A TRIBUTE TO GOOLAM E. VAHANVATI

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]o many, he will be remembered for the important role he played in the judicial system in India, to his dear friends he will be missed for the strong bond of friendship he developed along the way and for the racing fraternity he was a stalwart whose inputs and advice went a long way. His passion for racing was unstinted in spite of his commitments and at a time when he could have spent more leisure moments in a sport that he thoroughly enjoyed; he succumbed to the stress of a high profile occupation and his recent illness that took its toll.
Born on May 7, 1949, Goolamhussein Essaji Vahanvati obtained a law degree from the Government Law College in Mumbai after graduating from St. Xavier’s College. He commenced his law practice from his father’s chambers in 1972 becoming the Advocate General of Maharashtra in 1999. In 2004 he was appointed Solicitor General of India, a post he held for five years before becoming the 13th Attorney General of India in 2009. He resigned from this post in May this year.
With his health causing concern over the past few months Vahanvati was not deterred by his hospitalization and was determined to get back on track. Keeping close contact and staying updated with the racing scenario, it felt that he would soon be back at the course, sharing his enthusiasm for racing with all of us.
Unfortunately on September 2, 2014 his end came.
He will be remembered… he will be missed.
“Goolam was a legal luminary extraordinaire. His immense contribution to the Nation during his tenure as Solicitor General and Attorney General will not be forgotten. His commitment to his duties definitely made him neglect his health that cost him dearly. My experience over the last four decades, was one of being a true friend and this has really left a void in my life. My frequent early morning calls to him will be dearly missed”.
— Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla

GOOLAM VAHANVATI – RIP

The sad news of the passing away of one of the foremost historians and statisticians of cricket – Anandji Dossa – a few days ago filled the newspapers. What was unique about Anandji was the fact that he excelled in his field in the days when there were no computers, no internet, no Google or Yahoo to search for and to retrieve information at a click of a button.
If one were to look for a parallel of Anandji in the horse racing world, I cannot think of a better example than Goolam. He was to racing what Anandji was to cricket, but with a difference – whereas Anandji hardly played cricket, horse racing ran in Goolam’s veins both literally and figuratively. Goolam’s father Essaji too was fond of racing and a lover of horse flesh. Goolam obviously acquired the love of horses and the knack of picking winners whilst playing on his father’s knees. Sadly, the missing parallel between Anandji and Goolam is that Anadji lived to the ripe old age of 98, whereas Goolam passed away prematurely at 65.
Soon after I joined the legal profession, several of my Chamber colleagues decided to try their luck at horse racing. Those were the days of high taxation and low earnings, when a jackpot of Rs. 1 Lac was considered a king’s ransom. We formed a syndicate, and for several weeks of the Bombay racing season that year when there were races on a given weekday, another colleague of mine and I were deputed to go all the way to Mahalaxmi from Flora Fountain, on my motorbike, to buy 10 jackpot tickets of Rs. 10/- each. Needless to state, we never won the jackpot. But in the bargain, I discovered Goolam’s deep knowledge and statistics of pedigree, form and previous outings of horses. Goolam would often be consulted on the myriad combinations which would go into selecting the horses for buying the ticket for the jackpot. What struck me, even then, was that for Goolam horse racing was more than just a sport. It was almost a religion.
Goolam would be a regular at almost all outings at the Mahalaxmi Race Course, initially as a punter, later as an owner of a string of thoroughbreds and even later as a Steward of the Club and an esteemed member of the RWITCTC Board of Appeal. On his mantelpiece, located in his cozy library of his farm house in Pune, were several photographs of Goolam leading in some of the winners, but the one he was most proud of was where he was wearing a top hat and a tailcoat, at the Royal Ascot Derby. Goolam had a huge collection of books and literature on racing- all of which adorned the walls only after he had read and digested its contents which he could recall at will. Being gifted with a sharp memory, Goolam could regale one with endless stories of thoroughbreds and their owners from all over the world.
Goolam had a deep sense of commitment to the sport and devoted endless hours, despite a very busy and lucrative legal practice, to championing the cause of horse racing and ensuring that the sport remained free from mischief. His opinions and his administrative skills were considered invaluable both by the racing fraternity as well as by the management of the Turf Club. Even after Goolam moved to Delhi upon being made The Solicitor General and later The Attorney General for India, he retained his ties with the Mahalaxmi Race Course. Though by then he did not own horses, Goolam was always on call when the affairs of the RWITCTC required his guidance and wise counsel. I remember speaking to him often when representing the Turf Club in several litigations. Goolam always placed the sport above the individuals concerned.
A few years ago, thanks to the internet, one could watch races being run at the Mahalaxmi and other Race Courses in the country live on one’s personal computer. This made it easier for Goolam to follow the sport despite being in Delhi. I realized this when he would call me from Delhi a few days after I had presented the Tricumdas Dwarkadas Trophy dedicated to my Grand Uncle, who was also a Steward of the Club, and tell that he had watched the race as well as the presentation ceremony. I shall miss his telephone calls and his soft and gentle voice on the other end of the line saying to me – ‘Baboo, I saw you presenting the TD Cup – haave ek Ghodo lai le’ (now you should buy a horse).
Today, as I pen this tribute, I cannot help but recall the time when Goolam was standing beside me in his den at his Pune Farm House, asking me what I thought of the picture of a beautiful horse, hanging on the wall. I remember very clearly his mischievous smile as he drew me closer to the wall and proudly proclaimed it was not a painting but an extremely intricate and artistically woven piece of embroidery in wool – as rare as Goolam himself.

— Janak Dwarkadas

“Goolam was like a son to me. He admired me in so many ways and would say, “I follow you in so many of your likes and passions, whether it be for horses, cars, homes or gardens.” He was an exceptionally intelligent person and could literally read peoples minds. His sad and untimely demise has caused a real void in my life. I pray for his soul and for his near and dear one’s.”

— Mr. Abbas Jasdanwalla

“Goolam and I got elected to the Committee together for the first time in 1997/8. He was a most distinguished member, not only in view of his unmatched professional record, rising to the topmost legal office in the country, but also by his sheer persona and the goodwill that he commanded across the racing fraternity and membership. I shared a very compatible and close association with him and would turn to Goolam for his friendly advice on any matter that was important for the Club. He was always available, amazingly quick in grasping a subject even alien to him and would respond almost immediately, staying well clear of the petty politics that plagued our Club. I will never forget his unstinted support for me personally and he was a pillar of great strength. He will be missed greatly.”

— Mr. Vivek Jain

My Cousin Goolam,
“How does one describe a relationship that is as old as Goolam, 65 years? Our Fathers were brothers and we lived as a joint family for the first 14 years of our lives. Even though we lived in separate houses, we continued our close family ties which grew into a strong bond of personal friendship. I was older by a year, but I considered Goolam my mentor. In spite of his holding such high offices as Advocate General of Maharashtra, Solicitor General of India and finally Attorney General of India, he always found time to speak to me. At the races we would sit for hours together when he would regale me with anecdotes about life and events in Delhi. He had a terrific sense of humor and was equally sharp witted. His knowledge of horses was very sound. At times I would make a mistake of recognizing a horse or not getting the pedigree right and Goolam would quietly and gently correct me. He was a generous host and I remember the happy days we spent at his homes in Pune and Delhi. He loved good food and he would ensure that the most delicious “Bohri” spreads were laid out for us. On Sundays he would visit the market and personally choose the choicest fish and meat. Another facet was his love for music of all genres. My son Zameer who also loves music was very close to Goolam. They were especially fond of classic rock, lounge and Latin and they would be in touch regularly. He radiated warmth wherever he went.
The number of people he has helped is countless. Just before he demitted office of Attorney General of India he took ill. It took some time for him to recover but I could see he was making progress. Just two days before he passed away I had a long conversation with him and he was looking forward to attending the races as soon as his health permitted. But that was not to be. On September 2 came the devastating news that he was no more. I have lost not only a family member but a close personal friend who has held my hand and advised me in so many ways. Goolam, as you smile from up above, know that you are truly missed.
Rest In Peace, my friend!”

— Mr. Gulam A. Vahanvaty

“Goolam was an absolute gentleman, an absolute pleasure to have as an owner. He was one of my first owners in Western India. The first horse he bought me was by Home Run out of Lady Madonna called Point of Reference, in partnership with Javed Tapia and Iqbal Nathani. I have been associated with him from the time I came to Western India in 1986 and he has always been a good friend to me. He was a distinguished lawyer and a really good human being. It is very unfortunate that he had an early death. He will be missed.

— Dallas Todywalla

October-November 2014