Teacher and Preacher

A large number of residents of Rustom Baug and surrounding areas attended a condolence meeting on September 30, 2007, to commemorate the life of the late Ervad Rustomji Panthaki who had enlightened young children of the area on matters concerning religion. Panthaki, who passed away on May 26, 2007 at the age of 90, would come rain or shine to Rustom Baug every Sunday for 30 years, writes Kumi Daroowala, president emeritus of the Rustom Baug Association, in a write-up forwar­ded to Parsiana.

His love for children and the religion inspired Panthaki, an ordinary mobed in an agiary, to embark on his career as a teacher first in Rustom Baug and later at the Dadar Athornan Madressa where he was principal for 30 years. His former students, who have done well in all walks of life, have not forgotten their teacher or his wife Jalamai who had mothered them when they were under his charge. Daroowala recalls that Panthaki was called "the Pied Piper of Hamlin” because when the classes were over a group of laughing and singing children would follow him right up to the gate of the colony!

Ervad Rustomji Panthaki: inspiring teacher

Panthaki’s mantle was passed to Ervad Jal Kutar who taught numerous children their daily and navjote prayers and prepared many boys for their navar and maratab ceremonies. In memory of his father, Kutar’s son, Aspi, now residing in Toronto, sent a cheque of Rs 15,000 which is being used as seed money to establish a suitable memorial such as a scholarship fund in Panthaki’s name, and a token cheque of Rs 5,000 for Jalamai, notes Daroowala.

The religious education of the colony children is now in the capable hands of Ervad Cyrus Sidhwa under the guidance of Ervad Ramiyar Karanjia and Mithoo Jesia, the write-up reveals.