[Letter to Jayaprakash Naryan]

Summary

In this confidential letter dated June 10, 1974, Minoo Masani writes to Jayaprakash Narayan about the proposed editorship of Everyman’s. He reports that Dilip Chitre was recommended to Goenka by Achyut Patwardhan, and that Goenka intends to make the final choice after meeting Narayan and consulting him.

Masani compares two candidates, apparently Shah and Chitre. He notes that Shah is already doing good work at Quest for a small honorarium, while Chitre is earning Rs. 1,500 or more from the Indian Express group and would be difficult to replace in Bombay. Masani nevertheless argues that Chitre is the more idealistic and creative candidate and would bring the freshness Everyman’s needs. He emphasizes that the recommendation is confidential and intended only for Narayan’s consideration.

Key points

• Masani writes confidentially to Jayaprakash Narayan about the editorship of Everyman’s.
• Dilip Chitre was recommended to Goenka by Achyut Patwardhan.
• Goenka is expected to make the final decision after meeting and consulting Narayan.
• Masani compares Shah’s work at Quest with Chitre’s position in the Indian Express group.
• He highlights the financial and practical difficulty of persuading Chitre to leave Bombay for Delhi.
• Masani ultimately regards Chitre as the more idealistic and creative candidate.
• The letter is explicitly restricted to Narayan’s personal consideration.