“A friend for life”

"You are my family,” said retired Supreme Court Justice Rohinton Nariman (pictured) addressing members of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) who had gathered on November 13, 2021 to felicitate him on his retirement on August 12 from the apex court. The jurist noted it was in the DPA hall on Sunday mornings that he had conducted eight lectures on the Gathas. "This led to the birth of my first book, The Inner Fire.” The tome was "30 years in incubation and was a great labor of a great love… It is not just one more translation of the Gathas. It is a lawyer’s mind being applied to the text.” He had to study the Rig Veda "to better understand the language of the prophet.” Zoroastrianism does not lay down "dos and don’ts.” Rather it asks individuals to "do as you think and whatever you think is correct.” Nariman said he spent many hours chatting with Prof Kaikhosrov Irani, professor of philosophy, at his New York residence, sometimes leaving at 4 a.m. "This is a man who inspired me enormously,” said Nariman.
A report of the evening’s felicitations was sent to Parsiana by DPA member and film producer Shernaz Italia. DPA president Ava Khullar introduced Nariman not only as a legal wizard but as an outstanding member of the community. She referred to his adherence to the tenets of his faith in both his professional and personal field.
Chief guest, lawyer Raian Karanjawala, who was introduced to Nariman by legal luminary Arun Jaitley on their first day at college, spoke of their early years together, the generosity and warmth of Nariman’s parents Bapsy and Fali, his proficiency at cricket. He commended Rohinton’s "ability to get on with people of all ages, caring for the underdog, and most of all, being a friend for life.” Parzor director Dr Shernaz Cama spoke about his staggering knowledge of our religion, the in-depth research that went into the books he has written. Rohinton’s love for classical music was mentioned by all, especially by Navroz Behramfram who shares his love for the same. The evening ended with Rohinton’s daughters, Nina and Khursheed, singing a composition to the tune of Stand by me by Ben King in which they stated "Dad won’t stand still,/ Oh Dad can’t stand still.”
"Rohinton’s love for family, his and (wife) Sanaya’s quiet generosity, his humility, his phenomenal memory, his thirst for knowledge, his sense of humor, his love of good food and single malt, all make him the person he is,” stated Italia.