The aviation pioneer responsible for international expansion of Air India, Maneck Ardheshir Dalal OBE, was commemorated in an event hosted by The Bhavan in association with Air India and Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) on Monday, the 15th of May. He left for heavenly abode at the age of 98 on 6th March 2017. Tributes were paid in his memory and honour by distinguished members of the host organisations as well as his daughters, Suzie and Caroline Dalal. The commemoration began with a traditional Zoroastrian prayer by a resident priest at the Zoroastrian Centre.
Speakers at the meeting included His Excellency Mr. Y.K. Sinha, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, and members from The Bhavan, the Zoroastrian Centre, the ZTFE, and Air India. Also paying tributes were Lord Dholakia OBE OC, Cllr. Mercy Umeh, and Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, among others. The Chairman of Tata Trust and Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, Mr. Ratan Tata, sent a heartfelt message, read out by Mr. Farrokh K Kavarana. He said, “Maneck Dalal will always be remembered for launching Air India from the UK. He was an outstanding leader who achieved his objectives with quietness and humility.” HE Mr. Y.K. Sinha described Maneck Dalal as a ‘legendary figure’ for his contributions not only to India but also to the UK in the field of aviation. Lord Navnit Dholakia, OBE PC, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and Patron of The Bhavan said, “For me, Maneck Dalal was the Kohinoor.” Lord Karan Bilimoria, educationist and founder chairman of the Cobra Beers, shared, “I met him at a very young age, and he has always been inspirational to people around him.”
Other distinguished guests also offered their condolences as well as spoke of devotional, dedication, and commitment that Maneck Dalal personified. They also remembered him as a man born to serve without seeking unnecessary publicity for himself. Caroline and Suzie Dalal thanked the guests and shared how their father took pride in his Indian roots, his Parsi community and fatherhood.
During his illustrious career Maneck Dalal OBE held numerous offices. Apart from his contribution to Air India, he is also known for introducing the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London, which he chaired for over 40 years. At the age of 29, he started the Air India Office in London in 1948. He then joined the Tatas and became Managing Director of Tata Ltd, London (1977–1988) and Vice Chairman (1988–1989). Besides being ZTFE Trustee (1980-1988), he was also Chairman of the Royal Overseas League.
