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"As a boy, he saved his lunch money for books. As a teen, he worked as a bookie at the races to buy more books. As a man, he devoured them like buttered bread. In his eighties, when other memories had begun to fade, he could still recite poetry with the fire of his youth. These books were his prized companions… Now, it is time for them to find new minds, new shelves and new hearts,” read the WhatsApp message sent to family and friends by the late Behram Palkhivala’s family.

"The idea of sharing Behram’s vast personal library came from his son, Jehangir,” wrote Rashmi, Jehangir’s wife. In an email sent at Parsiana’s request, she mentioned that at first the thought was painful for some members of the family, but eventually they agreed to "rehome” his books, a term coined by her daughter Rishaya.

Responses to the invitation came from familiar names as well as from strangers who had heard of the event and wished to attend. "Nearly 40 to 45 people arrived, and about 800 books from Behram’s collection were joyfully ‘rehomed,’” within a few hours wrote Rashmi, adding that "friends, acquaintances, and even those who simply wanted a tangible memory of Behram” still continue to drop by.

"For a man who lived surrounded by books, and whose happiest hours were spent reading, writing, or sharing his love of knowledge ... there is something fitting in this afterlife for his library. His books now rest in the hands of others who love them, extending his passion into new homes and new lives,” wrote Rashmi. That her sentiments were shared is apparent from several reactions that came from the beneficiaries.

Writer and novelist Jerry Pinto wrote, "I believe that I was the first beneficiary of Uncle Behram’s generosity. More than 40 years ago, when I was a student and an avid but penurious reader, he invited me into his study and offered me a huge stack of Penguin classics. I took home Flaubert, Molière, Turgenev, Dickens, Pascal and Sterne… Some of his books still live with me and I have already begun rehoming my own collection.” Yoga teacher Anahita Sanjana noted, "Each book had a sticker with a picture of Behram uncle smiling endearingly over an assortment of books on his table. I simply loved the stickers innovatively designed by his granddaughter Rishaya and meticulously pasted by Rashmi. This added the special Palkhivala touch to each book that we took home.”

Yoga teacher Reshma Gurnaney recalled, "Once you had the books in your arms, Rishaya patiently entered the titles into her computer… Everything seemed like an unfolding of a divine plan — Paritosh, Behram Uncle’s grandson, tempting us to go through more of the precious collection in his room just as we thought we had finished; the table laden with goodies beckoning us back for the last cracker with cheese… What a special morning it was!”

"One could find books on spirituality, law, investment, the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, art, music, and much more,” commented Neepa Mehta on the estimated 20,000 book collection. Nalini Rohira remarked on the "sheer diversity of the collection… From a children’s section filled with timeless stories to volumes on philosophy, history, law, spirituality, and poetry — every subject seemed to have its own corner… This day was far more than a distribution of books; it was an experience of community, of memory, and of legacy. It showed how a lifetime of reading can continue to inspire and touch lives long after, when shared with generosity.”

In a note sent to Parsiana, Rashmi wrote that Behram was "born into modest circumstances. (His) life was shaped by the thwarted ambitions of his father, whose own education was cut short by the early death of a parent. Instead of pursuing studies, Behram’s father ran a dry-cleaning service… Yet, he instilled in his children, Aimai (Amy), Nani, and Behram, an enduring reverence for books and education.” Behram and his brother Nani excelled academically. Behram studied literature and "almost reluctantly, enrolled in law… It was at law college that he met Dhan Patel, who would become his wife and partner in practice. Together, they built a life around the profession.”

Specializing in income tax law, he co-authored with Nani what would become the definitive text on Indian income tax. But Behram chose to step away from active practice in his late 70s and was subsequently "devoted to compiling and editing the words and works of his celebrated brother, Nani, whom he deeply admired.”

He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and could often be "found at his desk, immersed in a book, or enjoying the simple pleasures of family time, a good meal, the order of a tidy room, or his prayers.”