Parsi Ward progresses

As a token of their commitment and support, over 100 well-wishers and donors joined in the Jamshedi Navroz jashan celebrations on March 21, 2006 at the Parsi Ward of the J. J. Hospital. This practice had been initiated 20 years ago by the late Silloo Kavarana and her colleague Arnavaz Mistry who had over the years played a major role in ensuring that the inmates of the Ward were well taken care of and their physical and medical needs were met.

From 26 beds in 1986, there were 45 beds in 2004-05. There are reportedly over 100 on the list awaiting admission, notes a press release from Edal Cassad. The poorest of the poor and those genuinely ailing are given priority in admission without any formalities or influence from anyone. The residents’ stay and medical treatment is totally free at this Ward and since many are geriatric, they are pampered like children, as per the write-up.

(Above) Jamshedi Navroz jashan at J. J. Hospital; (bottom) Mistry (right) and Gool Lala sit beside a patient

After the jashan Mistry briefed the gathering on the progress made at the Ward and whilst declaring her commitment to the cause, exhorted the benefactors to continue with their largesse. Among those present on the occasion were Rustom and Delara Jejeebhoy representing the founder Jamsetjee Jejee­bhoy’s family, present and erstwhile Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustees Din­shaw Mehta and Rustom Tirandaz, and Kavarana’s daughter Guloo Austin.

Over the years support has come from social service bodies like the Lioness Club of Cuffe Parade which provide essential items, the Young Rathestars who entertain the patients, industrial houses like Godrej which contribute towards the maintenance of the front and rear garden, and other benevolent Parsi charitable trusts and institutions as also individuals. Donations may be sent to Mistry at Mistry Manor, Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Dadar Parsi Colony, Bombay 400014, tel: 24147647, mob: 9821009289,e-mail:arnavazjal@redif f mail.com or to the J. J. Parsi Ward, 28, J. J. Hospital, Byculla, Bombay 400008.