39 year old Vinod Roshan D’Souza, a Social Activist from Bandra, has communicated by physical letters to the Queen of England and the British Government to revert back treasures that historically belong to India. These include the prestigious Kohinoor Diamond, Jagadamba Sword, Tiger Claws of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Golden Throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji.
He has consistently followed up this demand from 23rd February 2009 till 5th January 2019 – setting a world record for the maximum number of letters sent for a decade.
His interest in India’s cultural treasures grew after reading online how our country has lost several national treasures during British Rule in India. After initiating efforts to get them returned failed, he wrote to U.S. President Barack Obama, who directed him to the United Nations. Then, with repeated reminders; the UK Government responded. Recently British M.P. Keith Vaz agreed to debate in the British Parliament regarding his request to return the Kohinoor Diamond (the world’s most expensive diamond) to India. On 10th January 2019, the British M.P. followed up by meeting Vinod at Hotel Leela, Mumbai.
Gradually, responses trickled. The Victoria & Albert Museum, U.K. – Acting Keeper, Asian Department, Susan Stronge confirmed by e-mail; that the Tiger Claws of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Golden Throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji, was in their museum. Then a letter of appreciation for his efforts came from Prof. Namdevrao Jadhav, descendant of Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Another appreciation letter for Vinod’s untiring efforts came from Archbishop of Jalandhar.
A disappointing response from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Parliament Street, London – on 28th June 2018; stated that Shivaji’s Jagadamba Sword was part of the Royal Collection and the UK Government’s view is that there are no legal grounds for its return.
Vinod was felicitated by World Records India with a Medal & Certificate – for his decade long consistent letters to various authorities, across the globe. We congratulate Vinod on receiving his award and wish him the very best in all his endeavours.
