My wife Mehroo and I came in contact with Homai Modi in 2002 when we made a trip to India specially to visit Panchgani. Mehroo was keen on going to the Dr Rustomji Billimoria Bel-Air T. B. Sanatorium where she had worked with Dr Bomi Billimoria around 1958, and I was interested in the Billimoria Boys High School which I had attended in 1940. Also, my parents had rented a bungalow at the foot of Sydney Point in Panchgani. My mother had good relations with Rustomji since his clinic was located in Vasiamal Building, Grant Road, Bombay, where my mother had an apartment in 1936.
When we met Homai and informed her of our intention of going to Panchgani, she suggested that we visit Bel-Air, which was being run by the Indian Red Cross, and offered to make arrangements with Fr Thomas (Tomy) Kariyilakam (who since has been reportedly removed from the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament church).
Clockwise from above: Bel-Air College of Nursing; Homai Modi with
Fr Tomy Kariyilakam; bust of Dr Bomi Billimoria
In Panchgani, Tomy received us in Bomi’s quarters. We informed him that we do not come from a rich family so we would not be able make any donation, but that we were willing to educate nursing students and participate in teaching courses. Tomy was pleased and without hesitation said he was willing to cooperate.
Since we were with the University of Illinois, College of Nursing Chicago we did our utmost to provide exemplary nursing education. During the next 20 years or so, with excellent cooperation and coordination, the two institutions produced BSc and MSc nurses. Tomy stated, "We have the best nursing library in Maharashtra State.” This library of nursing books was donated by the staff and students of the Chicago Nursing College.
Every year we would visit Homai. She had a wonderful personality with a loving nature and on auspicious occasions she lit candles and prayed for humanity. We feel that it is due to this that the Indian Red Cross Society of Maharashtra won over the hearts of the people.
When Tomy was attacked by a mob in Panchgani regarding a case of HIV, Homai reportedly saved Tomy, without sparing a thought for her own life. Not a single man is said to have come forward to help Tomy.
For Homai the call of duty was strong and she laid the foundation for the Red Cross at Dr Rustomji Billimoria’s Bel-Air Sanatorium. We have been extremely fortunate to have worked with her and the Billimoria family for two decades.
Also, without Homai’s efforts the Bel-Air College of Nursing would not have won the quarter of a million dollar Obama- Singh Education Grant. MINU K. PATEL
Chicago, USA
mkp@uic.edu