Farewell, Soonu Aunty

Music teacher Soonu Doctor, who passed away in Poona recently, touched many lives. Rarely does one come across a person of such faith, sincerity and integrity. Soonu Aunty, as most of us fondly called her, was the best friend, teacher and guide that any student could ever have.

At first glance, Doctor seemed a simple, ordinary Parsi lady, but behind that curly mop of hair and bright smile was an extraordinary woman who showed us the true meaning of religion and what it means to be a good Zoroastrian.

When a friend first told me that Doctor was running a Gujarati choir class, I was somewhat skeptical about signing up. But at my mother’s firm insistence my brother and I joined the class, which changed my outlook on life forever. Not only did we sing old Gujarati monajats (devotional songs), we also learnt to read and write Gujarati, hear inspiring stories from the Shah Nameh, and empower ourselves with strong Zoroastrian values and ethics.

We had our share of fun with parties twice a year and picnics to Lonavala. On one such occasion we sang inside the Lonavala agiary and the local priest there was in tears when we finished. Our classes were so much fun. Every Saturday evening the hall of the Kadmi Agiary in Poona would come alive with the melodious voices of Zoroastrians ranging in age from four to 70. And it didn’t matter if you ‘brayed like a donkey’ as Doctor put it; if you attended her classes regularly, she would make sure that you would be up on the stage for the Navroz and Khordad Sal functions — mouthing the words — but still up there!

We would begin with a melodious recital of Yatha Ahu Vairyo and Ashem Vohu after which we sang a few monajats and other songs — some of which were composed by Doctor herself and set to modern foot-tapping music. We would spend the last 15 minutes of the class reading and writing Gujarati and end by singing Chhaiye hamé Zarthoshti, which made us very proud of our religion and community.

As our choir gained in popularity, many youngsters joined in. Doctor’s classes were conducted totally free of charge — she accepted nothing, even refusing gifts from anyone. It was her love for music and children, and her strong desire to impart good values to today’s generation which motivated her and kept her going till the end.

When our class was at its zenith, disaster struck. A few days before one of our shows Doctor fell terribly ill. She insisted that the show must go on, and it did, but without her presence the charm and charisma were missing. When we came to know that our beloved teacher was suffering from cancer, class attendance started to dwindle. A few months later Doctor returned to the class — her body weaker, but her faith and spirit as strong as ever. Often she was in terrible pain and could not even sit properly but she dragged herself to the class. Her whole heart and soul revolved around it and she was happiest while teaching her ‘children.’

But the dwindling attendance broke her heart. As her condition worsened, she needed to be hospitalized frequently. When we went to meet her in hospital she was brave and optimistic about returning to her class. But she soon lost the battle against cancer and passed away. When I went to pay my last respects she was lying in eternal slumber with a smile on her face – as if she was at peace with everything around her. Her funeral was well attended – there was not a single dry eye amongst those present.

Soonu Doctor: taught music, Zoroastrian values

Doctor’s passing away has left a vacuum in our hearts; one that will never be filled, even with the passage of time. The community has lost an angel sent from above to show the community what love, faith, devotion and religion really mean. Saturday evenings will never be the same again. But she will continue to live in the hearts of all those who have been touched by her warmth and goodness. She has left us a legacy which we will treasure.

NATASHA VIRAF DEBOO

Poona

Soonu Doctor, a teacher par excellence who gifted young Zoroastrians of Poona with a treasure trove of invaluable monajats, humbandagis and khushali na geet, left for her heavenly abode as 2006 came to an end. Her priceless heritage will be treasured by those who inherited it.

When I first heard the magnificent rendition of Yatha Ahu Vairyo by Doctor’s choir echoing in the recesses of the Kadmi Agiary hall in Poona with the right intonations I felt tears blur my eyes. Never had I heard anything so breathtakingly beautiful and profound: every cell in my body could feel an inexplicable divine presence. As I soaked in the ethereal feel of the sacred prayer I knew that not just my daughter but I too wanted to be a part of this legendary teacher’s classes that had gained immense popularity and earned her deep respect over the years.

Having been on the teaching staff of Sardar Hormuzdiar Dastur School for over 40 years this amazing woman had taught many a Zoroastrian student who fondly remembered her and often came to greet her when we practised every Saturday in the agiary hall. No auspicious occasion in Poona was complete without her loyal band of singers. Under her strict guidance, with loads of practice and dollops of discipline she raised the bar, training everyone to achieve her exacting standards. Doctor dug deep into her repertoire of mellifluous ancient songs and passed them on to the next generation.

She never charged a single paisa for her dedicated service nor accepted gifts of any sort. But she expected all to attend her class come rain or sun, exams or unit tests, birthdays or functions. There were times when Doctor herself was terribly ill, but she would make sure that she was there. It was only when she was afflicted with cancer nearly two years ago that she gradually handed over the reins to Khursheed, one of her dedicated and loyal students. Her passing has created a void for her devoted students. But wherever this amazing teacher is, she will continue to strike the highest musical octave and create joy, serenity and beauty for all.

FARIDA MASTER

Auckland, New Zealand