For Dr Keki Hormusji Gharda the path to knowledge and wisdom is encapsulated in four simple words — “Make Books Your Companion!”
An alumni of Bandra’s St. Stanislaus School, the 88 years old Dr Gharda is an icon in his own right. He is globally respected as a Philanthropist, Chemical Engineer & Inventor, and Entrepreneur; with a PhD in the chemical engineering field, from Michigan University, USA. Dr Gharda is the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Gharda Chemicals Limited, an R&D based company that does business in agrochemicals, polymers, etc. The Indian government has recognised his pioneering and path-breaking work in chemical engineering and innovation, by awarding him a Padma Shri in 2016.
The Gharda family was always passionate about reading books. So it was no surprise that from a very tender age Dr Gharda immersed himself in books, which covered a very wide range of topics – from philosophy to religion, literature to history, arts to science, and so many more.
Dr Gharda and his mother Mrs Ratanbai Gharda would often compete and test each other’s knowledge on the works of Shakespeare and other such classics. This closeness and proximity to his mother and their shared passion for reading and knowledge prompted Dr. Gharda to conceive of this labour of love and passion. And so, in fond memory of his mother, he founded the “Bai Ratanbai Gharda Memorial Library”, in 2009. He has dedicated this library to the pursuit of knowledge, by one and all. The library is an initiative of Gharda Chemicals Limited and is managed by Gharda Foundation.
The Gharda Library is housed in a modern glass façade building called the Gharda House, situated on Hill Road, Bandra. It is right next to the well-known Elco Arcade Market. The building could be a hit and miss if you are not looking for it.
The Gharda Library is equipped with two air-conditioned reading rooms that can seat 200 people, on the ground and first floor. The basement has two sections – one for the books and the other for a dedicated lunch area. The reading rooms are open for the members of the library – 7 days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm. It needs to be appreciated and noted that during exam season, these reading rooms are packed to capacity.
When we entered the library, we were struck by the cleanliness and the bright lights of the library. The books were stacked neatly in carefully designated sections – Religion, Medicine, Philosophy, Fiction, Arts, Linguistics, World History, Management, Banking & Insurance, Travel and such.
There is also a delightful Children’s section catering to 5-18-year-olds. Ms Bharati Banerjee excitedly told us that she is planning to add many more authors and titles to the section very soon.
With a collection of almost 15,000 books, the fully automated Gharda library caters to a diverse range of members that include – students, the general public, and senior citizens. Each book is catalogued in their inventory management software. The same inventory management software also records and tracks the issuance, due date and receipt of books to and from the members.
The management of the library has ensured dedicated seats for their senior citizen members, in their reading rooms. We were delighted and privileged to speak to Mr Jahanbux B. Bhathena, one of the senior citizen members of the library. Mr Bhathena lives in Andheri, Mumbai, and travels every day by train to Bandra. He spends 6-7 hours a day, primarily reading crime and law-related fiction books. We asked him what prompted him to visit the library every day, and with a big grin, he said, “I am an avid reader. I love the serene & peaceful ambience and atmosphere of the library. And since the library has dedicated seats for senior citizen members, I never have trouble finding my seating place. The staff are always extremely helpful and friendly. It is also so convenient that I get to eat my lunch tiffin comfortably in the dedicated lunch room. So, I do what I like to do and have a good time too.”
Gharda Library’s librarian, Ms Bharati Banerjee tells us that to date, most members have joined the library purely “by word of mouth” reference. Dr Gharda and she have a shared vision to grow the membership of the library, by proactively reaching out to a much larger audience. Exciting plans are afoot to achieve the same.
Ms Banerjee told us that it is the stated objective of Dr Gharda to reach out to and help the needy sections of Bandra’s student community, so that those students who cannot afford expensive books, can register as members of the library, and access these books without worrying too much about the cost of the books.
In keeping with its stated mission of helping the weaker and needy sections of the community, the Gharda Library conducts outreach programmes to cater to different target groups. Very recently, Dr Thakur, a geriatrician, addressed senior citizens on the topic of “Aging Gracefully”. The library also conducted a talk on “Career Guidance” for students of nearby municipal schools.
Joining the Gharda Library is a breeze. Fill in the application form, attach your photograph & proof of address, and pay the annual membership fees. The fees are really extremely reasonable and affordable, ranging from Rs. 800/- to Rs. 1,000/- per annum, for students, a general category and senior citizens. And just like that – in a few minutes, you are done!
We strongly urge you to walk in and have a “Dekho”. The helpful and friendly staff will be more than willing to give you a tour of the library and the reading rooms.
Join the knowledge brigade!
Where: Gharda House, 48, Hill Road, Next to Elco Arcade Market, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050.
Connect:
Tel: 022-26419309. Email: [email protected].
Website: www.ghardalibrarybandra.org
Timing:
Library – 10.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Saturday
Reading Rooms – 9.00 am to 9.00 pm – All 7 days of the week
