Navroz at Parsi Ward

The inmates of the Parsi Ward of J. J. Hospital look forward to Jamshedi Navroz each year with great anticipation as it has been celebrated there for the past two decades. This year on March 21 nearly 150 well-wishers of the Ward, including Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and Lady Delara, Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Dinshaw Mehta, dignitaries from the J. J. Group of Hospitals such as Dr Rekha Davar, professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Varang, resident medical officer, and above all BPP trustee Arnavaz Mistry who is deemed the soul of the J. J. Parsi ward, were present at the celebrations, Parsiana was informed in a write-up sent by Edal J. Cassad.

The celebrations commenced with a jashan ceremony. All those who had passed away during the preceding year were remembered while a tandarosti was intoned for all 45 existing patients, followed by a humbandagi by all present. The congregation then moved to the main hall where Mistry thanked well-wishers and benefactors of the Ward for their continued support. She recalled the arduous election process and the malicious attempt made by an unknown person to tarnish the good name of the Ward and thanked Sir Jamsetjee for his unequivocal support at that time, as in all her endeavors.

Sir Jamsetjee recalled the incomparable work done for the Ward by the late Silloo Kavarana and expressed happiness that Mistry is carrying on her unfinished tasks. Zarin Havewala enlightened the gathering on the life and times of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, First Baronet, whose 225th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. She stressed that his legacy continues to this day, and that the community is greatly indebted to this illustrious family, Cassad notes.

Fali Pocha recalled the contribution of Faredoon Irani in refurbishing the Ward, which was then in a dilapidated condition. Jaloo Behramfram recollected that when her own grandfather lived there the Ward was in such a bad state that it’s hard to believe the present clean and bright premises could be the same. Jini Daruwala, cousin of one of the inmates, appreciated the care showered by Mistry on the residents. The late Rustom Tirandaz, a regular at the celebrations for many years, was greatly missed, rues Cassad. His speeches, in his unique style, were looked forward to by everyone.

Ushering in spring at the J. J. Parsi Ward

Thereafter, the guests were taken around the Ward, where 27 males and 18 females are housed in eight airy rooms. Each resident is provided with a surgical bed, locker and bed table for dining. The Ward is well maintained with painted walls, spick and span flooring, clean bathrooms and a green compound around it. All the residents expressed satisfaction at the way in which they are looked after by Mistry, Aspi Parakh, Havewala, and other dedicated social workers.

Mistry informed those present that this is the only old age "home” in Bombay for members of the community which admits bedridden or handicapped persons, housing and treating them free of charge, the write-up reveals. Dr Rushad Udwadia is the honorary doctor in-charge of the Ward, while physiotherapy is undertaken by Dr S. V. Jagtap.

A few times each year professional singers and entertainers are invited to the Ward to regale the patients. Religious sermons are also held there. The more physically fit patients are taken to the atash behram at least once a year. Members of Young Rathestars and other organizations visit the patients.

An outhouse used by the PWD for storing goods has been converted into a morgue and used as a temporary resting place for the departed. Here, the relatives may light a lamp and pray till the hearse from the Doongerwadi arrives and other formalities at the hospital are finalized. Havewala stated that this was an initiative of Mistry, and it was through her untiring efforts that the outhouse was repaired and put to better use, mentions the write-up.

Mistry thanked the doctors, matrons, nurses and all the staff members for their untiring efforts to bring comfort to poor and needy patients. Those present were thereafter treated to refreshments.

Those in need of the Ward’s services as well as other requirements may contact Mistry personally at the Ward or on telephones 9821009289/24147646.