Sir Pherozeshah Mehta was called Lion of Bombay. He was born on 4th August 1845 in Mumbai. He was the first Parsi to have obtained a Master’s degree in 1864 from Elphinstone College. He was instrumental in several municipal, social and political reforms. He played a major role in the working of Municipality and responsible for its new form. His association with the University was much longer and had waged many war against the Viceroy that time on the issues of University reforms.
Achievements:
- He was chairman of Municipality from 1884 to 1886.
Became president of Congress in 1890. - Member of Bombay Legislative Council from 1887 to 1893 when he was elected to the Viceroy’s Legislative council.
- Lord Curzon recommended the conferment of the distinction of the title K.C.I.E. in appreciation of his brilliant abilities and eminence. (K.C.I.E. is the Knight Commander which is Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire is an order of chivalry founded by Queen Victoria in 1878.)
Sir Pherozeshah Mehta dominated Municipal Corporation for a long time and laid down the policies of the city’s development.
The boundless energy and magnetic personality of Pherozshah Mehta came to end on 5th November 1915. In his memory the fund was raised to erect an imposing statue which fittingly stands before – The Mumbai Municipal Corporation, in front of the V.T. railway station (now CST station).
