Remembering Virchand Dharamsey – A multi-disciplinary scholar

Virchand Dharamsey, a well-known scholar and a silver medallist at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, passed away on 6th April 2023. Until his last breath he was engrossed in scholarly endeavors, including compilation of a Gujarati book titled ‘Avanav’. On 27th April, 2023 the Asiatic Society of Mumbai formally released the book while paying tribute to him at an event at the Durbar Hall in the Asiatic Society of Mumbai.

In an initial conversation with Mr. Murali R, Dr Hemant Dave, a Historian, an Archeologist and editor of ‘Avanav’ said a Gujrati book was being released by the Asiatic Society of Mumbai after a gap of 180 years, the previous one being in 1843. The Gujarati word ‘Avanav’ means modern, fantastic, diverse, supernatural and wonderful, which aptly depicts the diverse nature of the contents of the book. The book has a collection of essays authored by Mr. Dharamsey on archeology, theatre, films, visual arts and socio-cultural aspects of the Gujarati and Parsi communities.

The book was released by India’s leading artist Mr. Atul Dodiya. In his speech, he rekindled memories of his lifelong friendship with late Dharamsey Bhai and his closest friend Mr. Karamsey. Dodiya remarked that he was fortunate to have known both during his formative years. He shared his fond memories about Dharamsey and his diverse interests in art, cinema, literature, archeology, painting, and sculpture. He also mentioned how the knowledge of all these disciplines would merge in Dharamsey’s personality. Dodiya emphasized that Dharamsey’s interest and knowledge in such diverse fields was never superficial. He always shared his knowledge, and would send references to his disciples, remembers Dodiya. He recalled that Dharamsey had gifted a book on Japanese ‘Ukiyo-e’ art form to his wife Ms. Anju Dodiya. That book had a significant influence on her work of art.

Dodiya specifically mentioned having read legendary Indian painter Mr Prabhakar Barwe’s interview taken by Dharamsey, for the Gujrati fortnightly ‘Samarpan’ in 1976. That interview has also been included in ‘Avanav’. Incidentally, just two weeks before his death, Dharamsey Bhai had mentioned about this interview in an exclusive chat with Chinha Publications.

On this occasion, President of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai Prof Vispi Balaporia in her address elaborated upon Dharamsey’s scholarly tenure as an active reader and member of the Managing Committee of Asiatic Society, Mumbai. Dr Hemant Dave gave key insights into Dharamsey research on archeology and his association with Pennsylvania University, USA for archeological studies across India. Dr Meena Vaishampayan, Chairperson, Publication Committee introduced the audience to the book. Mr. Prabodh Parikh, well-known Gujarati poet, writer and visual artist paid homage to Dharamsey by sharing his personal memories of his deep friendship. Mr Amrit Gangar, leading Indian film scholar and historian spoke about the qualities of Dharamsey, mentioning that he was instrumental in providing an upright spine to the Indian film history study. Gangar recollected the famous ‘Adda’ (Informal meeting place) of the distinguished members of the Asiatic Society including literary giants such as Durga Bhagwat and Arun Kolatkar who were thick friends of Dharamsey. 

Mr Tatsu, son of Virchand Dharamsey shared his memories which revealed how Dharamsey inculcated appreciation of all art forms including literature, painting and music into his children and family members. Mrs. Navalben, Dharamsey’s wife of 60 years, witnessed the entire event affectionately and was greeted at the end by the audience with a standing ovation. She was accompanied by her son Tatsu with his wife Hema, daughter Manisha and her husband Jayesh, as well as by grandchildren Vismay, Janhavi and Bhumi.

The book ‘Avanav’ is available for sale at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai. www.asiaticsociety.org.in   

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– Vineel Bhurke 

The author is a self-taught artist and student of Art.