Milestone for Marshall

Entering the 100th year of his eventful life on October 14, 2010, Dr Ratan Rustomji Marshall has woven a color- ful tapestry of achievements as suc- cessful administrator, scholar, writer, lawyer and theater person. Today, at 99 years of age, he is working on a collection of short stories in Gujarati! He was born in Bharuch in 1911, but the family moved to Surat soon there- after. Marshall was educated in Surat and remained a stalwart of that city until December 2004 when he met with a serious accident requiring surgery and his son Rustom took him to Ahmedabad to reside with him perma- nently, Yazdi Karanjia, trustee of the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) informed Parsiana in a write-up.

Rustom confirmed that his father is "fully active at home,” when contacted over the telephone by Parsiana . Marshall’s creative output continues unabated he said, but since few can de- cipher his handwriting, a person has been engaged to come home and type out the pages before they are sent for printing. The venerable scholar, although hard of hearing, is also much in demand with young people who come to him, seeking information to further their re- search. A young Parsi boy from Harvard visits often, Rustom mentioned, as does a Gujarati girl who is eager to tap into Marshall’s knowledge of well-known old families of Ahmedabad such as the Sarabhais, for instance. Marshall enjoys interacting with the youngsters.

Ratan Marshall (seated) with (from l) son Rustom, daughter-in-law Nishmin, grandchildren Rhia and Yohan

Recounting biographical details, Karanjia mentions that af- ter Marshall’s graduation, the SPP invited him to join its staff as it was planning to start some new institu- tions. Commencing his career as head clerk in 1935, Marshall retired as special officer after serving for a record period of seven decades. During this period the SPP started several new institutions such as The Technical and Industrial Institute for Parsi boys, Nariman Home and Infir- mary, Nariman Parsi Girls Orphanage, Alpaiwala In- dustrial Institute for Women and Girls. He also managed the Pirozebai M. Patel Singanporewala En- glish School and made the Sir J. J. English School, an English medium co-educa- tional institution, the write up mentions. Marshall has also been associated with several housing projects.

While still employed, Marshall fur- thered his own education, researching the history of Gujarati journalism. His thesis on the subject earned him a PhD from the University of Bombay, the first student of the University to have at- tained this distinction in the Gujarati literature section. Later, he chose to study law, attending college along with his son Rustom, and obtaining his degree at the age of 60. In 2002 he was conferred the Doctor of Letters degree by the Univer- sity of South Gujarat.

A prolific writer, Marshall’s con- tribution to Gujarati language and lit- erature has been significant. His asso- ciation with the Narmad Sahitya Sabha began with his being its secretary, then vice president and ultimately president. The Narmad medal came his way when his autobiography, Katha-Ratan, was adjudged outstand- ing. So far he is the sole Parsi to have received this honor, notes Karanjia.

(From l): Cavas Sethna, Darayas Master, Marshall, Kersy Shethna, Yazdi Karanjia, Dr Homi Doodhwala and Hormazdiyar Patel

Marshall received the Gujarat Sahitya Academy award in recognition of his work on the contribution of Parsis in the field of Gujarati literature, jour- nalism and theater.

Educationist Bejon Desai, while re- viewing Marshall’s book Pushpo ane Patangiyan published in 2006, refers to him as "a scholar of repute” and "a very good orator” holding important posi- tions in literary societies, playing a back- stage role in drama and pantomime and working as office bearer on school, col- lege and university boards in Gujarat. Closely connected with the Yazdi Karanjia dramatic group of Surat, Marshall has directed dramas, written plays and judged drama competitions at the state level, the write-up adds.

The centenarian’s contribution to civic life has seen him working on gov- ernment advisory committees related to police, radio and rationing. He was made an honorary magistrate and became presi- dent of the South Gujarat Magistrates’ Association. Deputed by the SPP to over- see relief work after a devastating earth- quake in Bharuch, Marshall remained in the city of his birth for two months, concluding his task to the satisfaction of all. He has also worked for the welfare of leprosy and tuberculosis patients, Karanjia mentions.

Marshall’s late wife Freny was an outstanding gynecologist and Rustom is a leading advocate in the Gujarat High Court.