Pranab Mukherjee to release commemorative book on late Rajni Patel

EE News Desk Sep 14, 2018

Remembering Rajni, a celebratory volume on one of the city’s tallest citizens, all-powerful BRCC chief, of the sixties and seventies, the charismatic barrister, Late Rajni Patel, will be released by former President Of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on September 14, 2018 at the Nehru Centre Auditorium in Mumbai.

NCP supremo, Shri Sharad Pawar will preside over the function that will be graced by Dr Farooq Abdullah and other eminent dignitaries from diverse walks of life.

The event that will commence at 6:00pm will be anchored by voice-over artiste Harish Bhimani and feature readings from the book by well-known theatre personalities Sai Paranjpye and Dalip Tahil

A compilation of essays spearheaded by Late Rajni Patel’s wife and former Sheriff, Bakul Patel, in tribute of the brilliant intellectual, through the lens of his close comrades and associates, comprises fond recollections of anecdotes by distinguished contributors – from bureaucrats, scientists, and jurists to intellectuals, artistes and journalists. The diversity of the contributors is reflected with personalities like Pranab Mukherjee, Sharad Pawar, Mukesh Ambani, Sidharth Bhatia, Vir Sanghavi, Malvika Sangghvi, Anil Ambani, Nana Chudasama, Farooq Abdullah, Tehemton Udwadia, Ram Jethmalani, Iqbal Chagla, Sujata Manohar, as well as Late Behram Contractor, Late Charles Correa, Late Inder Malhotra, Late Dr. Noshir Wadia, Late P. N. Haskar, Late V. R. Krishna Iyer, Late Pushpa Bhargava amongst others featuring in the volume

With illustrations by Late RK Laxman and Late M.F. Hussain and a foreword by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the volume will reminisce and chronicle the journey of the uncrowned king of Bombay and his immense contribution to polity and society.

A doting wife Bakul Patel who has fervently propagated the values that she shared with her late husband states, “The book is full of insights, personal moments and life experiences of a man who selflessly served the nation. It will give readers an insight into his journey, encapsulating the achievements and the sacrifices. I am ever so grateful to all of Rajni’s close friends and associates who have been generous enough to contribute to the book and helped in giving shape to a dream project that I had envisaged 5 years ago.”

Late Rajni Patel who passed away on May 3, 1982, spent his life serving people. He organized many relief operations for natural disasters and helped to raise funds for several cultural, social and educational institutions. His qualities of head and heart earned him friends from all walks of life, cutting across political affiliation.

During his lifetime, Late Rajni Patel had donned many hats, that of a leftist, a legal luminary, a close confidante of the Nehru family, and an avowed patriot. A charismatic personality and an outstanding lawyer, he was a confidante of former Prime Minister Of India, Late Indira Gandhi, her close friend since their student days. He was pre-eminent in the political scene in Mumbai in the 1960s and 1970s. As the President of the Bombay Pradesh Congress Committee, he consolidated the dominance of the Congress Party in Maharashtra. He had been known for his progressive, secular and liberal views, and had done much to promote art, science and civic values in the city.

One of Late Rajni Patel’s enduring contributions remains the Nehru Centre in Mumbai that has become a significant landmark for the city. He was the man who conceived and executed this project as a tribute to his role model, mentor and guide, Late Jawaharlal Nehru.