PJHG

The Parmananddas Jivandas Hindu Gymkhana, which can, without any exaggeration, claim to be the pioneer Hindu sporting Institution in the Country was founded in the year 1894. The foundation was laid by a few young enthusiasts studying in the then Elphinstone High School in the year 1878.

The Gymkhana was named "Parmananddas Jivandas Hindu Gymkhana" in memory of the father of the chief donor who had contributed a magnificent sum of Rs. 10,000/- The Gymkhana was duly opened on 5th May 1894, by His Excellency Lord Harris, the then Governor of Bombay.

The Gymkhana, at present having a more then 7000 membership is housed in these new premises consisting a ground and two upper floor. Thus the Gymkhana has progressed during the years, and the photographs published elsewhere in this presentation gives an idea as to how the premises changed shape and size from year to meet the demands of the increasing membership.

As in Cricket, in other games like Tennis, Billiards, Badminton and Table Tennis also the Gymkhana has produced players not only of India class, but also World class. Our members have played and captained the all-India Teams in International games, in India and abroad, in Cricket, Badminton and Table - Tennis. In Table - Tennis, especially, our performances have been unique, inasmuch as, in the year 1963, the India's Team representing the country against Yugoslavia, and also at the Asian Games comprised of all players who were Gymkhana members.

The Gymkhana has contributed considerably towards the progress of Sports and game in Bombay and the rest of India, by organising Open Tournaments and encouraging the youth of the country by giving them a chance to see and play against the World class players in action and also of playing with them.

Along with the service that the Gymkhana has rendered to the sporting activities of its members, it has also catered to the social side as well. Social gatherings were arranged from time to time, annual athletic meets and fancy dress competitions were held. Treasure Hunt for motorists were also organised from time to time. Contributory Dinners for members and their guests, dramas, film shows, kite-flying competitions, picnics, musical concerts, etc., form regular part of the Gymkhana's annual programmes.

The Gymkhana has not lagged behind in the matter of contributing to any deserving cause, national or otherwise. It has contributed most generously to charities and funds, such as, Gujarat Relief Fund, Bengal Cyclone Fund, Bihar Famine Fund, Prime Minister's Drought Relief Fund, National Defence Fund, ect. It has helped in raising funds for deserving Cricketers and their families, and has admitted some outstanding sportsmen, who could not afford to join the Gymkhana for financial reasons, as Honorary Members, or made them regular members and charged them nominal fees.

In the end, one can safely say, looking to the enthusiasm of the members and the cooperation given by them and the general public that as glorious a future is assured for the Gymkhana as the past has been. Amen.