Navroz at Parsi Ward

For the 24th year in succession Jamshedi Navroz, the festival of spring, was celebrated with a jashan at the Parsi Ward of Sir J. J. Hospital where 45 senior citizens are housed and taken care of. A constant factor through these years is the involvement of Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Arnavaz Mistry, who transformed the Ward from its once dilapidated state into a comfortable and clean haven for the occupants, states an e-mail from Zarin Havewala, Mistry’s long time associate.

Each resident of the Ward wore new clothes as they sat through the ceremony along with guests. They were provided with fresh bed linen as well. Those who had passed away during the preceding year were remembered in the prayers, and a tandarosti chanted for all those present. After the jashan ashodad was offered to the priests by 92-year-old resident Jamshed Irani.

Welcoming the guests, Mistry recalled her first day at the Ward when she had accompanied her guide and mentor, the late Silloo Kavarana. Mistry said she had immediately formed a spiritual bond with the place, one that has grown stronger with the years. She also noted this work would not have been possible for her to undertake without help and support from Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, dean Dr Lahane, resident medical officer, staff of the Ward and Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals, donors and well wishers.

Havewala urged all present to take care of the elderly members of their families as well as visit the Ward to spend time with its residents. Among the others who spoke were Shiraz Guard of Young Rathestars, Gool Bhagat, Khorshed Daruwala, theatre personality Bomi Dotiwala and two residents of the Ward, Irani and Darabshaw Davierwala. Others who attended the function included Kavarana’s daughter Gool Austin and head of the gynecology department of the Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals Dr Rekha Gustad Davar.

The guests marveled at the Ward’s well maintained, airy, clean and hygienic condition because of which it has been named the best-maintained ward in the hospital. The Navroz celebrations ended with the serving of snacks and falooda.

The Parsi Ward is the only place in Bombay where bedridden, physically and mentally challenged community members are admitted. At present all the 27 beds for males and 18 for women are occupied. For future admission to the Parsi Ward of Sir J. J. Hospital Mistry can be contacted on 9821009289 or 24147646.