GRB
Social Worker and Philanthropist

Gulestan Rustom Billimoria

· Maharashtra

Founded and led the Savera Special School for children with disabilities in Mumbai.

Gulestan Rustom Billimoria was an Indian philanthropist, social worker, writer and painter, best known for her services for the special needs children of Mumbai.

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A detail that
surprised us

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One of Gulestan Rustom Billimoria’s paintings is part of the permanent collection at Mumbai’s Prince of Wales Museum, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.

The Story

1
In 1957, Gulestan Rustom Billimoria held the prestigious post of Sheriff of Mumbai, a role that placed her at the forefront of civic ceremonies during a transformative era in post-independence India.
2
🎨 Between 1922 and 1937, she served as the lady superintendent of the Alexandra Girls' English Institution, Mumbai, shaping education for young women while also pursuing her passion as a painter, with her artwork displayed at the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai.
3After marrying Rustomji Bomanji Billimoria, founder of the Bel-Air Hospital, she took charge of managing its functions, blending healthcare leadership with social reform in Mumbai’s medical scene.
4💡 She co-founded the Savera Special School (Gulestan and Billimoria School) under the Maharashtra State Women's Council, an institution dedicated to children with mental and physical disabilities, marking a critical advancement in Mumbai’s special needs education sector.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1957, Gulestan Rustom Billimoria was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai, a ceremonial role that placed her among the few women of the era to hold such a civic position in post-independence India.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Career
Became Lady Superintendent at Alexandra Girls’ School
Took charge of the Alexandra Girls' English Institution in Mumbai, guiding education for young women until 1937.
1922
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Education
Fellow and Senate Member at University of Mumbai
During her college years at St. Xavier's, served as a fellow for two terms and was on the university senate.
c.1930
⚡
Career
Managed Bel-Air Hospital functions
After marrying Rustomji Bomanji Billimoria, she took over managing the Bel-Air Hospital under the Indian Red Cross Society in Mumbai.
c.1940
⚡
Career
Appointed Sheriff of Mumbai
Served as Sheriff from December 20, 1956, to December 19, 1957, representing Mumbai in official civic functions.
1957
⚡
Career
Co-founded Savera Special School
Helped establish the Savera Special School in Mumbai for mentally and physically handicapped children under the Maharashtra State Women's Council.
c.1960
🏅
Award
Received Padma Bhushan Award
Honored by the Government of India with the Padma Bhushan for her social work and philanthropy.
1972
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Her painting exhibited at the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai reflects her recognition not just as a social reformer but as an artist whose work was preserved in a major cultural institution.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

She was a fellow of the University of Mumbai for two terms and served as a member of its senate during her college years at St. Xavier’s College, a rare academic governance role for women in early 20th century Mumbai.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

The Savera Special School, which she helped found, was one of the earliest dedicated institutions for mentally and physically handicapped children in Mumbai, established under the Maharashtra State Women's Council.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Gulestan Rustom Billimoria’s leadership in founding the Savera Special School provided lasting infrastructure for special needs education in Mumbai, influencing state policies on disability welfare. The annual Gulestan and Rustom Billimoria Endowment Lecture continues to inspire discourse on social reform and philanthropy. Her stewardship of the Bel-Air Hospital integrated healthcare delivery with social care in the city’s evolving medical landscape.

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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