Years ago, many Kutchis left their motherland and made Mumbai their motherland.1
Kalyanji Shivaji from Kutch Mandvi came to Mumbai in the year 1840 to get employment. The sea was till Masjid Bunder. The boat use came from the sea and stood about 300 meters away from the shore & laborers use to carry tourists on their shoulders to the shore. Kalyanji also used to do this wage. He would take 1 paisa of this labor work. On the day when it became 10 paisa, he used to work for free without taking any money. This was his oath.
One day the railway inspector Sir Anderson came to Mumbai by boat. Kalyanji brought him to the shore with his shoulder. Sir Andersen gave Kalyanji four annas, but that day Kalyanji got 10 paisa. Talking about his oath, he refused to take money.
Sir Anderson was very impressed. He gave his visiting card to Kalyanji.
One day Kalyanji felt like meeting Sir Anderson, he reached his office. They were happy to see Kalyanji. He told Kalyanji to leave this labor work and do some good work.
At that time, construction work was going on the railway track. Sir Andersen gave this contract to Kalyanji. Kalyanji did not have experience, but accepted the contract.
Sir Anderson went to inspect from time to time, pleased to see Kalyanji’s work ethic and sincerity. They used to call Kalyanji by the nickname of Kalyan.
Kalyanji completed the work 6 months ahead of schedule. India’s first train – ran from Bori port to Thane in 16/4/1853. At that time the naming of the stations beyond the police station was pending. A greeting ceremony was held on the occasion. Sir Andersen spoke to Kalyanji on the stage of diligence, honesty and his oath, paid homage to him and named the station on the outskirts of the Central Railway “Kalyan” in memory of this true man.
The people of Kutch are really proud with diligence, leaven and sincerity, the Kutchis have made their mark all over the world.