New chairman emeritus

For the first time in the history of the almost 330-year-old Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) a new post of chairman emeritus has been created. "Taking into consideration the long and meritorious services rendered to the community” by Jamshed Guzder, the present BPP chairman, it was unanimously resolved by the board of trustees at their meeting on November 7, 2002, that Guzder be designated as chairman emeritus from January 29, 2003, his last day in office, notes a press release issued by the Punchayet.

Guzder: meritorious services

As chairman emeritus Guzder will be expected to grace certain social occasions and lend his expertise and profundity of knowledge when sought by the board, clarified BPP chief executive Behram Dastur. He will not though form a part of the quorum nor participate in the decisions taken by the board, noted Dastur. Papers will not generally be sent to him unless he specifically asks for them. He will officiate "more as a figurehead; a sensible, balanced figurehead,” noted Dastur.

Guzder was first elected as trustee of the BPP in early 1975. Barring a 10-month absence when he had not sought reelection against Naoroji Godrej in 1985 but came in unopposed when Jal Vima­da­lal resigned from the Punchayet in 1986, Guzder has enjoyed a long innings with the Punchayet as also many other community institutions.

When he joined the BPP board he was a leading industrialist, having considerable experience with N. S. Guzder and Company. He had started the first Air Cargo Agency in India, the precursor to the present AFL Limited. Besides being managing director of National Peroxide, among the reputed companies where he has been director are Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Limited, Herdillia Chemicals and Josts Engineering Company Limited.