Mota Faiba

A Q UEEN






WAS BORN

IN







1921













LEGEND






INCREDIBLE



Blessed rernamurti
rogressive Inspiring Gorgeous Evergreen Gracious Philanthropic Exuberant Annapurna Sampoorna P
Resilient


Practical


Classic






P Compassionate Alert
Graceful Determined Strong
Gusty Lucky

Enthusiastic Jayakunwari



Rajakumari Strong-willed

Adorable P
Sensible ersistent Amazing


Energitic
































03

Seth Meghji Thoban Seth Virchand Meghji












































Shri Manilal Virchand

Life Story




Life story of Jayakunvari Ben was narrated by herself on last week of April 2020 Jayaben is the
first child of Shri Karamchand Lalchand Shah & Shrimati Gulab ben (who was a 2nd wife of
Karamchand Lalchand) Being a late born child, she was a precious first & a favourite child of Dadi
Indirabai.

Born on 27th May 1921, in Bhuj-Kutch, Jayaben’s childhood was Royal-playing with silver toys.

The Karamchandbhai family migrated to Kolkata for business. It was a big move from small town
Bhuj to the biggest Indian city Kolkata.


The family had admitted Jayaben to an English medium school –Loreto Convent. Karamchand Bhai
was a progressive man. He ensured Jayaben was provided finest exposure and training by many
Tutors – like Sewing, Exercise, and Religion. She became truly well versed in all the fields.


There is an interesting story behind her engagement for Life-Partner which goes as follows: Sheth
Meghji Thobhan with few more renowned people of Mumbai happened to go to Darbhanga in Bihar
for a noble cause of stopping Bali pratha (to kill animals and offer to God) in Hindu Temples in
Darbhanga. King of Darbhanga asked them to make a hospital costing Rs.one lakh in bargain. So
the hospital was made and the Bali Pratha stopped.

When Sheth Meghji Thobhan was returning to Mumbai via Kolkata, he was requested by the Kutchi
people of Kolkata to stay in Kolkata as they wanted to honour him. He accepted the request and
stayed in Sheth Karamchand Lalchand’s house. It was a great event for all and was celebrated in
grand style with dinner in the house. During this stay, he saw Jayaben and immediately decided to
make her the daughter-in-law, for his grandson Manilal Virchand. Later he sent Jhaverben,
daughter of Sheth Shantidas Ashkaran with the proposal to Karamchand bhai, which was accepted.
The engagement was done in Mandvi-Kutch. Jayaben was 8 years of age at that time, not even
knowing what engagement means. Meghjibapa was very modern in his thinking. He made
Jayakunvarybai sit on his lap on his right-leg and made Manilalbhai sit on his left-leg.

Meghjibapa gave a loving invitation to Karamchand bapa with family to stay with them in their
Mumbai Opera house residence, while going to Kolkata to start the new job. Karamchand Bapa
accepted and stayed in their house.


Jayakunvaribai got married in Bhuj-Kutch at the age of 16 years. Her marriage was Royal. About
500 people came in as Barati from Mandvi. Karamchandbhai and his elder brother Dosabhai made
all the arrangements for their comfort with the help of King of Bhuj. All the residents of Bhuj were
asked to shut down their kitchens for 8 days and were invited to take part in the celebrations with
their families. (Colloquially it is called “Dhumada Bandh”) It was a great celebration.

After the death of Meghji Bapa and Jivi Bai, The iconic Meghprasad Bunglow (1, Nepean-sea
Road) was bought by Virchandbhai from Sir Firozsha Mehta. It was a beautiful Bunglow with
Marble, Billiards Table, many many sculptures and art pieces.



continued...



05

Shri Manilal Virchand





































The Wedding

Life Story




Jayakunvari bai got her first baby boy, named Chandrakant after two years of marriage. At that
time her own mother Gulabben was also pregnant with Malti. Unfortunately Chandrakant died on
14th day after a short sickness. Thereafter Daughter Kusum was born after 2 years, a very pretty
girl but at the age of 2 years, Kusum was ill with high temperature and got Fits and convulsions
and sadly her mental health was affected very badly. Jayaben and her whole family looked after
Kusum very well and she lived in that condition for almost 70 years. After Kusum, four more
children-Usha, Bhagwandas, Jyoti and Harish were born. Bhagu passed away about 15 years ago.


The rest are all settled well with their children and grandchildren. So she is a proud great-grand-
mother now!


The business background of her family: M/s Gill & co. dealing and trading in Cotton was started by
Meghji Bapa and his brother, with a British Partner in 1886 A.D. They were doing extremely well
with a good reputation. Then in 1975 A.D., it became fully Indian with her husband Manilal bhai and
his younger brothers.


Today the Gill & co. is more than 125 years old and is doing well.

At present, she is staying all by herself in her apartment with her care-taker cum companion Aarti
at Ambuj House, Altamount road.

She is completing her 99 years on 27th May 2020 with the grace of God and will be entering her
100th year.



































Megh Prasad Bungalow







07

Late

Chandrakant

Late

Kusum









Manilal and



Jayakunvari’s Family










Anish

Harish

& Usha



Aman & Kristin Usha & Tanay &

Annika & Maya Harendra Kinnari

Devin


Raj

Ruhaan & Ayaan
Jyoti &

Ramesh Brinda

Late
Monica & Sandip Bhagwandas

Amay &Ariha & Kalpana Nirbhay



& Sonal

Aarit

Her Beloved Child

Kusum
























































































09



Usha - Harendra Panalal

& Family
























Pujya Maa,


Happy birthday. You were born with a silver spoon-with prosperity, courage and love. You shine like
sun and moon. Your life is like a rainbow with different colours of life for guidance. God has
blessed you and will bless you more

With love from,
Usha Harendra Panalal


She is like a RAINBOW



Dear Nanima
Wish you a very happy milestone birthday and more to come. I cannot thank you enough for
your support, encouragement, love, and strength you have provided us throughout the years.


Tanay

I would describe her as Resilient































11



Kalpana - Bhagwandas

& Family
























































































13



Jyoti- Ramesh Ajmera

& Family















































Pujya Naniji,

I can’t believe within a short period of time we will celebrate your 99th birthday! It is a great feat
to accomplish and I am so happy and excited to celebrate this great occasion. I hope to imbibe
some good virtues I have seen in you, like compassion, determination to succeed holding high
moral grounds and humility. You have faced difficulties in life but you have always come out of
the difficulty with flying colors and a big smile on your face. May you begin your 100th year with
God’s blessings and may this year be the best for you, spiritually and physically. Take care and
God Bless!

I would describe her in one word: Compassionate

Love
Raj

















15



Jyoti- Ramesh Ajmera

& Family








The other day I asked Jayaben what is the secret of your going strong even at this age? She replied
that Rameshbhai, I try to remain very happy ALL the time. Of course, there are unhappy
events/moments that come to me but I LET GO and move on. I am happy with what god has
given me and I try to enjoy to the fullest when I meet my close family- members, relatives and
friends. Always like to learn from the people I meet.

Friends, this tells everything for life to cherish and try to be happy all the time. Of course there are
always events which bring anxious moments but it is the positive attitude that matters. Besides the
health, the most surprising is her mental chemistry at this age - always alert. She keeps track of
her investments in bank and FD. I remember, few years ago her firing the bank manager for not
sending interest cheque on time for her FD investment ( hardly 3 to 4 days). Manager
apologized for the delay. This shows alertness of her mind at this age!! Who will have aptitude to
remember such things at this age?

Very recently, she called me up to enquire whether she would get deduction of 50% under I.T act
called 80G.for the donation she had made very recently. I said yes, she would get it. Subsequently,
she called me up again asking another question “How she should get her PAN Card and
Aadhar card linked?” I just could not believe that I was talking to my 99 years old “Mother in law“
about such subjects when most of the younger Non-working women may not be knowing anything
on these subjects. I really admire her.


Friends, we can go on and on on to write the whole book on this extra ordinary human being who
has worked very hard providing the kind of leadership to her family which is very hard to come by.


We wish her all the best as she enters 100th year of her life.

Ramesh Ajmera




Dearest Naniji,


Happy 99th birthday to the most spirited person we know! We don't know how you have managed to
blend warmth, kindness, intelligence, strength and compassion into one person, but we hope its
hereditary! Geography keeps us apart far too much, but know that you are always in our thoughts
and prayers every day. Looking forward to celebrating with you soon!

Love Sandip, Mona, Amay & Ariha


I would describe her as A CLASSIC








17



Harish - Usha

& Family
























Dearest Ma, Grandma and Great Grandma,

A strong root, when nourished the right way, grows into a strong tree and blossoms with sweet
fruits and flowers.

Same with our lives – thanks to you and father who nurtured and supported us lovingly – our
family tree has grown to be stronger and beautiful.


As we celebrate your Centennial Birthday, we remember your deep love, kindness and sacrice for
the family which are etched in our hearts.

We pray to God to continue to bless you with peace, joy and good health forever.

Proud of your “100 Not Out” life.


Respectfully,
Harish, Usha, Aman, Kristin, Anish, Annika and Maya


She is Independent and Family Oriented































19



Caretaker& Companion

Arati





Mummy is a very very nice person. I have been working with her for 25 years and love to work.

I have spent more time with her then with my own mother.

Whenever I feel low or have some trouble, she guides and consoles me as she would do to her
own loved ones.

Not only she loves me so much, her whole family also loves me.


She is my Guru and she has taught me many things as she would teach her own daughter-
Gujarati cooking and Bank work etc.

On this big day of her life, I am praying that may more years are added to her life and may she
remain in good health always.


May her hands always keep blessing me.

I would pray for one more thing that I could serve her forever.





















































21



Malti-Kiranbhai

& Family
























































































23



Maniti - Darshan Roy





























And then Maniti has to add more in a very stylish way…..

So I have an aunt who is courageous, smart, witty, fair- beautiful, go-getter, great organiser,
adorable, affectionate..... all in all she’s just 99 years, who is our flag bearer for courage and
strength-our Jhansi ki Rani

Dearest Jaya masi,


How do you keep pace with the times? I appreciate your retentive memory, spirit to
relish and savor life!

Let nothing ever come between you and your daily fresh sandesh!!
Lets live life


‘Jaykuvari’ style!

Maniti Darshan

She is our Flag-Bearer Jhansi ki Rani






























25

with Krishna in her house

Krishna - Nalin Parikh






It is very difficult to write about Jayaben in few lines.

She lives in the PRESENT, HERE AND NOW.


She is always cheerful and self-reliant. At this age also, she is up-to-date in politics,
economics-finances and all other fields too. Her curiosity to learn new things is commendable
and UNMATCHED.

God helps her as she helps all!
God bless her with good health and happiness.

~ Nalin Parikh



My dearest eldest sister Jayakunvari ben,
We wish you a shiny and radiant Happy birthday on your completion of great 99 years @not out.


























































27



Annette Patel















My Mota Masi

From our childhood till now, I have always been fascinated by you Jaya Masi. I have seen your
many roles and the grace with which you have embraced the multiple challenges. You are The
Grand old Dame of KL Family as well as the Gill & Co Family. You are Grace personified and
never give up, instead embracing the adversity which few could have withstood. Always smiling,
always positive and always giving!!

Some of the adjectives that come to mind are Amazing, Alert, Calm, Cultured, Collected,
Cool, Enthusiastic, Giving, Intelligent, Inspiring, Loving, Responsible, Social… the list
goes on!


I will never forget the time you came to visit my Mom after her knee operation. You came with
her favorite foods, spent time with her and gave her good advice on how to recover! Her mood
visibly improved and you inspired her to get back to normal soon.

Another amazing memory is the trip to Mahabaleshwar for my Mom's 70th birthday. You
participated in all games, meals, social activities and dressed up beautifully and never
complained!

On my every visit to India I love to visit you and take your advice and blessings! Your blessings
always come true and you recently reminded me that it was soon after you gave Nikita your
blessings that she got engaged and is now married!! Keep the blessings coming!!

Your Spirit and Energy is what we all aspire to! Happy Birthday and look forward to celebrating
you.

God Bless
Annette

I would describe her as Amazing and Enthusiastic
























29

with Elina

Elina - Nikhil Meswani










Pujya Jaya Masi,


When we were thinking about how to celebrate our dearest Jaya Masi, I realised, it’s not the
age, but JAYA MASI who we are CELEBRATING!!! I was most keen to have the theme NOT
OUT@100 because you are starting your 100th year but also because an amazing innings is
the best way to describe your life!

I have the fondest childhood memories of visiting Ambuja House with my parents regularly.
Manilalsa Masa and you, Jaya Masi, would host the most amazing parties! You would get the
whole family together and would be the most gracious host, creating the most amazing
ambience for family conversation and of course, food! You have been like the eldest mother to
me.

Jaya Masi I clearly remember how excited you were to come home for picnics or to see Diwali
firecrackers, and to our Alibaug house. You even brought dear Kusum Ben (who you always
took such incredible care of) with you to Alibaug. You would love the beach and the gardens
and sitting with your benpani; it was amazing to see how you liked nature, picnics, and just pure
family fun!

One of the fondest memories I have with you is when Mummy brought Kantilal Bhai to meet
Nikhil to sort out some Gill&Co matters; Nikhil said for Jaya Masi he will always help! Ishan and
Gayatri also enjoyed coming over to your home when they were growing up. Gayatri was so
amazed the last time she met you with Sanat and Mummy, she said she hopes when she gets
old that she is as healthy and happy as Jaya Masi!


Masi, you have always been Captain Cool of the Karamchand Lalchand cricket team and even
Meghjee Thobhan family. You have always kept both families together with your love and grace.
Even as you have aged, you have aged like fine wine. You have stayed on top of all your
accounts, regularly played bridge, kept your mind sharp by reading, and kept in touch through
phone calls and visits with the family; you are even dedicated to learning about spirituality! This
is nothing short of HEROIC and you set an example for us all. We hope to learn from you and
practice the discipline because of which you have thrived from 0-100. We are all so proud of
you!!!


Jaya Masi, on the occasion of you entering your 100th year, we hope god showers you with
blessings of amazing health, great happiness, and lots of laughter, both today and from here on.


Lots of love and seeking your blessings ,
Nikhil, Elina, Ishan, and Gayatri


She is KOHINOOR of the Family, GRACEFUL, SUPER PROGRESSIVE











31

Rasik with Bhagu

Rasik - Lata

& Family
























































































33



Kalpesh - Priti

































Dear Mota Faiba,


You are for us the ever smiling, gentle, fun loving and affectionate matriarch of the larger family of
Karamchand Lalchand Shah. Your zest for life with your going to restaurants ,drives to worli Sea
face, playing rummy and always enthusiastic for get-togethers along with an ingrained sense of
discipline are qualities we all hope to imbibe in our lives. You are a treasure trove of experiences
spanning close to a century and we hope for many more decades. We wish you the best of health
and ask for your blessings for our family.

From Kalpesh


I would describe her in one word - Inspiring




































35

Favourite Pass-time - Travel

Amrutlal - Kamal

& Family


Dear Motafaiba,


We wish you a very special celebration at the beginning of the 100th year of your most
admirable life.

Papa has one deeply etched memorable incident to share.

“Once Jayakuveriven had come with her kids to Kolkata for holidays. The day she arrived, she
told Bapa about her wish to go to Darjeeling for a few days. Her wish was his command, so
without any planning, papa was packed off to Darjeeling the same night, (much to his chagrin, at
such short notice) to make arrangements for all, including Mehtaji, and the day after, they were
all there! Such was her Prabhaav on one and all.”

We all know her as a very progressive minded lady, who lives life with full zest and vigour. We
wish her the very best in her 100th year, May she live to be more years with good health, &
NOT OUT!

We would describe her: Evergreen Centurion
Strong willed
Persistent/Determined


Soniya Chetan Shah
On behalf of Amubhai & Family.

Then Taruna has to add:

Virtues of Mota Faiba;
Such a glamorous live wire -
Hits a century and still doesn’t tire -
I wonder, I wonder-where from comes the fire !!

She lives life king size-
Keeps her age in quiet disguise-
I must surmise,
She s quite a prize.

She works the zoom with zing and zest.
She puts the lot of us to test
Trust me - she doesn’t believe in a day of rest.

She, at 100 is fit as a fiddle.
She jumps and dances like ‘ hey diddle diddle’..
How she manages it all is one big riddle.


We love you grand dame and send you many a blessing.
Stay fit-stay sassy- ageless - unstressing..
Stay the way u r, and keep the world guessing!!!!
Amen.




37

With Gulabchand and others










































Jayaben in her typical pose @ Gulabchand's house

Gulabchand - Kusum

& Family










Nirmal & Aarti

Some wickedness on my part. In honour of Motafoiba s 99th bday!


A limerick...

There’s a grand old ‘mem’ from Calcutta,
who at 99, went from sari to du-patta
she loves her ‘Samaj’,
‘Teen Patti’ and ‘Riti rivaj’.
There’s so much to learn from this “Loretta.”

She checks on her stocks regularly,
keeps up with all the news eagerly.
She has a zeal,
so much energy and appeal.
There’s much to learn from this grand elderly.



Dear Motafaiba,

The day I was born, you dashed to Vishva Bharti with a “trousseau” full of baby gifts... blanket,
mattress, clothes, bottles, rattles and what not !

Sixty years later, I still receive a hamper from you every once in a while ! And during Diwali – the
best home -made “fafdas”, “mathias” and “ghugras” etc !

For Samta’s wedding you sent me enough food (to take to the USA) to feed the whole “jaan” !


You truly are an Annapurna Devi !!

May this hundredth year be your BEST so far, and let us celebrate all year culminating in a
GRAND celebration for the 100th birthday!

Lots of love,
Nirmal

Nirmal says she is “Chashme Badoor” and Aarti says she is “Extremely Sensible”














39

with Hemu & Sisters

Hemlata - Hirachand

& Family
















I will describe her as : Blessed

Suneel writes:

With regards to MotaMasi....i do not recall any special occasion but would surely like to highlight
how she allowed me to fly kites from one of the Balconies of Meghprasad....which indeed
delighted me without worrying of any complaints to Mom..... I had a great time then...

I would like to describe MotaMasi in one word as "Soft-spoken" unlike me who is always on
the top of Voice Shouting ....




















































Manjari says she is ADORABLE

41

with the sisters

Urmila - Surendra

& Family
















































































continued...






43

with Urvi & Mehul

Urmila - Surendra

& Family










































Urvi adds as












































45

Megh Prasad with cars

Prabhavati - Bhogilal

& Family














Jagu

Jaya kaki to me is like old wine in a new bottle as even though she is 99 years old moving to
100, her ideas, mind and thinking is very modern and bold.

She is enthusiastic and to give an example, every year we go to her house in the morning on
Diwali day and on Nariyal Poornima day and on both these occasions she welcomes us with a
great feast i.e. thepla dhokla, sheera, moong, puri, shrikhand and all these things. This shows
not only her enthusiasm, but her spirit and affection in looking forward to receiving us on these
occasions. At this age also she makes it point to prepare variety of savouries to satisfy our
taste buds this shows her enduring love to feed


This is one of the few examples which I can quote on this occasion .
Wish her to go through another century filled with happiness, health and enthusiasm.

With best wishes:
Jagu.




Vimal


Sweet Memories As A Kaki And Masi, who is getting into 100th year, The dual relationship of
Kaki and Masi, which is still lingering in our hearts.


As the eldest of our family fondly known as JayKuvri Kaki she used to carry herself with Grace
and commanded a lot of Respect.


She has carried our Legacy in all the fields we hope that she will continue to do so in years to
come.


With best wishes,
Vimal B Shah
Chennai.


















47

Porch of Megh Prasad

Ratan & Naina











A small episode with Jayakaki:

Last week Jayakaki called me in evening but as I was busy cooking Gautam talked to her and
assured her that Ratan would call her back. And I called her up and was having general
conversation about lockdown with her. Very proudly she asked whether I had seen her interview
with Aarit and to that I gave an affirmative answer. She was happily talking about interview and
praising Aarit. End of conversation somehow she came to know that I had no helper and all
house chores done by me. She was so upset about it. And this is what she said " hai hai. Mein
aaje j saware daal dhokli ane saanje Upma ne chai pidhi. Tane moklavu. Maro driver baaju ma j
rahe chhe. Aarti banavine tane aapi jashe. " To that I said if I need I'll surely ask for any food
from you but not now. And last sentence she told me brought tears to my eyes.


She said: Taara baapnuj ghar chhe emaj samaj je
And fact is Motakaka though not my father was always like my father.
Jayakaki wishing you all the best with health and bliss!

Love to sing this song: Love you Zindagi


Ratan

From Naina:

Here is my evergreen kakimasi who is going to be 100 not out nobody will tell that she is a
hundred year old lady because of her spirit for life. In poona I experienced her patience level
was amazing she would not say a word for being late for food or anything. At 4:30PM she would
get ready to play cards not bothered for resting.

She loves to call and talk with all age groups. She can handle herself very well in lock-down.
She has made her schedule also very well to keep herself busy. No complaints from her.

My one word to describe her is: Evergreen Kakimasi

From Swapna (Chennai)


Would like to describe Jaya Kaki as a very Gracious and Peppy
Lady full of Life and Youth filled in her. She is a great host and a positive person. We need to
learn a lot from her at this Age and Stage of Life.


This would be my description for her : Gracious and Peppy














49