Homage paid to Dr Jamshed Bhabha

Mumbai, June 20 (UNI) NCPA organized a condolence meeting and paid homage to its founding father Dr Jamshed J Bhabha in a moving and sombre ceremony at the theatre named after him today.

After an opening speech by Mr K N Suntook, Vice Chairman NCPA, a two-minute silence was observed. This was followed by musical tributes by Ashwini Bhide and members of the SOI.

''Dr Bhabha was associated with culture, medicine, science-eveything associated with enriching human life,'' said Ms Vijaya Mehta, Executive Director, in her homage to the creator of NCPA.

Born in 1914, Dr Jamshed Bhabha established the NCPA in 1965 to nurture, support and present art and culture. Through the years, under his guidence as Chairman and Trustee-in-charge, the NCPA hosted a number of performances by upcomming talents and international artists such as Yehudi Menuhin, Mstislav Rostropovich, Zubin Mehta, Pt Ravi Shanker and Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Dr Bhabha formed the Symphony Orchestra of India with its own training centre as late as 2004, and continued to work with zeal till his death on May 30.

Other luiminaries from different walks of life, that included Ratan Tata, Anupam Kher and Ms Coomi Wadia also paid rich tributes to Dr Bhabha.

Mr Ashok Chavan, Minister for Industry, Mining and Cultural Affairs summed it up by saying, ''It was his vision and hardwork that has made the NCPA a sucess. May his soul rest in peace.'' UNI