Saluting Shroff

Terming the speakers on the dais "a dream team,” World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) Poona Chapter head Adi Engineer paid his tributes to former Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Minoo Shroff terming him "not just an individual achiever (but) a catalyst.”

The function hosted by WZCC India to felicitate Shroff "in appreciation of his sterling contribution to the community” was held on November 7, 2008 on the Cusrow Baug lawns. Shroff is president of the WZCC India Chapter. Terming him "unflappable” and "quick on the draw” Engineer noted that the WZCC under his leadership "seamlessly worked with all organizations.”

Billionaire businessman and property developer Pallonji Mistry made a rare pubic appearance to praise the "three decades of service” Shroff contributed to the community "initiating several new projects.” Noting that the BPP’s venture capital fund [first mooted by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI)] is "helping young Parsis,” Mistry noted he was "one of the first contributors to the fund.” Shroff often taps Mistry’s largesse for community projects. Terming him "modest,” Mistry added that he was also "a consistently outstanding achiever… an exception and not the rule.”

Dr J. J. Irani Kt., a director of Tata Sons commented that Shroff "rekindled in me the desire to do something for the community.” As a former managing director of TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company) now Tata Steel, Irani had spent most of his life in the east Indian township of Jamshedpur where he heads the local anjuman. Shroff and others persuaded him to take up the East Zone vice presidency of the FPZAI.

Clockwise from top left : Dr J. J. Irani, Minoo Shroff and Pallon Mistry. : Kersi Limathwalla with Dinshaw Mehta.; (right) Mehroo Bengalee with Firoz Kharas ; Patsy Mistry, Daisy Irani and Villoo Shroff; (L to R): Nadir Modi, Adi Engineer, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, Dadi Mistry and Farrokh Rustomjee. Below: Zarine Commissariat ; A section of the audience and

He termed Shroff "a rare professional in public life without a personal agenda.” Stating that "values do not change” Irani noted that Shroff and "the Parsi community is a symbol of (these) values.” He thanked Shroff "for giving us your leadership.”

Like the Raymond suiting advertisement states, Shroff is also "‘the complete man,’ in every sense of the word,” stated noted jurist Nadir Modi. "He is the quintessential Zoroastrian who symbolizes the best qualities of our community. Just to know him is a liberal education for us.” Likening Shroff to "a very capable captain of the ship” both in calm and rough waters, Modi stressed that "sensible compromises are a must for a small community like ours.”

Delhi Parsi Anjuman president Dadi Mistry recalled how Shroff and he "started life in (the firm of) J. N. Marshall and Company.” They "lost touch” till community activities drew them together. He spoke of Shroff’s "humility and readiness to help anyone and everyone…we are going to miss you.”

BPP chairman Dinshaw Mehta recalled the 14 years he had served with Shroff on the BPP. "We worked together in the essence of the community’s welfare.” Terming the introduction of universal adult franchise in the BPP trusteeship elections as one of Shroff’s "major achievements” Mehta said the "community was indebted to him.”

Addressing the distinguished gathering Shroff noted his "22 years odyssey at the Bombay Parsi Punchayet has been exciting and arduous.” With "more than 50 years in public life” he was grateful "my sanity is still intact.” Shroff questioned whether his retirement from the BPP was "a relief for me or for the community.” He offered some "unsolicited advice” to the newly elected trustees: "The party is over.” With the "huge expectations” all the candidates had raised, now was the time "for sober reflection on the tasks ahead.” He noted that 15 percent of the community is "grossly underprivileged.”

Though he had his differences with his co-trustees in the past Shroff noted, "they seldom doubted my bona fides even if my judgment was weak.”

WZCC international vice president Kersi Limathwalla said Shroff would be remembered "for his approach to bring consensus into the boardroom, his tireless effort to converge different views and the diligence with which he applied himself.”

The function, sponsored by Zarir Bhathena of Hilla Builders, was compered by WZCC International Corporate secretary Zarine Commissariat. Honorary Secretary of the association Farrokh Rus-tomjee proposed a vote of thanks.