Mehr Bai Tata: Great Example of Sacrifice, Love, and Humanity

 

If the image is zoomed in, a sparkling diamond around a woman's neck can be seen prominently.  This 254 carat precious diamond is unique not only because of its brilliance but also because of a historical story.  Interestingly, this diamond is twice the size and weight of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.

 This is the story of Meher Bai Tata, the daughter-in-law of the family of Sir Jamshed Tata, the founder of the Tata Company, and the wife of Sir Darab Tata.  Meher Bai was not only a respectable woman, but her story of sacrifice and self-sacrifice still affects people's hearts.

 Global Recession and Mehr Bai's Sacrifice

 During the world depression in 1924, the Tata Company, like many other companies, was hit by financial crisis.  The threat of bankruptcy was knocking on the company's door, and employees were teetering on the brink of unemployment.

 In such difficult times, Meherbai mortgaged her prized possession, a 254-carat diamond, to the Imperial Bank for Rs.1 crore.  This money not only helped the Tata company out of crisis but also saved hundreds of employees from unemployment.  It was an unprecedented display of his foresight, sacrifice and humanitarianism.

 A lasting memory of love

 Unfortunately, after some time, Meherbai died of leukemia.  Her death shocked her husband Sir Darab Tata.  To keep the memory of his beloved wife alive, Sir Darab sold the same diamond to set up a blood cancer research foundation.

 This foundation is still doing research on blood cancer and providing free treatment to patients.  This move is an unforgettable example of Mehrbai's sacrifice and Sir Darab's love.

 Sacrifice stories lost in history

 We are taught the Taj Mahal in history as a symbol of love, but the sacrifices and services rendered to humanity like Mehr Bai's are rarely mentioned.  These stories are true examples of humanity, compassion, and sacrifice, which it is our responsibility to preserve and pass on to future generations.

 Mehr Bai Tata's story will always remind us not only of her sacrifice but also of her human spirit and love, which deserves to be written in golden letters in the pages of history.