The Parsee Pragati Mandal of Surat organized a prayer meeting for two of its members who had passed away — Nergish Hadvaid and Aspi Rao — at the Seth Pestonji Kalabhai Vakil Kadim Atash Behram Hall on May 8, 2024. The meet was attended by a large number of community members.
Hadvaid, a trained bonesetter, was the epitome of simplicity, dedication and commitment not only for the community but for all. No patient left her clinic dissatisfied. Rao, a banker by profession, after retirement served the Mandal well, recalled Mahatab Bhatporia. Yasmin Dotivala spoke of how the two departed members had worked for the Mandal. Hadvaid’s sister, Ketty Daruwala, recollected that Nergish had looked after the family and her siblings after they lost their mother at an early age. When Nergish’s husband passed away a few years after their marriage, she studied the science of bonesetting and earned a certificate. She was a dutiful daughter, sister and spouse, and above all, a worthy human being.
The families of late Aspi Rao (top) and Nergish Hadvaid (above) receiving obituary certificates from Dastur Cyrus Dastur
Rao’s daughter Armin Bhagalia shared memories of her father and how as youngsters she and others had performed minor tasks for the Mandal under his guidance. Aspi was precise with figures and his accounts would tally to the last digit. He also ensured that every program of the Mandal was conducted in a systematic manner.
Aspi Gyara, Pearl Kharas and Kashmira Palia paid tributes to the departed. Palia noted that Rao, like a good Parsi, loved his bike. Jimmy Kharadi said that the younger generation should be inspired by the example of these two persons and imbibe the qualities of sacrifice, dedication and selflessness. Maharukh Chichgar read out messages sent by community members on social media. The evening’s proceedings were compered by Dilnaz Besania.
The meeting concluded with a humbandagi followed by a gahanbar in memory of Nergish organized by her family and catered by Aspi Coachman.
NILUFER BAVAADAM
Surat