to zoology he could discuss any subject fluently for hours. His depth of knowledge was phenomenal and his ability to disseminate this wide knowledge to the students, commendable!

A profound memory and vociferous reading were his greatest assets, accumulated during his lifetime. No doubt a good memory is a gift from God but it certainly requires human ability and determination to develop it.

HOMI P. BILIMORIA