M.R. Pai - The legend of Nani Palkhivala

Pai, M. R

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The Legend of Nani Palkhiuala is a heartfelt tribute from a person who followed the courtroom giant like a virtual shadow throughout his public life. The author, M. R. Pai, who was closely associated with Palkhivala's varied public activities, gives a complete account of the legend's qualities of head and heart, and his contribution to public education through budget meetings, lecture tours and published work.

The book encapsulates Palkhivala's relentless struggle for public causes in the courts of law; analyses reasons behind his stupendous success in these battles; lists little known facts about his contribution to the corporate world and his deep involvement with voluntary service organisations despite a hectic daily schedule.

The book throws light on certain information about Palkhivala, hitherto unknown. Like for instance, why Palkhivala agreed to be the Indian Ambassador to United States of America ? Why did he accept former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi's brief in her battle in the Supreme Court against the Allahabad High Court judgement on election petition? His interaction with key players across the spectrum of Indian politics and how all the major political parties had tried to woo him to fight the battle of the ballot. The book also describes Palkhivala's method of operation, which contributed in large measure to his success as a professional and a public figure.

ISBN 81-7154-909-8

Rs.: 250.00

POPULAR PRAKASHAN MUMBAI

Popular Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.

35-C, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Marg Popular Press Bldg., Tardeo Mumbai - 400 034

2002 by M. R. Pai

First Published, 2002 First Reprinted January 2002

The author does not get any monetary benefit from the book. The proceeds go to the public causes dear to Nani Palkhivala.

(3661)

ISBN-81-7154-909-8

PRINTED IN INDIA

By Creative Creations, Jacob Circle and Published by Ramdas Bhatkal for Popular Prakashan Pvt. Ltd.

35-C, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Marg Tardeo, Mumbai - 400 034

This book is dedicated to the memory of

NARGESH NANI PALKHIVALA

a lady of simplicity, humility and grace;

a charming hostess; a quiet social worker;

and, above all, one who gave her husband full support in his public activities as an understanding wife.

'

Nani Palkhivala became a legend in his lifetime. Thousands of people from all walks of life who attended his celebrated budget lectures, read his articles and books, and heard of his relentless fight for democratic freedom, adored him as the Conscience of the Nation. However, human memoiy is short, and, we in India, have a poor sense of history. There is hardly any documentation of events and of the lives of great men. Hence this book, The Legend of Nani Palkhivala, is an attempt to record Palkhivalas great achievements. More importantly, to inspire the large number of youngsters by presenting to them a role model for the twenty first century in India.

This is not a biography. The only authentic record of his life appears as a brief Profile in the book Nani Palkhivala: Selected Writings, coauthored by L.M. Singhvi, former Indian High Commissioner in London, S. Ramaknshnan, Director, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, and myself. The profile was approved by Palkhivala. Some day a detailed biography needs to be written of this great man who, as I see it, was in the twentieth century India what Dadabhai Naoroji was in the nineteenth. As Rajaji put it in his inimitable way, Nani is Gods gift to India .

viii The Legend of Nani Palkhivala

It was my great good fortune to be associated closely with him in his public life for over four decades from 1957, starting with his first appearance on a public platform on December 2, 1957. From close quarters, I could witness many important public events in which he played a dominant part, and could share his thinking in those eventful days.

Nani Palkhivala never spoke about his own achievements. In fact, he rarely spoke about himself. Yet, I could gather some crucial information on a few very important occasions, such as the reason why he stopped his budget lectures, or the reason why he accepted Mrs. Indira Gandhis brief. Fortunately, I had also recorded the information immediately so that over a period of time it would not fade away from memory.