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India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
The orphan man was once Bombay's biggest merchant, received 'Knight' title by Queen Victoria, donated all his money to... he was...
In 19th-century India, creating a name for both trade and social service was a challenging task. However, an orphaned Parsi boy, Indian, was able to create history through hard work, vision, and benevolence. His name was Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy. Jamsetjee was born on July 15, 1783, in Bombay (now Mumbai) to a common Parsi family. After the early death of both parents, Jamsetjee lived with his uncle. Born into poverty and a lack of formal education, Jamsetjee carved out his life through sheer willpower and intellect. Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy was just 15 years old when he entered the world of commerce. He initially worked with his uncle to gain experience in the trade of opium and cotton. A few years in, he started his own company and expanded his trade overseas, including to China. Before long, he was one of the leading merchants of Bombay (now Mumbai) and well-respected. However, Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy was not solely known as a prosperous businessman. He invested many years of his life in social service. His legacy rests in the creation of the JJ Hospital and the JJ School of Art, both of which he financed to a very considerable degree. Jamsetjee's philanthropy extended beyond the Parsi community, but he assisted people of all religions and communities. He set up dharamshalas (rest houses), schools, orphanages, and other educational facilities. The sum of money he contributed in those days was in lakhs of rupees, a sum that would be equivalent to probably crores today, and an extraordinary legacy of generosity and social service. In 1842, he was knighted by Queen Victoria and in 1857 given a hereditary baronetcy; in both cases he was the first Indian subject to receive these honours, as reported by the Royal Collection Trust's official website. Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy has been described as 'the most famous Parsi of his time and perhaps the first famous non-European colonial subject' because of his honours and public charity. According to the Sir JJ School of Arts, after a preliminary visit to Calcutta, he undertook a voyage to China, then fraught with so much difficulty and risk that it was regarded as a venture betokening considerable enterprise and courage; and he subsequently initiated a systematic trade with that country, being himself the carrier of his merchant wares on his passages to and fro between Bombay and Canton and Shanghai. 'His second return voyage from China was made in one of the East India Company's fleet, which, under the command of Sir Nathaniel Dance, defeated the French squadron under Admiral Linois (Feb. 15, 1804),' reads the official website of Sir JJ School of Arts. It further added, 'The total of his known benefactions amounted at the time of his death, which took place in 1859, to over 230,000. It was not, however, the amount of his charities so much as the period and circumstances in which they were performed that made his benevolent career worthy of the fame he won.'
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
From Orphan To Oligarch: The Story Of Jamshedji Jijabhai, India's First Knighted Businessman
Last Updated: Jamshedji, a visionary businessman and philanthropist, founded JJ Hospital and JJ School of Art, donating generously to uplift healthcare and education in colonial India In 19th-century India, rising from hardship to national prominence was a rare achievement. But an orphaned Parsi boy defied the odds through sheer determination, sharp business acumen, and deep-rooted philanthropy. That boy was Jamshedji Jijabhai, a name that would go on to leave a lasting legacy in both commerce and social reform. Born on July 15, 1783 in Bombay (now Mumbai) to an ordinary Parsi family, Jamshedji lost his parents during childhood and was raised by his maternal uncle. Despite financial constraints and a lack of formal education, he shaped his life through perseverance and wisdom. At the age of 15, he entered the business world, initially working with his maternal uncle in the trade of opium and cotton. Gaining experience, he soon established his own company and expanded into international markets like China. Quickly, he became one of Bombay's most esteemed businessmen. Jamshedji was not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. His most notable contributions include the establishment of JJ Hospital and JJ School of Art, for which he donated substantial amounts. He also founded Dharamshalas, schools, orphanages, and educational institutions to benefit both the Parsi community and other religious and social groups. His donations, amounting to lakhs of rupees at the time, would equate to crores in today's currency. The British government recognised his services, conferring upon him the title of 'Knight' in 1842 and 'Baronet' in 1857, making him the first Indian to receive this honour. These titles symbolised significant social and political status within the British Empire. Additionally, he held positions such as Justice of the Peace in Mumbai and Member of the Legislative Council. An Inspirational Legacy When Jamshedji passed away on April 14, 1859, he was more than a wealthy businessman; he had become a movement. His life exemplified the philosophy that business should also contribute to society's construction. His name remains inscribed on numerous streets, institutions, and buildings in Mumbai. Jamshedji Jijabhai represented a generation that not only brought international recognition to India through business but also advanced social justice, education, and health. His story continues to inspire today's youth, demonstrating that extraordinary history can be created from ordinary beginnings, provided the intentions are noble and the purpose serves society's interests. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 11:38 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
Mumbai doctor, 32, jumps off Atal Setu bridge; act caught on CCTV, car and phone found abandoned
A 32-year-old doctor from JJ Hospital in Mumbai is feared to have drowned after allegedly jumping into the sea from the Atal Setu bridge on Monday night. The incident was reported to the control room at 9:43 pm by an unidentified caller. CCTV footage from the Atal Setu control room also recorded the moment a man jumped from the sea bridge. Mumbai doctor's car, phone found on bridge The Ulwe police reached the spot and found a Honda Amaze car parked on the bridge. An iPhone was also found inside the vehicle. The police traced the identity of the missing person after a relative called the phone and identified the owner as Dr Omkar Kavitake. Police confirm identity through family According to Ulwe Senior Inspector Arjun Rajne, Dr Kavitake's sister, Komal Lambate, came to the police station and confirmed that both the car and the phone belonged to her brother. She also said Dr Kavitake lived with his mother in Sector 20, Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI is helping small businesses increase productivity. Insider Learn More Undo Dr Kavitake was a senior resident at JJ Hospital and was about to become a lecturer. He specialised in general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and proctology. He also served as the general secretary of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors. Search operation underway Inspector Rajne said, "Even after around 24 hours of search operation in the sea, the missing Dr Kavitake was not found. The search operation will be discontinued after sunset and will be restarted on Wednesday morning. Dr Kavitake, who is feared drowned, might have drifted due to the sea current and is likely to be washed ashore at the creek anywhere between NRI coastal area and Uran. Also, the local villagers near the creek have been told to be vigilant and inform the police if the body is washed ashore. A frantic search is being carried out by the police and Marine Security Department's Dhruvtara patrolling boat as well along the creek across Navi Mumbai." Live Events Inspector Rajne added that no note was found in the car. The reason behind Dr Kavitake's action remains unknown. here .)
NDTV
09-07-2025
- NDTV
"Will Be Home For Dinner": Mumbai Doctor Calls Mom, Then Jumps Off Bridge
Mumbai: A 32-year-old doctor left the hospital, called his mother and told her he would be home for dinner, then parked his car on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and jumped off. Nearly two days on, the police and Coast Guard teams are searching for him, but without any success so far. Dr Omkar Kavitke works with JJ Hospital. On July 7, he left the hospital in his car. He called his mother and told her that he was on his way home and would have dinner. However, around 9.43 pm, the police control room received information that a man had jumped off the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, which links Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and is popularly called Atal Setu. When a police team reached the spot, they found a vacant car and an iPhone. They used the car number and details on the phone to confirm that they belong to Dr Kavitke. Since then, the police and the Coast Guard have been looking for the doctor, but without success. Police have also appealed to the public to share any information they have about the matter.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
40 Years Back When First Few People In Mumbai And Bangkok Were Diagnosed With HIV
Global AIDS response is slipping and is off the mark. With recent funding cuts, it becomes even more challenging to ensure that HIV response gets on track to end AIDS. Although world is not on track to end AIDS by 2030 but it is no less than a miracle when we take into account the scientific and community-led progress which has powered the global AIDS response since 1981 – when for the first time AIDS was reported in the world. In lead up to world's largest HIV science conference (13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025), let us remember when first few people with HIV were diagnosed in Mumbai, India and Thailand. CNS (Citizen News Service) spoke with Dr Ishwar Gilada from India (who is credited to establish India's first AIDS Clinic in 1986) and Dr Praphan Phanuphak from Thailand, both of whom are widely known to help diagnose first people with HIV. 40 years back, Dr Ishwar Gilada, India's longest serving HIV medical expert was working as a senior consultant at government-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai, India. News reports of 1980s show that he was actively campaigning amongst sex workers to encourage them on protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Noted filmstar Sunit Dutt and several other known personalities had also joined his crusade. Noted journalists Jayashree Shetty and Gopal Shetty have co-authored a 2023 book: 'The Blunting Of An Epidemic: A Courageous War On AIDS' chronicling Dr Gilada's tireless and courageous crusade against AIDS for over four decades. First three HIV infections were in sex workers from Mumbai's Kamathipura in 1985 Dr Gilada said: 'We were doing active disease surveillance in Mumbai's sex work area, Kamathipura. In December 1985, three of the blood samples drawn from sex workers tested positive for HIV. One of them was a transgender person. I tested them at the Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Department, JJ Hospital on kits donated by Abbott Laboratories in December 1985. The first HIV clinic in India was established in JJ Hospital by me on 5th March 1986.' 'But confirmation of our HIV tests had to be done at government's National Institute of Virology in Pune in January 1986. However, Dr Khorshed M Pavri, then Director of National Institute of Virology, chose to withhold results. Dr Pavri came personally to collect fresh blood samples of people presumptive for HIV. I had to get all 6 sex workers to come to JJ Hospital once again to give their blood samples to Dr Pavri. She then sent samples to CDC Atlanta, USA, which caused inordinate delays in providing confirmation. Dr Pavri then published her scientific article, 'First HIV culture in Indian patients' where I am listed as a co-author along with Dr Jeanette J Rodrigues,' shared Dr Gilada. Dr Pavri was India's first virologist, as well as first woman Director of National Institute of Virology. In clinical practice, Dr Gilada's first clinical HIV case was of a German national who was referred to him from Goa Medical College in July 1987. He recollects the first Indian national with HIV who came to his clinic – a former sex worker who had stopped sex work in 1979. She was under his medical care but despite best of efforts, she could not be saved and died of AIDS in JJ Hospital. Her postmortem examination confirmed she had HIV and abdominal TB. This was also the first postmortem examination in India of a person positive for HIV. It was done by Dr DN Lanjewar in 1988. Flashback: When first HIV cases were diagnosed in Thailand 'I was accidentally involved in HIV/AIDS arena. I am not an infectious disease doctor, but an allergist and clinical immunologist trained in USA. The first patient, an American gay man living in Thailand, was referred to me at King Chulalongkorn Hospital in October 1984 to investigate the cause of his recurrent muco-cutaneous infection. Immunologic investigations revealed that his T-helper cell numbers and T-cell functions were moderately low, but no diagnosis was made. In February 1985 the patient was admitted into the hospital with confirmed diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and his T-cell numbers and functions were further deteriorated. With the diagnosis of PCP and severe T-cell defect, AIDS was diagnosed at that time,' said Dr Praphan Phanuphak, a living legend who helped shape Thailand's HIV response since the first few AIDS cases got diagnosed in the land of smiles in 1985. Dr Praphan Phanuphak is a distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. Together with late Professors Joep Lange and David Cooper, Prof Praphan co-founded HIV-NAT (the HIV Netherlands, Australia, Thailand Research Collaboration), Asia's first HIV clinical trials centre in Bangkok in 1996. Prof Praphan served as the Director of the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre for 31 years (1989-2020) and is currently the Senior Research and Policy Advocacy Advisor of the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI) in Bangkok as well as the Advisor of HIV-NAT. Dr Phanuphak shared: 'During the same month, a Thai male sex worker was referred to Chulalongkorn Hospital because of multi-organ cryptococcal infection. His T-cell numbers and T-cell functions were also severely impaired. AIDS was diagnosed in this second patient since he had sexual contact with a foreign man who had sex with men. The girlfriend of this patient was asymptomatic but had generalised lymphadenopathy, Her T-cell numbers and functions were moderately impaired. This patient was counted as the third case. Sera collected from these 3 patients were tested for HIV in May 1985 when the anti-HIV test kit was available in Thailand. All were HIV-positive. These are the first 3 HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in Thailand, all in February 1985. With the increasing availability of HIV test in Thailand, more and more patients were diagnosed. This accidentally drove me deeper and deeper into the HIV field, coupled with the fact that there were not very many infectious disease doctors in the early days who were willing to see HIV patients.' Way forward towards ending AIDS Dr Phanuphak's and Dr Gilada's lifetime contribution and continuing guidance to shaping HIV responses is commendable. Governments have promised to end AIDS by 2030. Ending AIDS means that all people living with HIV should have viral load undetectable (so that they can live normal healthy lives and there is zero risk of any infection spread from them as per the WHO). In addition, all people in all their diversities, must have access to full range of science-based HIV combination prevention options in a person-centred and rights-based manner. But global AIDS response is slipping and is off the mark. With recent funding cuts, it becomes even more challenging to ensure that HIV response gets on track to end AIDS. But if we are to deliver on the promises enshrined in SDGs and #HealthForAll, then ending AIDS is clearly a human rights imperative. Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service) (Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024). She also coordinates SHE & Rights initiative (Sexual health with equity & rights). Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla or read her writings here )
