Palkhivala Wills Assets To Eye Hospital To Het

eminent lawyer and former chairman of ACC Nani Ardeshwar Palkhivala has willed most of his savings and a substantial part of his assets, including a vast library, to the Chennai-based charitable eye-care centre Sankara Netralaya.

Speaking to Business Standard, Palkhivala confirmed, "I have decided to give most of what I have to Sankara Netralaya, as it is the best managed charitable organisation in India.''

HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh has been appointed the executor of the will. He could not be reached for comments.

Palkhivala has held high posts in most Tata group companies, including chairmanship of Tata Exports. He stepped down as chairman of ACC last year, but continues as chairman emeritus.

 

He was a senior advocate in the Supreme Court and India's ambassador to the US between 1977 and 1979.

Palkhivala was in the news in 1985 for attesting before the US Federal Court that the Union Carbide Bhopal gas leak case could be settled in Indian courts.

He has been actively involved in many Tata trusts as well as other charitable organisations like the A D Shroff Memorial Trust. "He has been the first person to encourage social activity, and has always contributed and helped in any of the various social activities that the Tata companies are involved in,'' said Tata Sons director N A Soonawala