Inauguration in Indore

"My sister Roshan (Sadri) died in 2003 leaving the greater part of her estate to charity. The Erach and Roshan Sadri Foundation (ERSF) was set up to give opportunity to the poor, disadvantaged and help the Parsi community,” stated Darius Sarosh of London while inaugurating the new buildings of the Indore Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman in that city on June 17, 2012. The ERSF provided substantial funds toward the project, notes a write-up sent to Parsiana by Tehmton S. Anklesaria, vice president, north zone of the Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI), and president of the Ratlam Anjuman.

Renovated structures in Indore: (Clockwise from above left) agiary; residence of priest, manager; bungli

A jashan conducted by Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal assisted by Indore’s priest Ervad Dorab Dalal preceded the inauguration followed by a reception in the courtyard. After Kotwal addressed the Zoroastrians present, Bombay Parsi Punchayet chairman Dinshaw Mehta, who was present with his wife, mentioned how happy he was to see a vibrant young Anjuman in Indore, especially after his visit to neighboring Mhow on the previous day. The Mhow Anjuman had invited the guests for unveiling the photograph of late Behram Masani and felicitation of three of its members, notes the write-up.

Bomi Heerji, president of the Indore Parsi Anjuman enlightened those present on its history and its many problems. Sarosh made a presentation on the aims, objects and areas of grants given by the ERSF in India and around the world. Anklesaria elaborated on the help offered and legal steps taken by FPZAI in dealing with encroachment and land dispute cases regarding Zoroastrian owned properties. Minoo Engineer, vice president of the Anjuman gave the vote of thanks after which the gathering repaired for dinner.

Though only 150 Zoroastrians live in Indore today, the city had a sizeable population until 40 years ago because two thriving textile mills provided employment, the write-up reveals. An agiary, dakhma, bungli and Parsi school were built to cater to their needs. When the mills closed down, the younger generation left in search of greener pastures. To this day the area is referred to as Parsi Mohalla, though no Parsis reside there any more. The Anjuman complex has been based at Usha Ganj since 1913 on a large plot of land which houses the agiary, dharamshala, two community halls and the Parsi school, later converted into a residence for the priest and manager of the dharamshala.

(Clockwise from far left): Dinshaw Mehta, Tehmton Anklesaria, Bomi Heerji, Dastur Firoze Kotwal; Ervad Dorab Dalal, Minoo Engineer; Darius Sarosh

The last mentioned 150-year-old building being in a sad state of disrepair, it would have been more cost effective to reconstruct. Plans were drawn up with the scope for later addition of another three floors. A new bungli was to be built as the existing one was beyond redemption. The dadgah too required renovation because of ground seepage, white ants and old electrical wiring. A study was conducted by the trustees with the help of engineers and architects, including Percy Nazir of Nagpur who volunteered his services.

The project was conceived in 2008 but was hampered due to paucity of funds. It is a matter of serendipity that Roni Sarosh of the UK was visiting his birthplace after many years and was thrilled to see the photograph of his parents inside the agiary. He suggested that the Anjuman apply to the ERSF for assistance. This was soon granted in the form of a handsome contribution. However, with governmental red tape in obtaining permission to accept the donation and delays in having the plans passed, the costs escalated. Anjuman members stepped in and donated as per their capacity, and also helped raise additional funds. The write-up mentions that even non-Parsis and non-residents of Indore joined in the effort, raising sums from large trusts and small householders. A mason donated two carved sandstone asho farohars worth Rs 2,500 as a token of affection for the Zoroastrians of Indore.

The project, now completed, will serve the community in Indore.