Autobiography of philanthropist Rajendra K Saboo released on his 90th b’day

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, August 11

An autobiography of the city’s noted philanthropist, businessman and former world president, Rotary International, Rajendra K Saboo was released on his 90th birthday here today.

The autobiography, titled ‘My Life’s Journey: A Personal Memoir,’ was released by Justice SS Sodhi (retd), former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court and member of The Tribune Trust.

Conferred with the Padma Shri by former President Dr Abdul Kalam in 2006, Saboo has been honoured by numerous organisations, including honorius causa by many universities. He shifted to Chandigarh in 1960 and set up a factory in collaboration with German collaborators to make hosiery needles. He contributed immensely to the city’s growth, right from the time when the first serai for attendants in the PGI was built and status of Rotary Peace City to Chandigarh was awarded. He galvanised Rotarians to initiate many humanitarian service projects, including setting up of lepers’ colony, free heart surgery for needy children, besides leading medical missions to African continent and Indian tribal areas among others.

“The book is a testimony to his contribution to selfless humanitarian work. Saboo is one of the oldest residents of the city. We often call him Raja of Chandigarh. Over the years, he has built an industrial empire, which is providing employment to hundreds of people. He met Mahatma Gandhi twice in 1946 and wrote numerous articles — a priceless work to read,” said Justice Sodhi.

Saboo, accompanied by his wife Usha, children and grandchildren, attended the celebrations.

KR Ravindran, an industrialist from Sri Lanka, a close confidant and past president of Rotary International, has written in the foreword of his autobiography, "It's not merely a book, it's an odyssey of a man who has devoted his life to the principle of not just doing good, but being good as well."

Though he belongs to Kolkata, Saboo made the city his home and got numerous friends, who joined his grandchildren in celebrating his 90th birthday.