MUMBAI: Daughter of the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Rattanbai Petit, Dina Wadia, passed away on Thursday at the age of 98.
Dina Wadia, born August 15, 1919, was the only child of Quaid-e-Azam. She visited Pakistan in 2004, which was the second time she visited the country.
Wadia first came to Pakistan after her fathers passing in 1948. During her second visit she paid her respects at her father’s mausoleum where she wrote in the guest register:
“This has been very sad and wonderful for me. May his dream for Pakistan come true”
In 1947 when Pakistan was founded, Dina Wadia had opted for Indian citizenship. Wadia’s relationship with her father, according to uncorroborated accounts, but claimed by Muhammed Ali Currim Chagla, had fallen apart when she chose to marry a Parsi, Neville Wadia.
Though Jinnah never sent a legal notice disowning her, their correspondence after her marriage became formal. Her father addressed her formally as Mrs Wadia.
Her son, Nusli Wadia, is a prominent businessman and is often named in the list of India’s most successful ones. He is also one of the most prominent among the Parsi community.
