Going strong at 99

On October 9, 2007 the Parsi Zoroastrians of Hong Kong organized a dinner function to celebrate the 99th birthday of Ervad Jal Savakshah Pestonji Kuka who had served their community as priest for 17 years until his retirement in 1980, reveals a write-up sent to Parsiana by Marzban J. Giara. Such is Kuka’s popularity that long after his retirement in Bombay he and his wife were invited to attend the inauguration of the new Zoroastrian building in Hong Kong. Earlier, Kuka had officiated as priest at the Parsi prayer hall at Shanghai for 15 years from 1931 to 1946. Between 1946 and 1962 he worked as storekeeper at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay before returning to his priestly calling in Hong Kong.

Enjoying good health and remaining active at this advanced age, Kuka is well set to complete a century. Born in 1908 at Tehmulji’s Parsi Lying-in Hospital, Bombay, Kuka received his education at the Sir J. J. School from Standard IV to matriculation. For seven years he studied at the Dadar Athornan Boarding Madressa where he was enrolled in the first batch of students, being ordained as a navar and maratab at Surat’s Modi Atash Behram.

Piloo and Ervad Jal Kuka: active at an advanced age

Kuka’s parents lived at Dastur Baug, Naigaum Cross Road in Dadar since 1909 with their six sons and three daughters. His father served as a priest at Narielvala Agiary and was also active with the Athornan Mandal. In 1926 Kuka moved to Dadar Parsi Colony.

His family members feared that Kuka would never marry. Though he met his future wife, Piroja (Piloo) Hormusji Mistry, while holidaying in Kashmir, he married her 13 years later in 1965 when he was 57 years of age. Sharing a love for the outdoors, the couple has traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, Canada, Africa, USA and Australia. They also enjoyed their experience as passengers on the QE2 luxury liner. For several years they went regularly to the Bahadurji Sanatorium in Deolali for a few months. They visit the Rustom Faramna Agiary and Five Gardens every day.

In 1991 Kuka was elected to the Anjuman Committee with the highest number of votes from Dadar. Among Kuka’s hobbies is reading. A man of few words, he is a good listener. Thrifty by nature, he believes in simple living and high thinking. He is philanthropic, contributing regularly towards noble causes. His illustrious nonagenarian cousin, Ervad Irach S. Kuka, author of several books, is the managing trustee of Dadar Athornan Madressa.

When asked about the secret of his long and useful life, Kuka modestly informed Giara that he believes in simplicity, regular habits and walking. His wife adds: "He never overeats.”