New PZASH president

Senior trustee of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad (PZASH) Khorshed Chenai has been nominated president of the Anjuman. She comes in place of Gulbanoo Chenoy, 93, who did not wish to seek re-nomination as a trustee after her term concluded on November 20, 2023. "As (Gulbanoo’s) term as president is co-terminus with that of a trustee, her tenure as president will also conclude on the same date,” stated a note from PZASH trustee Jehangir Bisney. "This decision aligns with our commitment to continuity and experienced leadership,” he explained. Chenoy held the post for 32 years.

A trustee since August 1991, Chenai noted, "The Anjuman has always been on a sound footing thanks to my predecessor…Thanks to prudent financial management, our Anjuman is on a reasonably good financial footing. Over the years I have personally taken keen interest in the maintenance of the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman Dar-e-Meher in Secunderabad, the landscaping of the garden/compound, maintenance/renovations of the flats … (with) the full co-operation of the managing committee. There are no major issues facing the Anjuman.” Minor matters are tackled as they arise which prevents them "from snowballing into any major issue. For an Anjuman of our size, overseeing nearly 1,000 Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians, this is no mean feat.”

PZASH had resigned from the Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India (FPZAI) many years earlier over policy issues. "We are open to rejoining if and when we feel that it functions in a manner as laid down in its constitution.” The aging population "with quite a few super senior citizens living alone is a big concern (Chenai is also 93)… Replacement of priests, if and when required, is another major concern. Our Anjuman is basically a religious trust and it is incumbent upon the trustees to ensure that the Dar-e-Meher functions as mandated in our scriptures and traditions coming down the ages.”

Chenoy "has been a pillar of the PZASH community, contributing over 50 years of service as a managing committee member, including an impressive 44 years as a trustee,” stated Bisney. He lauded her compassionate nature and approachable demeanor which "have made her a beloved figure within the community.” Known for her unwavering integrity, she "has been a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among members… Her leadership style is characterized by a blend of wisdom and humility, making her not only an effective decision-maker but also a compassionate listener,” he stated. He commended Chenoy’s ability to navigate complex situations with grace and tact for harmony within the Anjuman. Dedicated to "preserving the traditions and values of the Anjuman,” Bisney stated that Chenoy’s vision for inclusivity has played a crucial role in fostering a welcoming environment within the community, thus "ensuring every member feels valued and heard.”

Other trustees, besides Chenai and Bisney, are Mehernosh Chenoy and Kerfegar Antia (see "New PZASH trustee,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, November 21-December 6, 2023).