January 2015

@ th 28 Issue An initiative by Youth Wing of Global Bhatia Foundation For Private Circulation Only The Man Who Followed His Heart

How many people will give up a cushy public sector job and plunge into the entirely uncertain world of entrepreneurship? Shirish Anjaria, Chairman, Dynacons Systems & Solutions, did just that. What started as a small-time consultancy firm in 1988 has evolved into a systems and solutions provider—and a name to reckon with in the project-based systems integration (SI) space across the country. The -based Dynacons Systems & Solutions, which entered the IT domain by developing and selling financial accounting software, has become a strong player in the storage, managed services and SI space with large customers in the enterprise, BFSI and government verticals. The beginning It was the entrepreneurial bug in Shirish Anjaria that led to the birth of Dynacons Consultancy in 1988. With BSc and LLB degrees, and an additional degree in insurance, Anjaria was then a 44- year-old senior executive at National Insurance Company (NIC). Recalls Anjaria, “I worked at NIC for 18 years, and had a secure job. But I was also restless and wanted to start something of my own. I had a vision to build an organization delivering IT-based solutions to transform businesses, and so started Dynacons Consultancy. Parag Dalal, an engineering graduate, and one of the employees at Dynacons Consultancy, co-founded Dynacons Systems & Solutions with me in 1995.” Dynacons was converted into a public limited company in January 2000. “Even though we were doing well selling software solutions, our customers started expecting us to meet their hardware requirements as well,” Anjaria says. “This compelled us to start PC assembling with the help of Intel in 1989.” Comments Dalal, “Hardware was a milking cow in those days. An XT sold for Rs 2.5 lakh-Rs 3 lakh, and the margin was as high as 30 percent. Besides, the systems builder market was booming, and with support from Samsung and Microsoft we captured more than 50 percent of the market in one year.” Dynacons also leveraged IT expositions to increase penetration in the home, SOHO and SMB segments. “Expos were a large draw and we sold 300-500 system PCs in those few days. Besides spot bookings, we got access to C-level executives—this acted as the foundation of long-standing partnerships with our customers, 90 percent of whom have retained faith in us through the years,” Anjaria says. The journey A decade later Dharmesh Anjaria, Shirish’s son, decided to follow his father’s footsteps and joined Dynacons as Executive Director. The nineteenth all- rank holder in the CA exams had been working for Birla Mutual Funds. Explains Dharmesh, “Even though I was doing well at Birla, my father’s stories about technology and how it was transforming businesses fascinated me. Eventually I joined the company, obtained technical certifications, and started handling enterprise and global customers as well as finance and accounts. Dalal looks after government and BFSI projects, and is in charge of technical purchases and operations. As Chairman, dad oversees everything with a special focus on HR.” All was well at Dynacons till 1998-99 when systems builders started feeling the competition from the lower-priced branded PCs from Wipro, Zenith and HCL. Anjaria responded by collaborating with competitors such as Omnitech, Allied Digital and Express Computers to launch Millennium PCs in 1998. Explaining the move he states, “The collaboration helped us in terms of configurations and price-points. However, post-2002, when the multinationals entered India, the systems building market took a beating. That’s when we decided to ride with the tide and signed on HP and IBM as business partners.” Between 2005 and 2007 Dynacons entered the services and solutions space. Besides, it invested in infrastructure and an NOC to establish its managed services business. Today, Dynacons is managing 60,000 nodes in western India and 1.5 lakh overall nodes from its NOC in Mumbai. The company also grew its offerings in the SI, networking, surveillance and software space. Over the years, it opened five branch offices and direct touch-points in 60 locations with more than 400 employees on the payroll.

“We signed on Dell, Cisco and Juniper, and executed many projects in the education, government, healthcare and logistics verticals,” Dharmesh says. Source : CRN News

To see Shirishbhai’s Interview, click on this link : http://www.channelworld.in/video/2015-challenge-retaining-it-talent-shirish-anjaria-dynacons#sthash.POATjL5k.dpuf Page 1 Editorial

Dear Readers, 2015 has brought in great hopes and promising future for all we Indians. We all are working for cleanliness, tree planting, improvement in all public services, better education, transparency from government projects, adopting the villages, saving electricity, cleaning Ganga and building tomorrow’s India. Happy reading ! Correction : Please read ‘Anuradha’ in place of ‘Anusuya’ in last issue on page 6 . Our sincere apologies to Anuradhaben. Editor : Haridas Raigaga, Correspondent : Nisha Gandhi Design & Layout : Dharmesh Gandhi

Participants of Parichay Milan - 2015 Inside this issue Parichay Milan - 2015 GBF Sports - 2014 Why India Tend to Collapse ? HSUÒ ~É{{ÉÖÅ

Ajit Merchant Tushar Bhatia Nirupama Sheth

Page 2 Parichay Milan - 2015 in Pictures

An Appeal to Youth Disclaimer Global Bhatia Foundation invites Bhatia Youth from the Globe to serve as volunteers. GBF youth has education, sports & cultural Views expressed by the authors need not be assumed as the events on its agenda and success of such projects is possible with views of Global Bhatia Foundation. t h e s e r v i c e o f s e l f l e s s v o l u n t e e r s . C o n t a c t : [email protected] All The Copyrights Are Acknowledged. YOUTH@GBF is an in-house ENewsletter distributed freely to the members of Bhatia community and published from Mumbai by Global Bhatia Foundation, a not for profit organization.

GLOBAL BHATIA FOUNDATION 1/6, Dossa Mansion, Next to Apna Bazar, Sir P. M. Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001 Tel: 9167826768 Email : [email protected] Website : www.globalbhatia.org Page 3 GBF Sports - 2014 in Pictures

Champion Ruchi Ved of Receiving Bicycle from Shri Chandubhai Udeshi Champions of Metro Cycles

Page 4 Why Does India Tend to Collapse So Often?

Some time ago we spoke to an Indian-American Why do Indians give up so easily, so soon without a professor, an economist with a sterling record of fight? Why has this tendency worsened after India's success, an adviser to global organizations and a Independence? Below we lay out our views. professor at a prestigious American University. He had The last 1,000 years of India appeared on a major Financial TV network and in that interview, the European-American anchor mangled his The reality is India has been a defeated, occupied simple name. This professor did not correct the society for the past 1,000 years. From about 1,000 CE anchor's pronunciation, he simply went on with the to 1761 CE, invaders from Afghanistan. Tajikistan & interview. We asked him why he chose to accept the Uzbekistan invaded India with regularity. The invaders indignity silently. He said softly, "I have given up". He is always managed to surprise the Indian kingdoms who not unique. This is probably true of every single Indian were never prepared for the invasions. The invaders guest who appears on American TV. always had better technology, better weapons and they always won over larger Indian armies. Then there was our conversation with a Professor who runs India Studies at another prestigious American India was probably the richest country in the world at University, a man with a distinguished academic record. that time. So first the raids were simply intended to Another unit in the same University had made awful plunder and take the loot back. Then the invaders comments about Indian Religion & Culture. We asked began staying back and occupying Indian territory. In a this Professor, this Head of India Centre at the same series of dynasties, the invaders from the northwest University, why he didn't write a rebuttal or makes ruled Delhi. In 1300, Allah-ud-Din Khilji, the Turko- strong protest within that University. In a tired, disgusted Afghan ruler, invaded and plundered south India. The voice he told us "I have given up". subjugation of India was completed by Akbar, the 3rd Moghul in late 1500s. In January 2012, the Indian cricket team simply collapsed against the Australian cricket team in every It is not that Indians were not brave. There are tales of single match of that series. Brad Haddin, an Australian extraordinary bravery by Indian men and women over player, said of the Indian players: "they break quicker the past 10 centuries. It is just that, barring a couple of than any one in the world"....."...this side can be as exceptions, barring a 150-year interlude, Indians were fragile as any in the world if things aren't going their never winners. They almost always lost, despite way...". bravery, despite greater numbers, despite fighting on their own terrain. Any one who has watched Indian teams play cricket over the past few decades knows this to be true. By late 1500, it had become clear to India's local Unfortunately, this is true of Indians in just about every kingdoms that fighting and resisting the invaders meant sphere. They celebrate wildly when things are going destruction while a surrender allowed survival. Akbar their way and then totally fall apart when the momentum achieved this psychological supremacy by brilliantly changes. adding carrots to the heavy stick. The local kings who surrendered and cooperated were treated with semi- This is exactly what happened to the Indian Rupee last respect and allowed to keep their kingdoms. Virtually, November and to the Indian economy this May. Indians all kings in the northwest and the north surrendered. were celebrating their status as a shining star in the Akbar gave glorious titles to the kings who accepted his Emerging markets space. The Indian Rupee was strong sovereign rule, titles that these Indian kings wore with at around Rs. 44 to the U.S. Dollar. Then in one single pride. These kings began giving their daughters to the month, the Indian Rupee simply collapsed. It fell Delhi rulers in marriage, a traditional gift from a vertically from Rs. 44 to the Dollar to 54. defeated king. The story was repeated this May. This time, the The one valiant exception in north India was Chittod. collapse wasn't vertical. It was an unrelenting, steady When it finally fell to Akbar, Akbar reportedly ordered a fall that happened every day. The Indian media, the general carnage. That battle was the end of Chittod Indian Government and all of India were bewildered and and today, it lies in ruins. This destruction taught North helpless just like the Indian Cricket team was in Indian Kings that that those who surrender become rich Australia in January. & elite, while those who fight are ruined. The This seems to be the story of India and Indians - no descendents of these Kings remain rich to this day. tenacity, no backbone, no gritty determination to make a The British did exactly what Akbar had done. They had stand. Instead, as Brad Haddin said, in almost every it easier. For 700 years before them, north India had sphere India and Indians seem to break when things become accustomed to surrender and acceptance of turn against them. They simply give up, just like the the dominant military. professors above. The British persuaded weaker Kings to outsource their

Page 5 Why Does India Tend to Collapse So Often? military to the British. With their superior technology, persuaded by Louis Mountbatten to not take back the British used the Indian armies to defeat the rivals of Pakistani-occupied Kashmir by force but instead to their allied kings. Slowly the British took over the weaker take the dispute to the UN. To this day, Indian Prime kingdoms one by one. The Akbar story was repeated. Ministers publicly beg the World to do something about The kings who surrendered to the British remain rich to , even though India is much bigger and this day. Their descendants own opulent palaces and militarily much stronger than Pakistan. The old Indian some of them are ministers in today's Indian cabinet. desire to invade and capture territory was totally The British followed Akbar's tactic of showering titles on vanquished first by Akbar and then by the British. important Indians who expressed loyalty to them. To You can see this attitude of servility towards winner this day, even after 60 years of independence, Indians foreigners and arrogance towards fellow Indians in just proudly display their British-given titles. about every sphere. Just observe, for example, how But those who fought the British for their country, their Indians behave differently on Air India flights and palaces, their forts, their homes, their businesses were United-Continental flights to New York. You saw this destroyed by the British and no trace can be found of attitude during and after the disastrous cricket series their descendants. against Australia in January 2012. Instead of summoning their collective resolve and battling against His posture, imbibed over centuries of foreign the Australian team, the stars of the Indian team simply subjugation, was vividly described by Greg Chappell, gave up against Australians and then began fighting ex-captain of Australian cricket team & ex-coach of with each other to become the next captain. Indian cricket team: The Post-Independence Deterioration "The culture of India is such that, if you put your head above the parapet someone will shoot it. Knock your The revolt against the British was led not by the north or head off. So they learn to keep their head down and not north west but by other states like , take responsibility..." and Bengal. The early fight for Independence was launched by Lokmanya Tilak in Pune, the capital of "The Poms (British) taught them really well to keep their the Maratha Empire, the last Indian regime. There head down. For if someone was deemed to be were many others who fought along side Tilak in responsible, they'd get punished. So the Indians have Maharashtra. After Tilak, the leadership of the learned to avoid responsibility. So, before taking Independence movement went to Mahatma Gandhi responsibility for any decisions, they prefer not to..." from Gujarat. The state of Bengal on the north eastern The above might explain why Indian TV guests refuse to coast was also the seat of freedom struggle. Subhash protest when their names are mangled by European- Chandra Bose was the most prominent leader from American anchors. They are afraid that such defiance Bengal. He escaped from the British, went to might lead to their banishment from American TV Germany, then to Japan to raise a Free India Army from networks. So better to suffer the indignity than give up the Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese. He & his the honour of being seen on National TV. Free India army did more to make the British leave than Violence Directed Inwards just about anyone else. India always was and remains a violent society. When India became a one-person, one-vote electocracy after Indian Kings surrendered to foreign invaders, they independence in 1947. In such a system, the states didn't give up their competitive spirit, they simply with the largest populations win. And so in redirected it inwards towards other Indians Kings. The Independent India the winners are the northern states, Mughal rulers of Delhi encouraged this attitude and the same states that never won a victory against any practice by constantly playing off one Indian King invader, the same states that were the first to surrender against the other. These warring Kings would take their to foreigners, the same states that have lived supinely quarrel to Delhi and Mughal ruler would decide the under foreign occupation for 1,000 years. winner. Slowly and surely, their influence has grown in India. This attitude and tendency was the principal medium for Their language is gaining in use nationwide. They are the British conquest. They used the warring Kings to being catered to by India's media, by as well their advantage, selected the winner and then in a few as Television soaps. And states like Maharashtra, years, took over both the kingdoms. The British were Gujarat and Bengal. the stalwarts in the fight against much smaller in number than the Afghan invaders. So the British, are slowly succumbing to the influence of they maximized the various internal fissures within India north-Indian customs and culture. and constantly manufactured fights that they then As a result, instead of becoming mentally stronger, would adjudicate. instead of inculcating tenacity, instead of building an This attitude continues to this day. In 1948, Nehru was aggressive fighting spirit, India is becoming more prone Page 6 Why Does India Tend to Collapse So Often? to giving up and breaking down. retreat from India in 325 BCE" in his book "Monsoon". An exercise for readers Alexander had such a hard time defeating a mere satellite king of today's Peshawar that his troops If you are of Indian origin, close your eyes and think of a rebelled at the thought of facing the real Indian armies. conqueror, a victor from your province, someone who His successor, the famous Selucus I (mural of whose fought an invader and won. Think of an inspirational, reign adorns the lobby of Harvard Business School) stirring victory of your community, one that can inspire was routed by Chandra-Gupta Maurya and gave his in you the tenacity, the sheer indomitable will to fight daughter in marriage to Chandra-Gupta. hard when your back is against the wall. If you can, you are one of the very few and fortunate Indians. Let us jump to the menace of Huns who ravaged Europe and brought the Roman empire to its knees. Their If you are not of Indian origin, ask an Indian friend, an armies caused havoc and spread terror wherever they Indian acquaintance to tell you about an Indian went. After destroying Persia, they turned to attack conquest, an Indian victory, one that touches them, one India around 450 CE. That was not today's India. that lights up their soul. Crown Prince Skand-Gupta took an army from the This simple exercise will tell you why fighting when their capital in north eastern India to today's Af-Pak area to backs are to the wall, resisting indignities, standing up engage the Huns. The battle was decisive and the Huns for their rights, is almost foreign to today's Indians. You were massacred. Indian rule over Af-Pak was will see why, just like our professors above, Indians reestablished. tend to just give up despite their success, wealth or Between 700-900 CE, India became softer and turned achievements. That is why today's India tends to its focus inward. The thirst of conquest metamorphosed collapse so often and in so many areas. into the thirst for eternal salvation of the soul. The glory Real India & Real Indian Culture of renunciation became the preferred trait. Invasions What we discussed above is the culture of loser India, and conquests were considered passe and immoral. the India subjugated by the Muslims & British. That is India slowly turned into a soft, non belligerent, rich not real India or Indian culture. The word "India" is society that was ripe for plucking. And by 1000 CE, the derived from the culture developed on the banks of the raids began. Sindhu (or Indus) river at the beginning of known time. If modern India wants to get back to even a semblance India became and remained one of the most powerful of the 'winner' India, it basically has to go back to its and richest countries in the world. This was over a roots. It has to reject what happened during the Muslim, period of about 3,000 years from about 2,000 BCE to Portuguese and British invasions. It may even have to about 1,000 CE. This era is broadly divided into 3 main embrace its attacking spirit once again. periods - the Vedic Age, the Imperial Unity Age that If you look closely, that is what Secretary Hillary Clinton encompasses the first example below and the Classic seems to be urging. She spoke in Chennai, the seat of Age, the Golden Age of India, that encompasses the old Indian forays into South East Asia, and urged second example below. greater Indian involvement in ASEAN. She visited India peaked as a strong, cohesive and aggressive Kolkata and urged both Indian Bengal & Bangladesh to society between 700-800 CE. India was probably the build a highway from India across Bangladesh into richest country in the world both because of its global Myanmar and then to Thailand. This would expand trade and because of its internal vibrancy. Rome, at its India's scope into South East Asia. But today's glory, had an annual trade deficit of about 50 million 'educated' Indians remain oblivious to Secretary sesteces with India. China's Dynasties sent emissaries Clinton's message. and scholars to Indian courts and Indian Universities. Getting back to the old 'winner' India is not an This India was backed by a massive military machine impossible task. India is not old Babylon, old Egypt, old and India's strength in metallurgy ensured an edge in Greece. India is unique in that the old history, the old weapons over invaders. winning tradition is alive in the hearts of most core This was the Indian society that marched into the Indians. territories of potential invaders and killed them in their We are beginning to see Indians hark back to their real own countries rather than wait for them to attack. roots in small steps all over India. The only people who Invaders considered great by outsiders were made to stand in the way are the two sets of 'educated' Indians flee, routed and sometimes massacred. Allow us to and the Indian Government they influence. But more mention just two invaders who are well known to on that in another article. European culture. Robert Kaplan mentions Alexander's "disastrous Source :http://www.macroviewpoints.com/

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Page 10 Ajit Merchant - Music Director 15th August 1922 - 18th March 2011

Ajit Merchant was a music director active in Gujarati and Hindi films from the late 1940s to the 1960s. He started off as a theater artist and then moved to radio before becoming a full fledged music director. The Gujarati song that catapulted him to fame was "Taari Aankh No Afini" ("Divadandi", 1949) sung by Dilip Dholakia. This song, popular in Gujarat to this day, is said to be the inspiration for Shankar - Jaikishan's "Mera Joota Hai Japani" ("Shree 420", 1955). In recent years, an old composition of his gained popularity when Jagjit Singh used it for the song "Raat Khamosh Hai" ("Muntazir", 2004) as a tribute to him. Disciple of Pandit Shivkumar Shukla, Ajitbhai was son of Mumbai based(but originally from Bet Dwarka in Gujarat) criminal lawyer who was also interested in music. Ajitbhai's father was of opinion that one should posses at least one skill to survive in life. Ajitbhai's father would take him to concerts of well known artists such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and others to generate interest in music. and Vina Sahastrabuddhe, Soprano, Alto, Ajitbhai was originally a drama artist, but he entered into Contralto and Tenar. Music in 1945 when C.C.Mehta invited him to give music replacing someone other in radio programme 'Ek Dayro'. Ajitbhai gave music in Hindi films like Sapera(1961), Taking benifit of this opportunity, Ajitbhai presented Refugee(1948), Indra Leela(1956), Challenge(1964), songs like 'Ekvar Ghogha jajo re gheriya' and 'Pandadi shi C h a n d i Po o j a ( 1 9 5 7 ) , L a d y K i l l e r ( 1 9 6 8 ) , hodi.' After the station director approved him, Ajitbhai Divadandi(1950), Ram Bhakta Vibhishan(1958), started getting radio programmes. But his prime time in Kariyawar(1948). His song Koi Lakh Kare Chaturai of the field of music started with film 'Divadandi' which Chandi Puja was superhit in that era with Pradeepji as brought him to limelight. Film Divadandi was produced by singer and lyricist. Ajitbhai with the story of Chanchi Mehta and screenplay In 2001 in a public function under the title 'My life my of Barkat Virani 'Befam'. One song 'Aankh no afini' of this story', famous Ghazal singer Jagjit Singh in his speech film composed by Ajitbhai and sung by late Shri Dilip said 'when I was struggling, one Gujarati bhai had given Dholakia is enjoyed even today by those in love of Gujarati me his hand.' Emotional Jagjit Singh then shouted, music. 'Where are you Ajitbhai?' Ajitbhai was sitting on the back Ajitbhai gave music in as many as 250 Gujarati, Hindi, side in audience. Jagjit Singh again shouted 'Where are Marathi dramas. In one drama he played Hero's role. He you Ajitbhai?' When Ajitbhai raised his hand, Jagjit Singh also received best actor's award in Mumbai state drama came down from the stage and took Ajitbhai over there. festival for his role in Pragji Dosa's play 'Anahat Nad'. He hugged Ajitbhai. Both Ajitbhai and Jagjit Singh had After he left All India Radio, 'Navi rangbhoomi' also tears in their eyes. Singh had specially invited Ajitbhai to provided so much creative work to Ajitbhai. 'My life my story' function that was held in Mumbai. He later sung Ajitbhai's song in his Ghazal album which is Ajitbhai's four decades old ghazal composition 'Raat presented above in video. Khamosh Hai' was sung by Jagjit Singh in his album Muntazir. It is sad to learn that such a legend personality like late shri ajit marchant is no more. his origin was okha bet Legendary Hindi film singer Mukesh was neighbor of dwarka and I was very proud of that fact as I, too, belong Ajitbhai. Mukesh gave his voice to Ajitbhai's compositions to that place. late shri rajkapoor was also a fan of him. he in films like 'Kariyavar' and 'Lagna Mandap.' Mukesh's listened the song composed by late shri ajitji ” tari ankh no wife Sarlaben was Gujarati, and therefore Ajitbhai's wife afini tara roop no bandhani………” of film Divadandi and Nilamben had homely relation with her. Asha Bhonsle suggested late shri shankar jaikishan to use this tune for gave her voice to Gujarati song for the first time under his film Shri 420. they composed MERA JUTA HAI Ajitbhai's music direction. JAPANI….. on that song. may his soul rest in peace. we Ajitbhai's favorite singers were Ustad Abdul Karimkha, are fortunate to have his beautiful compositions behind Ustad Amirkha, Pandit , Ustad Faiyaz Kha, him to listen to.

Page 11 Tushar Bhatia Music Director

Tushar Bhatia has been trained in Indian Classical Music Vocal and Sitar for over thirty years. He is a disciple of sitar players Arvind Parikh and P B Devburman of Etawa gharana. He has been trained under vocalists Dinkar Kaikini, K G Ginde and Yashwant Mahale. He has studied Western Classical music on Piano and Double Bass. Tushar is a mainstream music composer, sitar player, writer, producer for stage shows and presenter on stage TV and radio and has numerous classical and light compositions to his credit. Apart from movie 'Andaz Apna Apna', commercials like 'Nakshatra Diamonds', 'Dhara' and documentaries, he has composed music for several private albums. He has conducted workshops at several prestigious institutions in India, Europe and USA, and has designed several teaching modules while successfully managing commercial recordings. Tushar has been performing and presenting lecture-demonstrations overseas.

Upendra Trivedi

Upendra Trivedi (July 14, 1936 – January 4, 2015) was an Indian film and stage actor, director and producer who was one of the most prolific actors of Gujarati cinema. He was also politically active. He was also known as Abhinay Samrat. Upendra Trivedi acted in several drama during his college life in Mumbai. He started his career in industry in the 1970s and had career spanning more than 40 years. He initially played supporting roles in several Gujarati films to earn money and pay college fees. He acted in films like Vanraj Chavdo, Mehndi Rang Lagyo. His first major break in Gujarati films was Jesal Toral (1971) directed by . Ravindra Dave chose his to play lead role following his performance in Gujarati film Abhinay Samrat. Jesal Toral was commercially successful film in which he played role of Jadeja.[2] He also directed several Gujarati films. His Manvini Bhavai (1993), based on the novel of the same name by Gujarati author, . The movie earned the national award. The story of movie was based on the famine of Vikram Samvat 1956 (1900 AD) where the condition of people was dire and many died due to starvation.[3] He also directed and produced Jher To Peedhan Jani Jani based on the novel of same name by . He paired with Naresh Kanodia for the first time in film Maa Baap ne Bhulsho Nahi in 1999. He paired with Snehlata in several Gujarati films. He played seven different roles in Gujarati play, Abhinay Samrat. His brother is also an actor who acted in Gujarati and Hindi films as well as television shows. He also acted in Hindi film Jungle Main Mangal along with his brother Arvind Trivedi in a negative role.

Nirupama Sheth

'Khobo Bharine Ame Etlu Hasya' and 'Umbre Ubhi Sambhlu Re Bol Valamna' fame Gujarati singer, Mumbai based Nirupama Sheth passed away on December 5, 2014. She was 81-year-old. Born on 14 July 1933 in Gondal, Nirupama Sheth was daughter of Ansuya Joshi and Purushottam Joshi. She was married to famous Gujarati musician and singer Ajit Sheth in year 1957 in Mumbai. Student of BA(Psychology) from Wilson College Mumbai, Nirupamaben strated her journey of music when she was just 5 years old. She had won several prizes in various music programmes since childhood. She represented Gondal at state level in music competition. She was known as Nightingale of Wilson when in college. She worked with famous music composers/directors , Ajit Merchant, Dilip Dholakiya, Bhanubhai Thakar, Ninu Majumdar etc. She had given numerous programmes on radio and TV. 'Giridhari Gagan' was her first song with Shri Ajit Sheth. From here, she went closer to Ajitbhai which resulted in love and love marriage. Ajit sheth(passed away in year 2006) and wife Nirupama sheth set up 'Sangeet Bhavan Trust' and created best of Gujarati music. Nirupamaben was Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Mumbai branch secretary for a decade or so. She would organize programms like 'this month's songs' at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan there. Very few people know, but Nirupamaben was into writing too. She had penned down 'Tagor in Hindi films' in English and stories and novel like 'Naari' and 'Mukti'.

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