[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This is a brief handwritten personal note dated 27th February 1971, sent from Clark House, Wodehouse Road (opposite Sahakari Bhandar), Colaba, Bombay, and signed “Persis.” It is addressed to “Minoo uncle” — Minoo Masani — on the eve of the 1971 general election in which Masani was contesting his Rajkot Lok Sabha seat as a Swatantra Party candidate.

The writer wishes Masani “all the very best in the forthcoming election,” recalls the excitement of his previous election, and expresses regret that she cannot be there in person this time. She notes that she must still be registered on the rolls there and would have liked to come and cast her vote in his favour, adding parenthetically that she does not think he will need it. She closes with love to “aunty Shakuntala” (Masani’s wife) and a final wish of “all the best.” The document is a one-page personal artefact rather than a political statement, and its historical value lies in illustrating the intimate familial and social network around Masani during the 1971 campaign.

Key points

• One-page handwritten personal letter to Minoo Masani, dated 27 February 1971, from Clark House, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Bombay.
• Sender signs herself simply “Persis” and addresses Masani as “Minoo uncle,” indicating a family or family-friend relationship.
• Written on the eve of the 1971 Indian general election, in which Masani was contesting as a Swatantra Party candidate.
• Writer conveys good wishes for the “forthcoming election” and recalls the excitement of Masani’s previous campaign.
• Expresses regret at being unable to be present to cast her vote, while assuring Masani she does not believe he will need it.
• Sends love to “aunty Shakuntala,” Masani’s wife, who is with him during the campaign.
• Item bears the archival reference number 213253 and the collection folio 117.