Parmeshwar Godrej
Parmeshwar Godrej | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 July 1945 |
| Died | 10 October 2016 (aged 71) |
| Occupation(s) | Socialite, philanthropist |
| Known for | Philanthropy, HIV/AIDS awareness activism |
Parmeshwar Godrej (16 July 1945 – 10 October 2016) was an Indian socialite and philanthropist, married to Adi Burjorji Godrej, who is the chairman of the Godrej Group.
Life
Parmeshwar was born on 16 July 1945 into a Sikh family, the daughter of an army officer. She received her education at Yadavindra Public School in Patiala. Prior to her marriage to Adi Godrej in 1965, she was employed as a hostess with Air India. The couple had three children: two daughters, Tanya Dubash and Nisaba Godrej, and a son, Pirojsha Adi Godrej.
At the request of her friend Feroz Khan, the director of the 1975 film Dharmatma, Parmeshwar designed costumes for the actress Hema Malini featured in the movie.
She earned recognition as one of India's prominent social figures and philanthropists. Parmeshwar maintained a close friendship with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, a connection frequently highlighted by the media. Her philanthropic efforts were primarily directed towards health causes, notably as an early champion for HIV and AIDS awareness within India. In 2004, she collaborated with actor Richard Gere to establish the Heroes Project, an anti-AIDS initiative supported by both the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative. Additionally, Parmeshwar held board positions with the Gere Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Death
Parmeshwar Godrej passed away at age 71 on 10 October 2016 due to a degenerative lung condition, at Breach Candy Hospital.