Good cheer at Parsi Ward

A jashan was performed at the Parsi Ward (No 28) of Bombay’s J. J. Hospital on March 21, 2007 to celebrate Jamshedi Navroz, as per a press release forwarded to Parsiana. This practice, introduced by the late Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Silloo Kavarana and Arnavaz Mistry, both eminent social workers, is being continued by the latter. Over 100 donors, well-wishers and others were present at the occasion, including Rustom Jejeebhoy, chairman, J. J. Charities, BPP chairman Minoo Shroff, BPP trustee Dinshaw Mehta, Rustom and Dinyar Tirandaz, Dr Rekha Gustad Daver and Dr Pravin Shingare, dean of J. J. Hospital.

The 50-year-old Parsi Ward, housed in an independent one-storey bungalow adjacent to the main entrance of the Hospital, has a capacity of 45 beds, with separate rooms for male and female patients. It is a home away from home for use by poor and aged Parsis who are provided with free medical facilities, clothes and food. Regular visits by doctors and physiotherapists ensure their wellbeing. Until 20 years ago the Parsi Ward was a neglected and dysfunctional unit. The situation changed when the determined duo of Kavarana and Mistry worked hard to transform it into a bright, cheerful and well-maintained place with marble flooring, surgical beds, cupboards, chairs, refrigerator, television and music system, notes the report.