THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Mumbai Research Centre
of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai
Presents
BLAZING INFERNO, RAGING CONFLAGRATION
The Bombay Dock Explosion of 1944
an Online talk on Zoom by Captain Mohan Narayan, IN (RETD)
The modern port of Mumbai, since its inception in the closing decades of the 19th century, has witnessed steady and sustained growth. It did have its share of incidents and accidents, both minor and major, but in the overall context it had an enviable track record of safe operations. That reputation took a beating on a scorching summer’s day in Apr 1944. It was a catastrophe that has remained nonpareil in its annals for it severely crippled port operations for the next seven months right in the midst of a raging World War.
This paper will attempt to study in detail the actual reasons for that catastrophe and the callous response of the authorities, all under the guise of wartime exigencies. It would also endeavour to highlight what has become symptomatic and quotidian to our times – individual acts of courage, resilience and stoicism in adversity of the average Mumbaikar and that much abused hoary cliché ‘spirit of Mumbai’ when officialdom fails them.
TUESDAY, 09TH SEPTEMBER 2025
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
NO FEES, NO REGISTRATION
Zoom Link
https://tinyurl.com/4pb3a34n
Watch live on our Youtube channel at https://youtube.com/@asiaticsocietymumbai
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai - Mumbai Research Centre,
Presents
"Bombay, the West Coast and the Portuguese"
An online lecture series by Amar Farooqui,
Professor of History (Retired), University of Delhi
Date: 11,12,13 September 2025
Time: 7 - 8.30 PM
Over three sessions we will explore the history of Bombay during the period of Portuguese rule. And examine the implications on trade, commerce, transformation of landscape and the demographic profile of Bombay.
Member fees: ₹750/-
Register here: https://rzp.io/rzp/PortugueseMEMBERS
Non-member fees: ₹1,000/-
Register here: https://rzp.io/rzp/PortugueseGENERAL
Note:
Lectures will be held on zoom.
There will be no recordings.
Use a correct email id when registering - all information will be sent there.
Please check the spam/junk folder if you don't see our emails.
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai
- Dr. Shehernaz Nalwalla, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson – MRC
THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Literary Club of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai
invites you to a presentation on the book
“565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India” by Mallika Ravikumar
on Wednesday, 13th August, 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
The Literary Club of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai cordially invites you to a presentation on the book “565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India” by Mallika Ravikumar at the Durbar Hall of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 13th August, 2025.
The book “565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India,” narrates the gripping events relating to the accession of princely states, a significant yet lesser-known chapter of Indian history. But for the efforts of the leaders involved like Sardar Patel, V.P. Menon and a host of others, India may well have had pockets of other nations within her borders, and even parts of Pakistan. The book delves into the complex negotiations that averted such a catastrophe and this led to our nation coming together in 1947.
Mallika Ravikumar is a lawyer-turned-writer. With an MA Degree in Ancient Indian History and Culture from St Xavier’s College in Mumbai, she was the curator and chief content writer for the Government of India’s National Virtual Library of India portal on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. She has won the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Award for Best Children’s Fiction in 2023, and the Binod Kanoria Children’s Book Award, 2023. Her works have been published by noted publishers like Penguin, Hachette, Speaking Tiger, Karadi Tales, and Katha, amongst others.
Please join us for tea at 4.30 p.m.
- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
- Meenal Kshirsagar, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson - ASM LitClub