The Bandukwala family announce the passing of their father, Dr. Juzar Bandukwala, who
died peacefully on January 29th, 2022 at home.
Dr. Bandukwala, an eminent educator and social activist, dedicated his entire life to the
upliftment of poor children through education. He chose to serve his country instead of
pursuing a life of wealth and comfort in USA. A staunch secularist, he was a devout
follower of Mahatma Gandhi and lived by Gandhian philosophy his entire life.
Dr. Bandukwala was a student of Xaviers School from 1951 to 1962 where he was among
the top achievers in his class. He joined Xaviers College right after and completed his
Interscience degree with an emphasis on Physics. Later he joined The Institute of Science,
graduating in 1966. Soon after, he left for USA to pursue a Doctor of philosophy degree
in Nuclear physics with a dissertation in 'faster than light particles' at the University of
Oklahoma. Upon completing his Ph.D., he along with his wife Shamim, made a
courageous decision to return to India to devote the remainder of his life to champion the
cause for those who were oppressed, voiceless and marginalized.
Once in India, Dr. Bandukwala got a Faculty appointment in the Department of Physics
at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. He enjoyed his role as a teacher and
considered that phase of his life as the happiest ever. While at the University, Dr.
Bandukwala spent his evenings educating underprivileged children. After Shamim’s
passing in 2001 and the departure of both his children, he made it his life’s mission to
actively uplift the poor Muslims and Dalits of Baroda and Gujarat, through quality
education.
According to Dr. Bandukwala, the last fifteen years were the most fruitful period of his
life. With support of donors and friends, he started Zidni Ilma Charitable Trust, devoted
to providing the best financial support to any deserving boys or girls in Gujarat. Last year
the trust collected Rs. 80 lacs as donation to provide good financial support to about 540
poor and lower middle-class children. Dr. Bandukwala was also honored with the Indira
Gandhi National Integration Award by then Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson in New
Delhi.
Dr. Bandukwala personified the virtues of self-sacrifice, patriotism, community service,
and secularism. He was a dutiful son, compassionate patriarch, loyal friend, model citizen,
enthusiastic teacher and a pillar of his community. He is survived by his children Azeem
and Umaima who reside with their families in Atlanta and San Diego respectively.
