Mirza, the gentleman

It would be no exaggeration to say that late Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza (pictured) personified the word gentleman. He was one of the most humble, simple and soft spoken persons I’ve ever known. My parents and I met him for the first time during our trip to Iran, where he shared his religious scholarship. It was enlightening and enriching to learn so much about our religion and Iran from him. Indeed, Iran was a place close to his heart. It was a most pleasant surprise to discover we were tied not only by religion, but also by blood. Yes, we were related!
I was fortunate to have him from my side as the priest during my wedding. I distinctly remember this really touching incident. Priests sprinkle grains of rice on the bride and groom throughout the wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, he came up to me and in the sweetest way apologized, telling me that he was extremely sorry if he had hurt me with the rice grains during the ceremony. Such was his humility and kind demeanor.
What truly completed the man was his loving family — wife Maharukh, daughter Aban and son Darayus.
My parents and I are fortunate to have been associated with him and proud of sharing a lineage with a man as great as he.

BENAIFER J. MIRZA
benaifer.mirza@gmail.com