Gulestan Rustom Billimoria was an Indian philanthropist, social worker, writer and painter, best known for her services for the special needs children of Mumbai.[1] She served as the Sheriff of Mumbai in 1957[2] and was the lady superintendent of The Alexandra Girls’ English Institution, Mumbai from 1922 to 1937.[3]
Gulestan Rustom Billimoria | |
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Born | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Occupation | Philanthropist, social worker, writer |
Known for | Social service |
Awards | 1972 Padma Bhushan |
Born Gulestan J. Bhadurjee, Billimoria did her schooling at Girton High School and college studies at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai during which period she was a fellow of the University of Mumbai for two terms and a member of the university senate.[1] After her marriage to Rustomji Bomanji Billimoria, the founder of Bel-Air Hospital of Indian Red Cross Society and a Padma Bhushan recipient, she took over the management of the functions of the hospital.[4] Later, she helped found the Savera Special School Gulestan And Billimoria School, Mumbai of the Maharashtra State Women's Council, an institution for the mentally and physically handicapped children.[5][6]
Billimoria was a known painter and one of her paintings has been exhibited at the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai (present-day Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.[1] She also wrote a number of articles on special needs children.[7] The Government of India awarded her the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 1972.[8] Gulestan and Rustom Billimoria Endowment Lecture is an annual event organized in her honor.[9]
Padma Bhushan award recipients (1970–1979) | |
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1971 |
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1972 |
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1973 |
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1974 |
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1975 |
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1976 |
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1977 |
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# Posthumous conferral
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