Homi Mody
Sir Homi Mody | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 23, 1881 |
| Died | March 9, 1969 (aged 87) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, public official, politician |
| Years active | 1913–1968 |
| Known for | Tata Group director, Governor of Uttar Pradesh |
Sir Hormasji Pherozeshah Mody KBE (23 September 1881 – 9 March 1969), widely recognized as Sir Homi Mody, was an influential Parsi entrepreneur associated with the Tata Group and a distinguished Indian public official.
Business career
Initially practicing law in Mumbai, Mody assumed the role of chairman at the Bombay Municipal Corporation in 1913. He shifted his focus to commerce in 1920 by joining the Textile Mill Owners' Association, where he eventually became chairman in 1927. His involvement in the Lees-Mody agreement generated controversy among Indian nationalist circles. In 1939, he was appointed director of the Tata Group, a position he held until 1959, and also held board memberships at leading firms such as ACC, Tata Hydro, and Indian Hotels.
Additionally, Mody served as a director at the Central Bank of India until 1968. Together with figures like Pranlal Devkaran Nanjee, he was instrumental in founding the Indian Banks' Association in 1946.
Political career
Mody represented his constituency in the Indian Legislative Assembly for fourteen years, from 1929 to 1943. Between 1941 and 1943, he was a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council responsible for Supply. He contributed to the work of the Constituent Assembly of India during 1948–1949. Following India's independence, he served as Governor of the United Provinces and subsequently of Uttar Pradesh from 1949 until 1952.
Personal life
He fathered three sons: Russi Mody, Piloo Mody, and Kali Mody. Sir Homi Mody passed away on 9 March 1969 at the age of 87.
Honours
In recognition of his contributions, Mody was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) during the 1935 Birthday and Silver Jubilee Honours. In 1946, King George II of Greece awarded him the Grand Commander rank of the Order of George I for his efforts in World War II. A street in Mumbai bears his name as Sir Homi Mody Street to commemorate his legacy.
Bibliography
His published works include:
- The Political Future of India; Reflections (1908)
- Biography of Feroz Shah Mehta
- Wise and Otherwise