Kantilal Jivan

Kantilal Jivan Shah (1922–2010), also known as Kanti, was a Seychellois conservationist. He has been described as a guru, historian, natural history expert, palmist, vegetarian cook and teacher, photographer, artist and sculptor, agronomist and intellectual.[2]

Kantilal Jivan
Kantilal Jivan Shah sitting at a table and holding a pen
Born1922
Gujarat, India
Died2010
Victoria Hospital, Victoria, Seychelles[1]
Occupation(s)Politician, Historian

Early life

In 1922, Shah was born in Gujarat, India. When he was five years old, his family moved to Seychelles.[3]

Career

Shah ran an export and import business established by his father in 1890, conducted through a colonial store in Victoria purchased by his family in 1925.[2] His store, named Jivan Imports, sold textiles and local souvenirs, with his living space and library located on the second floor.[4] He was better known for his environmentalism and ecotourism work in Seychelles and as a leading historian and folklorist.[5] He was a committee member of various organizations such as the Alliance Francaise, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Seychelles Environment Trust Fund.[6]

Works

Shah produced the first coloured calendars and postcards for the governor of Seychelles using his own photographs.[2]

Shah contributed to a booklet titled The History of Paper Currency in the Seychelles, published on June 29, 2006, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Seychellois independence.[7]

Environmentalism

Shah was involved in conservation and environmental activities, including raising public awareness, creation of national parks and nature reserves like the Ste. Anne Marine National Park and Port Launay Marine National Park, and protective legislation for marine life, such as the Protection of Shells Act, Animal and Bird Protection, Controlled Cropping of Seabirds' Eggs, and Protection of Turtles.[8]

Politics

In 1965, Shah was elected to Victoria District Council to represent the Pier Ward. He later acted as chairman.[1]

Media presence
Kantilal Jivan Shah seated

Shah promoted Seychelles globally through magazines, TV programmes, newspapers and guides,[9] and was also featured in international media, such as in programmes and broadcasts from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[2] He was a host to some influential global personalities like Queen Elizabeth II and Mother Teresa to Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. The latter featured Jivan as a character in his last Bond novel. He also acted in a movie with the actor Omar Sharif.

Awards and memberships

Shah was included in the UN Environmental Program Global 500 Roll of Honour as an adult award winner in 1990 for over 30 years of conservation work.[8] He also became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1990. Shah was honoured by the Royal Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters.[9]

Death

Shah died in 2010 at the age of 88 in Victoria Hospital.[1] He was survived by his son Nirmal Shah, the chief executive of Nature Seychelles.[2]

References
  1. Durup, Julien (2010-10-30). "Tribute to Kantilal Jivan Shah 1922-2010-Goodbye my friend". Seychelles Nation. National Information Services Agency. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  2. Malbrook, Julia; Bonnelame, Betymie (2016-03-07). "Jivan Shah: A Seychellois legend still missed by the near and far". Seychelles News Agency. Seychelles News Agency. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  3. PTI (2015-03-11). "Narendra Modi lauds Kantilal Shah's environmental work in Seychells[sic]". The Economic Times. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  4. Ernesta, Sharon (2019-05-16). "6 shops in Seychelles that have remained open for decades". Seychelles News Agency. Seychelles News Agency. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  5. Powell, Bill (1999-05-01). "A long way from the allotment". travel.telegraph. Telegraph Group Limited. Archived from the original on 2006-02-06. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  6. Publications, Europa (2001). The Environment Encyclopedia and Directory 2001. Psychology Press. p. 538. ISBN 978-1-85743-089-9.
  7. "New book traces history of paper currency in Seychelles". Seychelles Nation. National Information Services Agency. June 2006. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  8. Maybaum, Mary Ann (2003-12-09). "Adult Award Winner in 1990 - Kantilal Jivan Shah". UNEP Global 500 Forum. United Nations Environment Programme. Archived from the original on 2011-09-26. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  9. Jajbhay, Rafiq. "Seychelles – The Indian Connection". Lenzinfo. Lenasia Indicator. Archived from the original on 2007-03-12. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
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