RIP, Aflatoon Shokri

Founder patron of the Sazeman-E-Jawanan-E-Zartoshty-E-Irani and trustee of the Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman (IZA) in Bombay, Aflatoon Khodadad Shokri passed away on September 19, 2013 in Bombay at the age of 79.

Aflatoon Shokri: helpful and generous

Shokri came from Iran at the age of 17 and completed his schooling from New Era School, Bombay. He graduated from St Xavier’s College, specializing in History. He became a partner in the Free India Restaurant and Stores at Girgaum, Bombay. Later, he became a partner of Kyani Restaurant at Dhobitalao.
One of the most helpful members of the Sazeman, Shokri was also associated with the Iran League. In the 1980s he was made trustee of the IZA, which post he held till the end, being the longest serving trustee of the Anjuman. He was president of the IZA for five years from 1999-2004.
With his educational background, Shokri was in the forefront assisting fellow Iranis who needed help and guidance in starting new businesses. He was both generous and humble with all. He often used his influence and knowledge to solve problems that many Iranis faced on arrival in India. His fluency in Dari, Persian and English, and of course English and Gujarati, was of great help to the Iranis many of whom could only communicate in Dari or Persian.
Whenever any delegation came from Iran, Shokri was always there to receive them and make their stay pleasant. He was master of ceremonies for functions like Navroz, Jashn-E-Mehrgan and Jashn-E-Sadeh organized by the Sazeman.
Shokri will be missed and remembered by all for his wealth of experience which he shared with his fellow community members.

D. S. ZAINABADI
Hon Administrator
Sazeman-E-Jawanan-E-Zartoshty-E-Irani