While browsing through the Parsi Prakash I came across an entry dated December 19, 1921which states that one of my ancestors, Sheth Bapuji Palonji Lalkaka of Shanghai, donated a sum of Rs 10,000 in the name of Bai Jaiji Palonji Lalkaka to the University of Bombay to institute a two-year scholarship of Rs 280 to the lady/female candidate who obtained the highest marks in her Intermediate Arts exams to enable her to continue and complete her BA Honors degree course.
This reminded me of a verse from the popular Parsi anthem Chhayyé Hamé Zarthoshti which states how proud and blessed are the women of our community which has always been in the forefront in its advocacy of women’s education.
ABAN MUKHERJI
mukherji.aban@gmail.com