Backbone of the bakery

Died: Firdous Noshirwan Kayani, 53, partner, Kayani Bakery and former chairman of the Poona Parsi Panchayat (PPP), on September 13, 2012, of a brain tumor, in Poona.
He was the "backbone” of Kayani Bakery, Dallas based Navaz Kayani Irani wrote of her brother Firdous, who was respected by partners and employees alike. "Hard working, punctual… he upheld the principles of his late grandfather Khodayar Kayani and father Noshirwan… Even in his suffering, he repeatedly told me that he was glad that mom (Nergis) had passed on before him” for she would have been unable to bear to see him (her favorite son) suffering.” Irani described her brother’s selflessness: "He would even give the shirt off his back to those in need, like a true Zoroastrian.”
Born on October 24, 1958 Firdous studied at Poona’s Sardar Dastur Boys School and joined the family owned and run bakery in 1974 so that he could learn the ropes from a young age and work his way up, mentions his bio data. "He mastered the art of manufacturing some of the best products that the bakery sold and maintained the same level of quality and perfection that flowed through from generation to generation under the expert guidance of (the) founder of the Bakery.” Firdous became a partner in 1978.
An enthusiastic sportsman, his first love was cricket. Noshirwan, himself no mean sportsman, described his son as "an intelligent batsman.” Firdous played for the Poona Club, the Maharashtra Police team as well as Deccan Gymkhana, notes his bio data. He also played hockey at the club level. His sister recalls that he mesmerized older field hockey players with his expertise in ‘dribbling’ during the annual Zoroastrian hockey tournaments in Bombay. An ardent cyclist, Firdous would frequently pedal all over the state. Along with his late brother Nauzer, he pioneered bicycle racing in Poona, a major event being the grueling test of human endurance called the Bombay Poona Cycle Race. Three times national cycling champion Kerman Framna who has represented India internationally acknowledged in a tribute in Parsi Times of September 22, 2012 that he was one of the fortunate ones to receive "love, guidance and support in the sport” from Firdous.
Passionate about social work, especially the betterment of the community, Firdous became an office bearer of the PPP, was subsequently elected trustee and served as chairman for two terms. A lasting memorial to his service to the community is the Bai Manekbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy blocks at Lullanagar in the creation of which he played an important role. The 230 units in the complex have provided housing for needy Zoroastrians not only of Poona but also from Bombay, Ahmedabad, Surat, Navsari, Bharuch and nearby villages, mentions Framna. Victims of earthquakes and riots in Gujarat have been provided sanctuary there. Firdous was instrumental in the building of a boys’ hostel for students in Poona as well.
At the board of trustees meeting of the PPP held on October 31, 2012, a resolution recorded, "He was our Panchayat’s past trustee and past chairman. The community has lost a prominent member and a member of the Poona Parsee Panchayat.”
Ever cheerful and smiling, Firdous was positive about life. "Always laughing, joking and helping others, he left an indelible impression on many,” mentions the Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly in its edition of September 16, 2012.
In her editorial of September 22, 2012 Freyan Bhathena, editor of Parsi Times, described him as "a hometown hero... an ardent do-gooder… The delicious waft of bakery goods was tinged with an air of sadness.” But it was business as usual at the store, and "our prayers and support are with everyone who has picked up from the devastating loss to continue his good work.”
The popular Poonaite is survived by wife Benaifer, son Paurushasp and daughter Yasmin Zubin Bharucha.