Benevolent bounty

Once you met Mehroo Noshir Dabhoiwala, you could not ignore her. Not only was she bestowed with a beautiful face, disarming smile and powerful personality, but she also dared to act when needed. She never minced words or drew back when a situation demanded firm action or careful, close attention. Most important was her humane approach and she took courageous steps with benevolent motive whenever she could.

As early as 1963, she was the first lady appointed as officer in Bank of India, Surat. After her schooling at Khandala and Bombay, Mehroo (née Bhagat) passed her MA (Economics) with Honors.

Dabhoiwala: humane approach

It was fortunate that she married Noshir Dabhoiwala, a man with varied interests and exposure. They undertook the mission of offering their time, energy and money judiciously and within their limits, without discrimination of caste. Surat Raktadan Kendra, Ekta Trust, Ap-Mrutyu (Unnatural Death) Nivaran Sanstha, Sarvodaya Trust in addition to Parsi Pragati Mandal and several holy places of the community in and outside Surat are a few organizations which benefited from their support.

On March 27, 2000 death took her away to the other world after which Noshir founded a Trust in her memory with an initial input of Rs 15 lakhs for furthering their work. The cosmopolitan Trust offers relief to the poor, assistance in times of medical necessity, and promotes education, etc.

Furthermore Noshir has donated an additional Rs 25 lakhs to causes like Vadi Bunder Gahmbar Fund, Sheth P. K. V. Kadmi Atash Behram, Bisney Adarian, Goti Adarian as well as Modi Atash Behram and Doongerwadi.

If somebody wished to depict her, photographs of flowers at the Surat Doon­ger­wadi where she worked untiredly despite ill-health would be quite appropriate. As is said, "The flower passes away, but its fragrance lingers.”

RUSI BESANIA

Surat