Pratap Bhogilal Journey Through Life

Author(s): Rauf Ahmed
Publisher: Bhupendra Singh Anand

Page 34

28 | PRATAP BHOGILAL - JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
At Deccan College I met someone with whom I was to share a very close relationship for years to come. He was Mohamed Hussain Hasham Premji. He used to be a day scholar. He came from an illustrious Khoja Muslim family. His father was the Grand Vazir to His Highness Aga Khan. After his father's death, Mohamed Hussain became the Vazir. We vibed very well from the word go, mainly because of the commonness of our outlook on life and the values we cherished. The Premjis' had a family house in Pune. While studying in Pune I would often go there to spend the weekends. Later, whenever I visited Pune I would stay there. With years, Mohamed Hasham and I grew very close and I considered him my best friend. Since we lived by the same principles, there was never any room for discord or misunderstanding. Our friendship lasted through his life and extended beyond. I have continued to be in touch with his illustrious son Azim Premji, who has turned Wipro Limited founded by his father into a multinational entity known the world over. When Mohamed Hussain put up an oil mill at Amlavar, he took a few of us over there and later when he formed a Private Limited Company, called the Western India Vegetable Products Limited he asked me to join as a Director. I continued as a Director for over 40 years till I resigned.
Death of my grandfather
In December 1932, Bha (my grandfather) passed away in Udaipur, where he was a guest of the Maharana. He had gone there to sell diamonds to the Maharana, who had been a valued customer. Bha used to exercise and do yoga every morning. Chhagan, our cook, who usually accompanied Bha, was waiting outside his room with a glass of milk. When Bha did not come out for a long time, he informed the Maharana. Bha had died of a severe heart attack. He was 70. When we got the telegram, I was with my father at our Pedhi at Javeri Bazar. Bapaji left for Udaipur the same evening. The Maharana had kept the diamonds in safe custody till my father's arrival.
Bha was cremated at Udaipur. The death of his father shattered Bapaji. It was as if the biggest source of strength in his life had been snatched away. However, true to character, he was stoic about it, never showed his feelings.
Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit-W. Somerset Maugham