2022-04-02 Sat

Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy was an Indian-Parsi merchant and philanthropist. Jamsetjee Jeheebhoy was born on July 15, 1783 to Merwanjee Mackjee Jejeebhoy and Jeevibai Cowasjee Jejeebhoy. His father was a textile merchant from Surat, Gujarat, who migrated to Bombay in the 1770s.

Having lost his parents at a very early age, he left his studies and started working with his uncle selling empty bottles. Along with his uncle, he learned to trade and commerce and began his humble career as a bottle seller. He got the finance of Rs 40,000 at the age of 17 from Bombay businessmen due to his genius for trading.

Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy was a great philanthropist; he donated a huge amount of money to Bombay City. He also spent his money to build Sir J.J. Dharamshala at Bellasis Road, a free home for the elderly first time in Asia. He had around 126 public charities including Sir J.J. School of Arts.

This commemorative stamp was issued in 1959, by the Indian government to commemorate him and his work.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com