State’s 1st PhD dies at 100

Dr Ratan Marshall,100,the first person in Gujarat to get a doctorate degree,died here on Sunday. He is survived by son Rustom and two grandchildren.

Dr Marshall was born in Bharuch but spent his life in Surat where the municipal corporation felicitated him as an outstanding citizen. Having a flair for writing,he went to win awards from Gujarati Sahitya Parishad and Narmad Gold Medal for his works,said his son. The PhD thesis he wrote was based on a history of Gujarati journalism on which the University of Bombay awarded a doctorate.

A master orator on social issues,Dr Marshall was an avid activist of Gujarati and Parsee theatre where he made a name for himself as an accomplished director,actor and playwright,said his son. His besna will be held at his son’s house at Sunrise Park on Drive in Road on Tuesday.