Courage and concern

Died: Thrity Homi Taleyarkhan, 86, for-mer president of the Maharashtra State Women’s Council, founder of Asha Sadan and Shilpi Kendra, and one of the prime pillars of organizations like the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) and Temple of Understanding (ToU), on December 17, 2011 in Bombay following cardiac complications.
A social worker who contributed to the well-being of humanity, Taleyar­khan will be remembered for a life devoted to social, cultural and environmental causes which were her passion attested several speakers at the condolence meeting jointly convened by the IRCS and ToU at the Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan Memorial Hall on January 24, 2012. Elegant, charming, gracious, Thrity was the perfect hostess on the innumerable occasions she supported her husband Homi’s political foray, he being a minister in Maharashtra’s first cabinet, the first Indian governor in Sikkim, India’s ambassador to Libya and Italy, recalled eminent citizens who had worked with her.

Thrity’s most enduring legacy to the Red Cross was the Homi J. H. Tale-yarkhan Memorial Hall that she built in memory of her beloved husband. Two years after his passing away, the Hall was constructed as a Millennium Year project with a donation of Rs 30 lakhs made by her. In addition to her monetary contribution she involved herself in every aspect of designing the comfortable airconditioned Hall — décor, carpeting, acoustics — ensuring that it would serve as an "invaluable infrastructure” to the Red Cross Society as also some social welfare organizations which were permitted free use of the premises for their activities. "She continued to maintain the Hall for several years, the income whereof helps finance activities of the Red Cross,” noted the resolution passed at the condolence meeting.
The IRCS "has lost a patron,” stated the condolence message from IRCS Maharashtra branch president Dr Kersi Gherda which was read out by Ratan Lalkaka, joint honorary secretary of the Maharashtra branch. Always "poised and dignified,” was how she was described by Homai Modi, honorary secretary of the Bombay City and Maharashtra State branches of the IRCS and convener of the ToU, who had "worked most closely with Thrity during the construction of the Hall.” They continued to be associates on different committees making Modi comment, "I will miss her and her advice.”
Describing her as a "very active member of the Red Cross Society executive committee,” Mumbai chapter chair Arjun Bulchandani added, "she did not stay away from any social cause.” Mumbai chapter vice chairman Dr Chandi Batliwalla recalled how Taleyarkhan was first appointed as Governor’s nominee on the Indian Red Cross, and acknowledged her guidance on fund-raising, assessing the needs of water supply, sanitation, midday meals in the villages where projects were undertaken. "She will be a role model for those of us who had the good fortune to know her. The thrust of her work was aimed at empowering the dispossessed,” she continued.

Thrity Taleyarkhan (top) and alongside with the then Vice President of India S. Radhakrishnan and with Homi and Firdaus Taleyarkhan

Being vice chairperson of the Mumbai chapter of ToU that strives to bring together people of different religious faiths to address problems of intolerance, injustice and religious persecution, Taleyarkhan’s "steadfast support and guidance on proceedings,” was commendable, commented Fr Benny Aguiar, one of the oldest members of the Bombay chapter of ToU, noting how she helped the chapter do "immense amount of good in this city to bring harmony among religions.” Whilst framed photos of Zarathushtra adorned the walls of their home, on the bedside table of the lady who believed in the universality of all religions, was a copy of the Bhagwad Gita, states her niece Arnaz Francorsi. In the absence of vultures at Doon-gerwadi, Taleyarkhan had chosen to be cremated.
Kind to the poor, her passion was upliftment of women, helping them find their feet. She was instrumental in setting up Asha Sadan and in 2001 started the Homi J. H. Taleyarkhan Centre there where the inmates could be provided avenues for improvement by teaching them a trade or craft. Past president, trustee and senior member of the Maharashtra State Women’s Council she rendered "invaluable services to our organization,” stated president Kushma Jiwarajka to whom Taleyarkhan personified "life, elegance and true beauty.” Jiwarajka reminisced how she would make herself available to everyone whether "for their personal function or for an activity of the organization… She believed in ‘love ever, hurt never.’”

Thrity Taleyarkhan (left) with Indira Gandhi in Sikkim

"A towering personality, always well dressed, her presence added grace to any function,” remarked Burjor Antia, partner of Mulla and Mulla who had worked with the couple on the Save Udwada Trust (SUT) and had admired them since his school days. Referring to her "saga of service” and dedication to the cause of uplifting humanity, Antia mentioned how the couple who were devotees of Satya Sai Baba had got a temple constructed for him in Sikkim.
Hydraulic engineer Dr Zal Tarapore too showed his admiration of how she "seamlessly took over” the SUT after the passing away of Homi, and witnessed "her skills in managing divergent opinions on the committees.” He further referred to SUT’s ability to convince the Gujarat government to contribute to the construction of sea walls in Udvada.
"Whenever the Time and Talents Club needed her she came through,” said Meher Amersey former president of the Club, recalling that she always "exuded confidence and was very approachable. She was a perfectionist in appearance and lifestyle and everything else.” She was on the board of the National Institute of Fashion Technology as also on the board of governors of the Catering College.
Founder of Shilpi Kendra, her encouragement of growth of handicrafts had earned her the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1965. Roshan Engineer’s reminiscences of Shilpi Kendra being inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru at the Crystal Room of Taj Mahal Hotel and Taleyarkhan’s efforts in getting the Pope to tour their exhibition at Cross Maidan in an open jeep and bless the committee members were shared with the audience.
The "hallmark” of Taleyarkhan was her "astute guidance and total professional approach in finding solutions. She was never daunted by any problem, whether small or great,” remarked Homa Petit, president of the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital and a neighbor of the Taleyarkhans who remembered the "modesty and tact” with which she chaired the meetings of their building’s tenants association. He also commended her "forthright, outspoken, no-nonsense attitude and approach without being rough or rude.”
Facing personal tragedies with indomitable courage, after the untimely demise of her son Firdaus in a mountaineering accident she did not let the wounds set her back. In memory of her son she sponsored performances of the Bombay Chamber Orchestra. Her siblings Cawas Lichmore and Silloo Dalal too had predeceased her.
Thrity (née Lichmore) had studied at Bombay’s St Anne’s School and St Xavier’s College but was married before she could complete her graduation.
As summed up Godrej Dotivala, chairman of the Junior Red Cross, she was "a multifaceted personality who exuded radiance and had a charm of her own.”