Sadri Foundation

A Zoroastrian couple who lived, loved, endured and prospered, has left a legacy of approximately £ 6.5 million sterling for the benefit of the homeless dispossessed, for education and welfare, and for assisting Zoroastrians in need, in India and the UK. The Erach and Roshan Sadri Foundation, formed in August 2005, on Roshan’s first death anniversary, commemorates the causes she held dear.

The first grants defrayed by the trust in March 2006 total £ 66,228, distributed among nine applicants, one of them being for the medical education of a Zoroastrian girl from Bombay. The trustees are expected to meet twice a year, in March and September, to consider the applications received. If necessary, they may even have two additional meetings in a year, if the applications are enough to require them to do so.

The Foundation’s website, www.ersf.org.uk, lists the criteria under which applications may be made and provides a guideline for positive results. The application form can be downloaded from the same website and addressed to the Foundation’s administrator, Mark Cann who may be reached on markcann@ersf.org.uk

Late benefactors Erach and Roshan Sadri

The website provides the background and enterprise of the philanthropic couple. When they first met Roshan was in her early 20s, working as a sales assistant in a John Lewis store while studying for a degree in the social sciences. The romance culminated in marriage and an initially adventurous life in Afghanistan where Erach flew Dakota planes — known in the profession as "old tin buckets” — while Roshan taught in an international school in Kabul. The wild terrain seemed to suit their pioneering spirit.

Returning to England and a more stable lifestyle, Roshan took on social work while Erach started the House­masters Company, importing luggage, travel goods and household items. Roshan joined him in the business three years later. Their determination, hard work and sunny personalities made for a successful cocktail.

After Erach succumbed to a sudden heart attack in 1990, Roshan soldiered on for another seven years before selling the business and devoting more of her time to charities and local politics. She was said to be particularly active with the Star and Garter Home and the British Forces Foundation, raising and contributing large funds to these and several other causes.

Roshan’s "determination and business acumen was just one side of her ability and personality. To many she was a mother figure, a counselor and a friend. She always had time to listen and provide help or assistance. She never forgot her friends and those who got to know her will never forget her,” states the Fund’s website.