Conferring IPI Fellowship to Shri D. A. Panchal

I had great pleasure in meeting Shri. D. A. Panchal, in his new home at Howell, New Jersey. I had planned it while in Mumbai itself and had carried the Fellowship Certificate that IPI had prepared for him. When Varsha, my wife and I reached his home, he came out to open the door and his once so familiar smile flashed across his face, we knew we were very welcome there.

Mr. Panchal was Chairman of IPI in the years 1989   to 1991, while I was Chairman of Bombay Chapter. Due to this happy coincidence, we had worked together rather closely for many programs. His constant encouragement and help, directly or through IPI office made my tenure as Chairman not only hurdle free but also memorable as we were able to initiate many new ideas for IPI. However, after he left for USA, to be with his three children in 1997, I lost touch with him and did not get to see him till now. That was one main reason why I was keen to visit him at his home, luckily only an hour drive from my destination in New Jersey.

He is now 89 years old and has lost about 20 pounds, which make him more youthful than his present age and I saw no sign of any weakness, except a deliberate slowing down to avoid any accidental fall. I was happy to also note his sharp memory and mental vigor, exemplified by the fact that he still drives around (You can become a hostage, without driving, he said.). How do you spend your time? I asked, when he casually mentioned that his family is out at work for close to 10-12 hours every working day. I read, I see news, etc. and he informed me somewhat hesitatingly, I write! Wow, I said, and what do you write? Kind of Autobiography with my grand children in mind, so they would know how we lived and worked in India. I invited him to send it to IPI Journal & webpage as this will surely be a very interesting historical account of a person, who did so much for plastics machinery industry in India and to bring up IPI.

Mr. Panchal was happy to meet us and expressed his gratefulness to IPI and asked me to give is very best regards to many of his friends, who are still in touch with him. He also wished us well, and informed me to my great delight that I happen to be the first one from Indian plastics industry to visit him in USA!

May he continue his good health, energy and a great attitude to life and his friendship with many IPI stalwarts, in whose mind he has very secured place!

Prakash Trivedi
Vice Chairman, IPI