Homage for heroes

Vispi Dastur, president of The Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) garlanded the statue of Dr Dadabhai Naoroji at Hutatma Chowk on the 183rd birth anniversary of the Grand Old Man of India on September 4, 2008, on behalf of the Association, as per a write-up received by Parsiana from the BPA. Garlands were also offered on behalf of the Navsari Parsi Association, Iran League and the Bombay municipal corporation by Adale Patel, Kainaz Irani and Dasrath Shule respectively.

Rich tributes were paid to Naoroji by Dastur, erstwhile chairman of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) Minoo Shroff, former BPP trustee and Navsari Parsi Association president Burjor Antia, BPP public relations officer Godrej Dotivala, religious scholar and newly elected BPP trustee Khojeste Mistree and community historian Marzban Giara. Among those present were Aloo Shroff, Tehmina Peer, Soli Mistry, Gev Bhamgara, Eruch Kasad, Dara Irani, Homiyar Sherdiwalla, Khu­da­baksh Irani and Sheroo Meherji, the BPA informs.

Vispi Dastur garlanding Dadabhai Naoroji’s statue

Two days later the BPA honored the memory of community members from the armed forces who had sacrificed their lives for the country during World War I and subsequent conflicts by laying wreaths at the War Memorial at Khareghat Colony on Farvardin mah, Farvardin roz. After the Last Post was sounded, a humbandagi was led by Antia. Wreaths were laid by Dastur, Antia, Comdrs Aspi Marker and Medioma Bhadha, chief executive officer of the BPP Mehli Colah, Dotivala and Mistree, the write-up reveals.

Present at the gathering were office bearers of the Khareghat Colony Welfare Association Jal Thanewalla, Rusi Bhumgara, Ervad Cyrus Dastoor and others. Many were the tributes paid to the heroes of the past as well as to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Lt Gen Adi Sethna and other members of the armed forces who had recently expired, the write-up records. The function concluded with those present standing in solemn silence for two minutes in memory of the departed souls.