Universal and Late Mr. M.G. Arora(MGA) were synonyms. The doyen nurtured law books for 75 years. MGA, a brilliant academician, humble, polite, soft spoken, gentle and friendly, was magnanimous. He was an erudite scholar. Bonding with him over 2 decades with my 9 books, imbibed and ignited in me a spirit, zeal and zest of a lawyer author. He gave a comfort level to Judges, Lawyers and academics to author creative, innovative and ingenious writings and comfortably leave the rest to him. His personal touch was stupendous. He generated an author bank. Happily, sons Pradeep, Sanjeev and Manish have genetically inherited these laudable traits. The show must go on . MGA is immortal.
As Late Mr Soli Sorabjee put it , bookshops are ” whisky shops`. I, most respectfully, agree. The mind soaks, as akin to the body. It is how you think to imbibe. MGA had 2 such loving haunts. 80 Gokhale Market, opposite Tis Hazari Courts, in existence for 64 years, is still my favourite browsing sanctuary . 40 years old Connaught Place Universal outlet, is another mind watering destination. Hours and days can be spent there. In a time and age when printed books are vanishing, MGA resurrected print versions, wearing a fragrance of physical paper, which authors nurture like children. MGA was the man. His rich 91 years of life on mother earth, promoting books, authors and institutions is unparalleled. My personal interactions, listening to him are embedded to enrich values in me.
In the annals of legal publishing in India, the name MGA emerges not merely as a contributor but as a visionary whose life’s work bridged the realms of legal academia and the practicing world. His journey, commencing on March 8, 1933, in what is now Pakistan, is a narrative of resilience, intellect, and an unwavering commitment to the dissemination of legal knowledge. The turbulence of partition in 1947 catalyzed his life’s direction, propelling him into the embrace of a nascent India, brimming with challenges and opportunities. It was amidst these transformative times that Arora found his calling in the legal domain, not as a practitioner but as a beacon guiding those who did. His initial years at a law bookshop in Allahabad were not just a job but the foundation stone of his future empire in legal publishing. This period honed his understanding of the legal fraternity’s needs, acquainting him with the intellectual giants of the time and nurturing an ambition that would redefine legal publishing in India.
The evolution of Universal Book Traders in Delhi, under MGA’s stewardship, from a modest beginning to a cornerstone of legal literature, is a testament to his foresight and entrepreneurial spirit. Arora’s deep-seated belief in the power of knowledge and education as the greatest services to humanity guided his enterprise’s ethos. The bookstore soon became a sanctuary for legal professionals, students, and academics alike, seeking both contemporary and classic legal texts. In 1995, MGA’s vision expanded into the realm of publishing with the inception of Universal Law Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd. This endeavor was not merely a business venture but a mission to fill the gaps in accessible, comprehensive, and affordable legal literature in India. His publications became essential reading for those within and beyond legal academia, embodying his philosophy that knowledge should transcend barriers and be a catalyst for justice and societal advancement.
MGA’s engagement with the legal community extended beyond the commercial. He was a constant presence at conferences, seminars, and workshops, engaging with legal luminaries, young scholars, and students. His autobiography, “Messenger of Legal Knowledge,” encapsulates these interactions, offering insights into the minds that have shaped Indian law and its interpretation. The book is a reflection of MGA’s life as intertwined with the evolution of legal thought in India, marked by anecdotes of his encounters with eminent personalities like Justice Krishna Iyer, Mr. Nani Palkhivala, and many others whose paths crossed with his. His dedication to the legal profession was recognized and honored by the community he served. However, Arora’s humility remained intact, considering his contributions as mere duties towards the society and the nation. His legacy is not confined to the books he sold or published but is deeply etched in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate to know him and in the fabric of the legal profession in India. MGA’s story is also a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in India, demonstrating that integrity, hard work, and vision can overcome any adversity. His life reminds us that while the law is a profession, its true essence lies in serving the public good, a principle that Arora embodied through his work.
As we mourn the loss of MGA, we also celebrate his life – a life that was a testament to the transformative power of education, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to societal progress. His departure leaves a void in the legal publishing world, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The institutions he built and the knowledge he disseminated have laid a foundation that will support the legal profession for years to come. In remembering MGA, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on an entire profession and the broader society. His life’s work transcends the realm of legal publishing, serving as a catalyst for intellectual growth, justice, and the betterment of society. MGA’s legacy is a beacon of light that will continue to guide and inspire, ensuring that his contributions to the world of legal knowledge and publishing will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
MGA left pearls of wisdom in the legal fraternity. He polished uncut stones and created diamond publications. This priceless wealth in the treasury of Universal bank is encashed every moment by a reader in need of intellectual property. The book bank balance overflows the seams. MGA in heaven, has left learned contributory authors to replenish it. MGA’s Universal Multinational Books empire was his gift to life and mankind. Adieu. I will miss you. RIP.
