In a time when Hong Kong was emerging as a vibrant commercial hub in Asia, one man stood at the heart of this transformation—Sir Hormusjee Naorojee Mody. A self-made Parsi businessman from Bombay, Mody brought ambition, vision, and generosity to the then-British colony, leaving an indelible mark on its development. His story, which spans over half a century in Hong Kong, continues to resonate as a model of what one individual can achieve through a commitment to education, community, and progress.
Early Life: A Journey from Bombay to Hong Kong
Born on October 12, 1838, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Mody was part of the Indian Parsi community, renowned for its rich history in commerce and philanthropy. At a young age, he ventured to Hong Kong in 1858, a journey inspired by the wave of Parsi merchants who sought new opportunities in the bustling port city. His arrival was facilitated by his uncle, Jehangirjee Buxey, who helped him settle into life in Hong Kong—a place that would become his home for the next fifty years.
With his entrepreneurial drive, Hormusjee Naorojee Mody soon found a footing in Hong Kong’s burgeoning economy. He initially worked as an auctioneer, dealing primarily in opium, which was a legal and lucrative trade at the time. Later, he gained experience in banking with the Bank of Hindustan, China and Japan. He also collaborated with Buxey and Company, where he demonstrated remarkable business acumen and resourcefulness.
Hormusjee Naorojee Mody’s insight into Hong Kong’s commercial potential led him to partner with Sir Catchick Paul Chater, a fellow Indian immigrant. Together, they established Chater and Mody, a brokerage firm that flourished in the real estate market, particularly after the British annexation of Kowloon in 1860. This venture marked the beginning of a series of contributions that would shape the future of Hong Kong.
Contributions to Commerce and Community: Building a Modern Hong Kong
In partnership with Chater, Hormusjee Naorojee Mody played a pivotal role in one of Hong Kong’s largest development projects of the 19th century—the Praya Reclamation Scheme of 1887. This massive undertaking extended the coastline of Victoria Harbour, providing valuable land for the expanding city. Through their visionary approach, Mody and Chater not only contributed to the growth of Hong Kong’s economy but also set the stage for its transformation into a global city.
Beyond business, Hormusjee Naorojee Mody’s contributions to the community were substantial. He was involved in founding key institutions that are still celebrated in Hong Kong today. Among them was the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which became a cornerstone of local social life and philanthropy, as well as the Kowloon Cricket Club, promoting community sports and recreation.
The Legacy of Education: Founding the University of Hong Kong
Mody’s most lasting legacy lies in the realm of education. A staunch advocate for knowledge, he was acutely aware of the value of education, especially because he, himself, lacked the academic opportunities he wished for. Mody saw education as a powerful tool to uplift future generations, which inspired his dream of establishing Hong Kong’s first university.
This dream became a reality when Mody joined forces with then-Governor Sir Frederick Lugard and Lady Flora Shaw Lugard, both of whom shared his vision of founding a world-class institution in Hong Kong. In 1910, Mody pledged a personal donation of $150,000—an extraordinary sum at the time—to lay the foundation for what would become the University of Hong Kong. His contribution nearly doubled to $285,000, thanks to his dedication and vision, and it became the cornerstone of the university’s endowment.
Mody’s own words at the university’s foundation ceremony on March 16, 1910, captured the profound personal motivations behind his philanthropy: “Throughout my long life, I have daily realized all I have missed for want of a sound education, and it was with the idea of in some measure providing for others what I was myself denied.”
Tragically, Sir Hormusjee Naorojee Mody did not live to see the university’s grand opening in 1912. However, his son, Naoroz Hormusjee Naoroji Mody, attended the ceremony, expressing pride and honoring his father’s vision, which had finally come to life.
A Life of Honor and Recognition
In recognition of his immense contributions, Hormusjee Naorojee Mody was knighted on the day of the university’s foundation ceremony in 1910. Governor Lugard announced this honor on behalf of King George V, appointing him a Knight Bachelor. Mody’s contributions were not only recognized locally; he was also awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government, underscoring his influence and prestige beyond Hong Kong.
Hormusjee Naorojee Mody earned the nickname “the Napoleon of the Rialto” for his success in business and was a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s horse-racing circuit. He won numerous races, including the prestigious Hong Kong Derby and Shanghai Derby, racing under the name “Mr. Buxey.” His influence in Hong Kong society was profound, touching all facets of life, from sports to community welfare and education.
Remembering Sir Hormusjee Naorojee Mody: A Lasting Legacy
Sir Hormusjee Naorojee Mody’s contributions continue to be remembered and celebrated throughout Hong Kong. Mody Road and Mody Square in Tsim Sha Tsui are named in his honor, serving as reminders of his impact on the city. His final resting place in the Hong Kong Parsee Cemetery in Happy Valley is a revered site, and his memory lives on in the annual Founder’s Day celebrations held at the University of Hong Kong.
Each year, the Parsi community, university students, and officials gather at the University of Hong Kong to pay tribute to Hormusjee Naorojee Mody. A prayer is held by a Zoroastrian priest before a bronze bust of Mody, a symbol of his undying commitment to education and progress. This bust, a gift from the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton, and Macao, stands proudly in the main building of the university, overlooking generations of students who benefit from his generosity.
In addition, the Hong Kong Jockey Club continues to honor Hormusjee Naorojee Mody with an annual horse race, the Mody Handicap, preserving his legacy in the world of sports.
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