Celebrating India at 75

75 Years On

August 15th marks 75 years since India gained its Independence from the British Empire in 1947. This momentous occasion is deeply rooted in the history of the country and serves as a constant reminder to all Indians of the struggle for freedom of the past, and encourage those to partake for the future of their country.

Now 75 years on, the country has developed its position of power on the world stage, along with cultural diversity as we embark on a new future. Creating new opportunities for achievement, progress, and prosperity for its large population of citizens, India has and continues to inspire the rest of the world.

At Greaves, we share our country's vision and are excited to play our role in the country’s 75th Independence Day celebrations by highlighting special events and initiatives throughout the anniversary celebrations with our clients. We endeavour to be part of this historic occasion, inspired by the milestones India has made.

The Eros (Cambata Building)

The Eros (the theatre within 'The Cambata Building') is one of the historic landmarks in south Mumbai’s Oval precinct neighborhood.

Originally commissioned by Shiavax Cawasji Cambata in 1935 and inaugurated three years later in 1938, this iconic art deco building is an architectural icon within the city and has been home to a theatre for decades, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation to bring this historic building into the 21st century.

Born in 1883, Shiavax Cawasji Cambata, our founder, Rustom Cambata's father, was at the forefront of shaping Mumbai into what it is today from the beginning. Described as a 'cosmopolitan and well-traveled man' it was from his various travels that the inspiration behind The Eros was born (Art Deco Mumbai, 2021).

Pictured above is the inaugural brochure of The Eros, which playfully refers to this theatre as 'The Rendevous of the East', illuding to its significant place in the world of architecture, not just in India, but around the world.

Cambata Family History

Born and raised in India, Rustom Cambata and his wife, Jean raised their children Anita (Director of Greaves Tours India), Shahrookh (Chairman of Greaves Tours), Mehra and Tina, in the idyllic Malabar Hill neighborhood located outside the city center of Mumbai. It is here, at home in India, that Greaves has its roots as one man’s legacy has spanned three generations.

Rustom Cambata, the pioneer of Greaves today, overcame many challenges and changes in his life. Flying small planes for coal-mining work in India soon led to a passion for travel, and with his family in tow, his children were soon well-travelled and shared his passion for traveling & adventure. He always believed the true value of integrity and loyalty, and that family must come before all else. Upon moving to the UK, Rustom's entrepreneurial spirit turned his passion for travel and knowledge of India into a small, family-operated agency. Ever the innovator, he always looked to the future, and one of his proudest accomplishments was to see three generations of the family working in the business, still in leadership roles today. We have since grown from a single location in London to a global, award-winning company spanning four countries.

Greaves prides itself on our ability to show our clients around India, not only because we're experts, but because it is home. And having a history as rich as that means that the way we do business is naturally different. Every dollar that clients spend with us helps us to give back through one of the several local charities we support, and it helps us to give thanks as we look back on our rich history with this vibrant country.