The road oft taken

The approach road to Godrej Baug that had for decades remained nameless finally earned an identity on January 1, 2012 when the Naoroji Pirojsha Godrej Marg was inaugurated at the hands of his son Jamshyd Godrej, chairman and managing director of Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited.

Naoroji Godrej

Whilst expressing his "deep appreciation and thanks” to all those instrumental in getting the road named after his father, Jamshyd Godrej referred to the time when the residential colony was under construction and his father took "a personal interest” in the designing and execution of the facilities, spending "many years traveling on this road. I remember visiting Godrej Baug almost every morning on our way to work.”

Honoring Naoroji Godrej at the road naming function (above and below, from left) Pheroza Godrej, Nadir Godrej, Smita Godrej Crishna, Dinshaw Mehta, Jamshyd Godrej, Yogeeta Singh, Gunwant Sheth, Farhad Hozdar and Minoo Khan

The days leading up to the inaugural function saw frenetic activity outside the main gate of Godrej Baug as that portion of the road was dug up and laid with paver blocks. Further on signages were installed at the two ends of the road: one near the Jain Social Group Chowk where the Naoroji Pirojsha Godrej Marg branches out from L. D. Ruparel Marg (that connects Napean Sea Road to Ridge Road) and the other at the upper end of the incline near the Hindu temple.
"I do hope the road will be kept in a good condition and beautified,” remarked Jamshyd Godrej at the function at Godrej Baug’s Eco Park. He was echoing the concerns voiced earlier by Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Dinshaw Mehta who impressed on Yogeeta Singh, municipal councilor and chairperson C and D Ward Committee of the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), the need to maintain the road suitably, befitting the name and quality that is associated with Godrej.
During his tenure as BPP trustee, Naoroji’s "greatest contribution” was getting the BPP land, whereon was built Godrej Baug, released from the grip of the Urban Land Ceiling Act, added Mehta giving credit too to then BPP chairman Dr Aspi Golwalla. Describing Naoroji as "a self effacing industrial genius,” Mehta appreciated that for the Godrej family, the canvas was larger than the Parsi community and encompassed the nation.

(From above) Godrej family members, Godrej Baug residents, Bombay Parsi Punchayet officials and other guests at the road naming function; Adi Godrej; Anil Singh; a section of the audience at Eco Park

"Delighted that the Godrej family is with us today,” the master of ceremonies Godrej Dotivala, public relations officer of BPP, recounted that "for generations, the house of Godrej is acknowledged as amongst the most benevolent employers.” He also referred to "the ghastly incident which shook the whole nation” in 1979 when Naoroji was stabbed by a member of the employees’ union. Whilst the gutsy industrialist survived the attack, the repercussions on his health continued until his demise in 1990.
"The contribution of the Godrej family is well known to each one of us,” remarked Farhad Hozdar, president of the Godrej Baug Residents Welfare Association (GBRWA), adding, "Naoroji was a soft-spoken, unpretentious, simple man with far-sighted vision.” Speaking on behalf of the 495 families residing in the Baug, Hozdar noted, "Nothing could be more memorable and better than attending the road naming…What better start for 2012?”
"He had put his heart and soul into planning Godrej Baug and the agiary. It is fitting that the road is named after him,” commented Nao­roji’s daughter Smita Godrej Crishna. Referring to the creation of Godrej Baug when he was on the board of the BPP, Smita revealed how he "had conceptualized it differently” by providing larger homes and using the income to fund other baugs. Alluding to her father’s humility, Smita mentioned that his prime concern was to ensure that efforts were made to aid the underprivileged. She informed the gathering that Naoroji was the youngest of four siblings and was only three years of age when he lost his mother. Hence it was "his firm and no-nonsense father Pirojsha” who molded him considerably. From a tender age he joined the Godrej factories, starting from the shop floor, earning the "warmest and highest regard” from his employees. In the different initiatives introduced for Godrej employees — Udyachal School, welfare center, well baby clinic, housing colony — he was helped by his wife Soonu, acknowledged the daughter.
Other members of the Godrej family who were also present and offered glimpses into his life and values were Naoroji’s nephews Adi and Nadir Godrej. "My late uncle was a great entrepreneur who built the Godrej group extremely strong,” observed Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej, continuing, "very strong industrially, financially... on employee welfare and philanthropy.”
"I am not going to talk about the industrialist or philanthropist, I am going to talk about my Naval kaka,” declared managing director of Godrej Industries Nadir Godrej reminiscing of his uncle’s smile or rather "impish grin and his eclectic mind.” With both of them being early risers, they would discuss different issues at his vacation home at Mandwa. Cheerful even when dying, on Naoroji’s passing away Nadir had been inspired to pen a poem The Captain, verses from which he shared with the audience.
As conveyed social activist Minoo Khan in his speech in Hindi, he approached Singh with this road naming proposal on September 7, 2011 and within four months this landmark became a reality with the blessings of Mangal Prabhat Lodha, member of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly from the Malabar Hill constituency. As conveyed to Parsiana subsequently by former GBRWA president Yezdi Panthaki, in 2000 he had initiated the proposal to name this road after a member of the Godrej family.
Although Lodha too was scheduled as a speaker that morning, a delay in his flight prevented him from joining the celebrations. Singh’s husband Anil who is the executive secretary of the Lodha Foundation proposed a vote of thanks stating, "We assure you that we will keep up the development and maintenance of this road,” harkening to the time when the Eco Park at Godrej Baug was a jungle area and converted to a beautiful garden with the efforts of Godrej Baug resident Tehmtan Dumasia.

Godrej Baug children recite hambandagi on the 12th anniversary of S. F. Jokhi Agiary

Colony Connect
"A directory containing vital details of residents is always important because it keeps the entire colony connected. It brings all the residents under one umbrella,” noted a message from Mehta in Godrej Baug Connect 2011-2012, commending the GBRWA. "If all colonies take this up as a fresh project soon we will have a comprehensive list of all Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis living in BPP colonies, giving a family overview of each flat, each building and therefore the whole colony. A directory of this sort could also become a networking tool for professionals with the inclusion of e-mail identity… The example set by your Association,” Mehta hoped would be "followed by not only our BPP colonies but also by various other colonies of different Parsi trusts. No doubt Dadar Parsi Colony and Malcolm Baug already have such directories…”

At the launch of Godrej Baug Connect (from left): Tehm­tan Dumasia, Dr Keiki Mehta, Farhad Hozdar and Ervad Yezdi Aibara

For the 64-page "compact directory… every effort has been made to give it a grand shape both in terms of appearance and contents,” declared Hozdar giving credit to his managing committee for their ideas and suggestions, particularly Dumasia, chairman of the subcommittee, and his team for their efforts in compiling the directory. "We hope this first edition of Godrej Baug Connect will bring the residents closer and will fill in the void long felt in Godrej Baug. We will be happy to come out with a reprint for all those residents who have missed (out),” added Hozdar.
Of the 494 flats in 17 buildings that constitute Godrej Baug, details of occupants with their professions, contact numbers and blood groups have been listed for only 105 flats. In the case of 79 percent of the flats, since "the residents had not filled up the requisite form we have restricted ourselves by giving only the flat number and name as provided to us by the BPP on our request,” mentions the general disclaimer. On the basis of information provided, most residents (113) fall in the O+ blood group and there is only one resident in the AB- group.
For the convenience of GBRWA residents the directory thoughtfully provides contact numbers of chemists, blood banks, hospitals and ambulances, rail, road and air transport facilities, mobile, courier and cable service providers, banks and insurance companies, cinema halls, restaurants and catering services, foreign consulates… Equally helpful are two pages earmarked "Know India Better — India Online” giving website links for obtaining vital documents like birth and death certificates, applications for PAN cards and passports, registration of land and property, tracking court orders, case status and judgments…
The directory was released at the hands of noted ophthalmic surgeon Dr Keiki Mehta who was the chief guest on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the enthronement of the holy fire at the Shapoorji Fakirji Jokhi Agiary in Godrej Baug on December 18, 2011. Viewing an agiary "as the fulcrum for the faith,” Mehta commented that "Parsi history is entwined with that of the holy fires and agiaries.” Impressed with the hamban­dagi, welcome song and skit on "Aatash — Our Holy Fire” presented by the children of Godrej Baug under the direction of Jeroo Nargolwala, Mehta remarked, "What is learnt in the early days remains imprinted on the psyche of the child.”

fashion show (above) and dance as part of Vibrations 2011

The guest speaker that evening was Ervad Yezdi Aibara of the Karani Agiary at Cusrow Baug who reiterated the need for every Zoroastrian child to know the importance of prayer and Iranian history. If children are brought up with "saaraa sanskaar (good values) they won’t move away from the religion,” he was confident. Prayers and good thoughts should be accompanied by good deeds for "dharam and karam progress together,” he added.
The colony achievers were then felicitated for their academic and sports excellence. Music and fellowship ended with a hearty gahanbar dinner catered by Nariman Dalal.
Three weeks prior, on November 26, 2011, the youngsters of the colony had taken the initiative to organize Vibrations 2011, their biennial dance show when over 90 residents of the Baug were given a platform to showcase their talents. "The complete show has been conceptualized and essayed by the youth. The committee on its part has organized and looked into every other detail from fixing the stage, lights, music, sound, seating arrangements, statutory permissions and refreshments. Last but not the least is managing the finance for the program and collecting the funds for the activities of the Association,” as per the president’s message carried in the brochure brought out on the occasion.
Pulsating Bollywood music saw vivacious performances on stage. So keen were the eager dancers that even if they did not receive an encore from the audience, some of them gave themselves one to ensure that they had their moments under the limelight! Whilst the most energetic were the 25 children in the seven to 12 age group, equally enthusiastic were the 21 mums and dads who took time out from their regular schedules to spend hours on late night rehearsals. Additionally there were 19 participants aged over 18, another 18 in the 13-17 age group and 11 kids aged between four and six.
"It’s a challenge to keep everyone together. Every effort is made to ensure that there is complete harmony and participation,” wrote GBRWA joint honorary secretary Neville Velati who was also the chairman, organizing committee, Vibrations 2011 in the souvenir brought out on the occasion. He specially acknowledged the efforts of his "young brigade… the pillars behind this entire show: Nazneen Dastur, Maha­freenn Sarkari, Merzi Anklesaria, Natasha Dotiwalla, Nooshin Kotwal and Nilufer Nasirabadwala” and appreciated the efforts of his committee members, special friends and silent, behind-the-scene workers. Besides Hozdar and Velati the other active office bearers of GBRWA are vice president Shahrukh Bilimoria, honorary general secretary Navaz Master, honorary treasurer Neville Daroga and honorary joint treasurer Minoo Majra.
The committee’s tact and persuasive power is frequently harnessed as on November 24 when a complaint was filed by an unidentified Aban Sethna at the Malabar Hill Police Station to prevent the staging of Vibrations at Eco Park lest "our great parents resting in peace be disturbed” on neighboring Doongerwadi property.
For the Godrej Baug residents, the year came to an end with "Explosion,” the New Year’s eve function organized on December 31, and in the first week of January came the circular announcing their annual sports meet on January 22, 2012 at Priyadarshini Park.