History repeats itself

In a classic case of history repeating itself, the City of London recently bestowed on Byram Jeejeebhoy the Freedom of the City of London, an honor which his great-grandfather Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy was accorded on April 14, 1855, informs solicitor and community commentator Berjis Desai in an e-mail forwarded to Parsiana. The Chamberlain’s Court, London notified Byram "the Court of Aldermen has passed an order for your admission to the Freedom of the City of London in The Worshipful Company of Clock­makers.”

In turn, The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, London, wrote: "The Master and Wardens of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers have instructed me to write to you to invite you to give them the honor of installing you as a Freeman of the Company by Gift. This would ensure that the long tradition of your family’s being associated with the Company could be guaranteed.”

Byram Jeejeebhoy accepting the Freedom of the City of London

Desai has sent Parsiana a copy of the historic resolution of 1855, which reads:

"Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, Knight,

"Sir Francis Graham Moon, Bart, Lord Mayor; Sir John Rey, Bart, Chamberlain,

"[1855.] At a Court of Common Council, April 14, 1855, it was resolved unanimously:

"‘That the Freedom of this City be presented to Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, of Bombay, in the East Indies, Knight, as a testimonial of the high estimation entertained of him by the Corporation of the City of London, and from respect for his justly-renowned character as a princely benefactor of his country and mankind, a noble example of blameless private life and public worth as a citizen of Bom­bay, and of spotless commercial integrity as a most eminent British subject and merchant in India.

"‘That the said resolution be ornamentally written on vellum, signed by the Town Clerk, properly emblazoned, framed, and glazed, and presented to Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.’”

In receiving this rare honor now, Byram has done the Parsis proud, adds Desai.