2018-10-23 Tue

Jamsetjee, the youngest son of cloth weaver Merwanjee Mackjee Jejeebhoy and his wife, Jeevibai, was born in the `Yatha Ahu Vairyo Mohalla’ near the Crawford Market in Bombay on July 15, 1783.

A Parsi Indian merchant and Philanthropist he was considered Bombay’s most worthy son. He had an outstanding successful business career during which he made a massive contribution to India’s development.

Jamsetjee financed the construction of many public works such as wells, reservoirs, bridges, and causeways. He founded the J. J. Hospital and the Grant Medical College Hospitals, schools, homes of charity and pension funds throughout India (particularly in Bombay, Navsari, Surat, and Poona).

For all his good work he became the first Indian to get Knighthood at the age of 74 years conferred by Queen Victoria. To honour him India post has also issued 15 Paisa commemorative postage stamps.

Image Courtesy: Mintage World