Jagannath Sunkersett was born on 10th Feb 1803 in a wealthy Murkute family of Daivadnya community. His father was a rich businessman and a landlord. Jagannath received his early education from private tutores and soon became fluent in Marathi, Gujarathi, Sanskrit and English.

He want to see an all round development of Bombay. His initiative in this direction saw the setting up of the J.J.School of Art, The Prince Albert Museum and the Victoria Gardens. He was also instrumental in founding the Royal Asiatic Society. Visualising the importance and requirement of faster means of bulk transportation in the future, Jagannath Sunkersett formed the first Bombay Steam Navigation Company.

He also realised the need for the Railways. He formed the first Inland Railway Association, which persuaded the British to lay tracks from Bombay's Victoria Terminus to Thane. This later came to be known as the G.I.P. Railway, he was made one of its first Indian Directors.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India