Syed Nissar H Gilani
In 1969, I had the opportunity to visit Bombay on an educational tour sponsored by the Department of Zoology at Kashmir University. This was my first encounter with the city, and I was accompanied by the esteemed Prof. Dr. M.K. Das, a renowned zoologist celebrated for his groundbreaking research worldwide.
I later returned to Bombay for a training program at Cipla’s headquarters, located at 289 Belasis Road, Byculla, near Byculla Railway Station. The training was rigorous and lasted several months, with only coffee and lunch breaks allowed. During my free time, I’d often grab lunch at the nearby railway canteen, which served delicious and hygienic non-vegetarian dishes at an affordable price of just a few rupees. Fellow trainees would occasionally join me. A Rupee 7 /- railway pass from Churchgate to Byculla and back was a steal. I was staying with my friend, the late Majeed Baba, in Qulabba, a vibrant nightlife hub.
It was during one of my days off that I was spotted by the late Mr. Mittar Bedi, an industrialist photographer, near India Gate behind the Taj Mahal Hotel. He offered me a modeling gig for Nescafe, which I accepted after some deliberation. Over two consecutive days, Mr. Bedi took 60 snaps of me, alongside several female models, for various commercial clients. I was paid Rs 60 per shot and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at the iconic Taj Hotel. This experience boosted my confidence, and seeing my pictures later was a thrill. However, with my Cipla training coming to an end after nine long months, I had to decline Mr. Bedi’s offer for further modeling assignments, feeling homesick.
My trainers at Cipla were exceptional, and I recall Dr. Dikshit, Dr. Goel, Dr. Mehmood Ahmed, and Dr. Walvalkar, a Parsi gentleman who went the extra mile to impart field training in the slums near Sion. At Sion, Mumbai, I underwent intense field training, interacting with registered medical practitioners who, despite their medical degrees, worked tirelessly in cramped chambers, seeing numerous patients and charging a mere Rs 1 each. The conditions were harsh, with heat, flies, dust, and dirt making it a challenging experience. Dr. Walvalkar, despite his age, took great pains to train me, leaving me feeling drained by the end of each day. It was indeed a testing time. After completing the field training, we proceeded to Vikhroli, where the company manufactured medicines with various salts for different ailments and diseases. We were shown all units, from manufacturing to packaging, in multiple ways. As the final phase of training came to an end, we were allowed to work independently in designated areas. I was fortunate to be allotted the area where I lived, Colaba, Mumbai’s most fashionable and vibrant market.
During my stay in Bombay, I was fortunate to live with my late friend and well-wisher, Late Majeed Baba. He, along with his uncle and cousin, Azam Tanki, owned a beautiful carpet showroom in the Colaba area. Majeed cared for me deeply, taking me to different must-see places during holidays and making me feel comfortable throughout my training period. His friendship made my time in Mumbai truly memorable.
I made it a point to visit medical professionals in the area, showcasing our company’s products. Within two weeks, I managed to meet several medicos, but one encounter stands out in my mind. I visited a lady doctor residing in the Susan Das area, whose small Portuguese-style bungalow had a beautifully maintained lawn. When I rang the bell repeatedly without getting a response, I tried to open the gate. As I entered the premises, a dozen fierce dogs ran towards me. In a panic, I threw my leather bag containing medicine samples towards them and quickly retreated back out of the gate, closing it behind me. Luckily, the dogs couldn’t follow me out.
After some time, an elderly lady emerged, introducing herself as a retired gynecologist. She retrieved my bag, which was intact, and advised me not to make unannounced visits. She was a kind-hearted Parsi lady in her mid-80s, who had long since discontinued her practice and was living alone with her dogs. After securing her pets, she offered me tea and biscuits, seemingly appreciative of my innocence about the area. I thanked her for her hospitality and, more so, for ensuring my safety during the ordeal.
The training culminated in a grand farewell ceremony at the iconic Hotel Taj, celebrating Dr. Hamid’s 70th birthday, the founder and chairman of Cipla Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hamid, incidentally, was the brother-in-law of Dr. Zakir Hussain, the former President of India, as both were married to German sisters.
A few days later, I traveled back home via Amritsar, where I met our area manager, Mr. Vijay Bhalla. He welcomed us warmly and hosted us for a few days before handing over our appointment letters as Medical Representatives. He saw us off at the airport, and I finally landed in Srinagar, where my mother was waiting to receive me after many months.
Those were special moments for me, seeing my parents confident about my future. Although I went on to have two more jobs, it was my civil job, secured through the State Service Selection Post, that became my preferred choice. Interestingly, my salary decreased from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 340, but I prioritized the civil services for the credibility, job security, power, and dignity it brought. The trade-off was worth it, as I valued the stability and respect that came with the role.
Sadly, Majeed Baba passed away last year, leaving me and his friends in shock. May he rest in peace. His memory remains cherished, and I’m grateful for the time we spent together in Mumbai.
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The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department.
