Benevolent Bharucha

A marble bust of Sir Shapoorji Burjorji Bhar-ucha was unveiled at the Shapoorji Bharucha Baug, Andheri (West) on July 16, 2004 in the presence of Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Silloo Kavarana, chief executive Behram Dastur, other senior officials of the BPP and residents of the Baug.

Described by Parsi Lustre on Indian Soil as "a self-made and large-hearted man, financier and business magnate,” Bharucha was reportedly born to poor parents in 1845. After migrating from Bharuch to Bombay in the 1850s he failed in his matriculation.

Thereafter he gained clerical experience at the BB&CI Railway, the Asiatic Bank and subsequently became broker in 1864. In later years he became a prominent figure in the financial world of Bombay, was made justice of peace, sheriff of Bombay and knighted in recognition of his cosmopolitan charities which amount to more than Rs 25 lakhs. The Parsi Lustre paid tribute to his "shrewd intuitive perception necessary (for) the acquisition of great riches and the moral impulses which prompt to a benevolent distribution of them... (His) wise philanthropy (would not) undermine the self-reliant spirit of the poor.”

The marble bust was gifted by Khorshed and Kekoo Gandhy of Gallery Chemould and by Dara Gandhi, notes a press release from the BPP. On the accompanying tablet was engraved, "The BPP takes the opportunity to thank Khorshed and Kekoo Gandhy for donating this marble bust to it.”

The installation of the tablet was made possible by a team of engineers headed by T. S. Patel (senior executive, projects). The team comprised R. K. Todivala (chief engineer, maintenance), and assistant engineers Khushroo Bharucha and Jitendra Mehta. The engraving of the text and mounting of the bust on the pedestal was by contractor Salim, states the report.