I’m sure that people wonder why
Our Burjor feels that he must try
His hand at writing one more book
For he has had a thorough look
At our family’s epic tale -
Two volumes in such great detail.
He’s also told the special story
Heroic but somewhat gory
Of Naval, triumph and tragedy,
A tale the likes of which you see
Described in epic poetry.
But that’s not what you’ll hear from me.
From Sohrab’s Joycean memoirs
Burjor drew on all his powers,
To channel that turbulent stream
Into something that would seem
Comprehensible to you and me.
We have these books, as you can see,
So why the need for one more book?
He had to take another look
Because new papers came to light
That lead us to a new insight.
We often wonder who is greater
Is it sustainer or creator?
If truth be told we need them both
Both skills provide continued growth.
There is no reason they should see
Eye to eye, for clearly,
Ardeshir’s focus was invention
His single minded intention
Was to prove that we could do it.
It could be done and he knew it.
For Indian goods could be the best
Surpass the British in every test.
He scorned the thought of protection.
We could prevail with perfection.
And that he knew he could achieve.
His customers could all perceive
His products were the very best.
He constantly put them to test.
To greater heights he would aspire
His safes survived ordeal by fire.
When in the harbour a ship exploded
The outer walls of safes eroded,
But the inner contents were intact.
And even when thieves attacked
They could barely pitt and dent,
Sometimes the plates were slightly bent.
But the safe would never break
And the thieves could never take
Any goods his safes secured.
For years and years his fame endured.
There was no limit to his scope.
He worked as hard in tackling soap.
For many years he tried his hand
Until he could well understand
The ins and outs of making soap.
To vegetarians he gave new hope.
The other makers were all callow
They filled their soap with lard and tallow.
And so thanks to his endless toil
Good soap could now be made from oil.
Ardeshir was a butterfly
And each new flower he would try,
While flitting there deeply drink.
But then he would always think
It’s time to try another flower.
And yes, he had the wondrous power
To range quite far and still excel.
By now I’m sure that you can tell
That Ardeshir could fly and soar,
But often found it quite a bore
To build a hive that would last.
For that role he was not cast.
Ardeshir was an inventor-seer
Quite confident, free from fear.
Pirojsha was the one who built
An institution that would not tilt,
Standing straight and standing tall
Answering a higher call.
Our founders were a special breed
But all the same they disagreed.
Ofcourse that wasn’t very nice
But both of them could catch the mice,
To paraphrase old Deng Xiao Ping,
Who certainly new a thing
Or two about expediency.
And so I’m sure that you can see
It matters not if black or white
As long as they proved to be right.
Why did our founders not agree?
Things were approached differently.
Ardeshir missed a family life
For early on he lost his wife.
The tragedy had left its mark.
It could well have been the spark
That led Ardeshir to build the nation
On the back of innovation.
For his vision he could dare.
But he had no funds to spare.
Now Pirojsha did not think it fair
That he did not get his fair share.
He had young kids for whom to care.
The conflict was inherent there.
Do I feel sad the brothers fought?
They didn’t do all that they ought.
Pirojsha was often riled
But in the end they reconciled.
And when Pirojsha raised his voice,
Ardeshir sold him Godrej and Boyce
But Godrej Soaps in turn was sold
And later brought back in the fold.
We must accept what was done.
Their combination has truly won.
Each of them had his role
Together they achieved the goal.
Ardeshir’s role was to create
New things he could initiate.
Pirojsha’s role was to sustain
Thanks to him we still remain.
All this is covered in the book.
And I am sure you’ll take a look.
His early death caused much harm
To his plan for a perfect farm.
Here was a man who lived for others,
Treated his fellow men as brothers,
Praised his products to the skies,
But never stooped to publicise
His own deeds, which were very great -
And before it was too late,
He gave his wealth to charity.
He achieved a certain parity
Between action and contemplation.
And as the heirs of his creation
We must maintain his innovation
And the spirit of sublimation.
His message, we must always heed.
We musn’t succumb to greed or need.
Before we act we should pause
Do what’s right in the greater cause.
And then perhaps we’ll reach our goals,
Become like him victorious souls.
