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In the Zoroastrian tradition, selfless service to society is a virtue ingrained in our very essence. This commitment to aid those in need is a cornerstone of our culture. It is a quality that courses through my veins. Whenever I encounter someone in distress, my first instinct is to extend a helping hand. This impulse to serve is not merely a personal trait but a family legacy passed down through generations.

  

From a young age, my brother Urmez and I were witness to our parents’ silent yet unwavering support for others in society. My late mother, Mehroo Hozdar, was employed in the finance department of Tata Electric Company. During her professional tenure she made tireless efforts to secure employment for many. Having been a student at St Agnes’ High School, after retirement, she worked to give back to her alma mater for the exceptional education she had received. She founded the alumni association through which she ensured the well-being of teachers and organized various charitable activities. She contacted as many ex-students as possible from all over the world to hold an annual get-together on a small scale which later grew larger. She also guided fellow alumni through the planning stages of the centenary celebration in 2012 — a successful and unforgettable event.

My father, Dr Kersi Hozdar, possesses a unique healing touch, often restoring his patients’ health with comforting words and assurances of divine intervention. As a teenager, I would assist my father at his clinic during the busy hours and observe him in action. I was deeply moved by the caring and reassuring words he offered to his patients. His soothing voice and compassionate demeanor often worked wonders, providing comfort that went beyond physical healing. It seemed as if his words alone could alleviate much of their ailments, demonstrating the profound impact of empathy and kindness in the healing process. He had an arrangement with a nearby chemist: prescriptions written in red ink indicated that the patient should not be charged; he would settle the bill with the chemist later.

My parents sponsored children’s education. My mother believed that good education is the best gift one can give a child. The love, care and compassion they demonstrated have profoundly influenced Urmez and me. Now residing in the USA, Urmez continues this legacy of charity in his own way, donating valuable household items to goodwill organizations and extending financial assistance to deserving individuals in need of medical aid.

Our parents taught us to assist the poor, the needy, the deserving and the helpless without any expectation of return. The greatest reward lies in witnessing someone reach self-sufficiency, a satisfaction that transcends monetary gain. My maternal grandfather, the late Bejonji Khory, was a humble and dedicated maths teacher at Bharda New High School and Masters Tutorial High School. In those days he was the favored one to teach maths in the Gujarati medium. He would walk miles, dressed immaculately in white, wearing a sunproof sola hat, to tutor children in their homes.

I received my primary education at The J. B. Petit High School for Girls, an institution where the principles of selfless service were woven into the very fabric of our learning experience.

I accepted Jehangir Bisney’s proposal of marriage at a very young age and my relocation from Bombay to Secunderabad brought about significant changes. Following the birth of our children, Arnaz and Shayan, I worked in an honorary capacity at both their schools for several years and was later officially appointed a teacher for art and craft. Monetary gain has never driven me; I find fulfillment in the joy of honorary service.

I now see these qualities reflected in my children. One day, on his way home from college, Shayan witnessed a road accident where the passengers were injured. Many cars slowed down to see what had happened and drove on. Shayan and his friends immediately stopped to offer assistance to the injured strangers (see "A samaritan in Hyderabad,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, June 21, 2017). My daughter Arnaz is always ready to lend a hand to senior citizens, frequently assisting them with their accounting tasks. Jehangir is an active participant in community matters.

A profound love for nature and animals, especially dogs, binds our family together. Whenever we come across a stray or a hungry dog, we feed it, ensuring that these abandoned creatures receive the kindness and compassion they deserve.

Every day I rise at 4.30 a.m., whether it’s a Sunday or a Monday. I believe that much can be accomplished by maximizing time. My day begins with a short prayer, thanking God for another opportunity to serve humanity. After a long brisk walk and a swim at the Secunderabad Club, I feel rejuvenated and ready to take care of my family and others. 

I plan my daily schedule around my family’s needs. For this the inspiration comes from my late grandparents, Dhunmai and Bejonji  Khory, and Khorshed and Navroji Hozdar, who were devoted to their families. Their example was emulated by my parents and later by me.

I channel my creativity into painting on canvas, T-shirts, eco-friendly bags and also specialize in coffee paintings which I sell via word of mouth (see "She has designs on you,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, December 7, 2009). The earnings from these endeavors enable me to procure books and stationery for the students, from lower kindergarten to Class 9, who come to my home each evening. I help them with their homework, teaching all subjects except Telugu. These are the children of domestic helpers in my colony who cannot afford exorbitant tuition fees. I teach them free of charge, receiving love, respect and appreciation in return.

I also conduct fun classes where the children learn good manners, etiquette, spoken English and how to craft useful items from waste materials. I sometimes take them for outings in my car to explore the city. We celebrate New Year’s Day, festivals and students’ birthdays, turning each occasion into a cherished memory. Occasionally, I delight them with special homemade treats after class when we share a heartwarming meal. The joy, excitement and smiles on their faces bring immense blessings to my day.

To instill the value of time in my students, I reward those who arrive on or before time with a coin. This coin goes into their piggy banks, teaching them the importance of earning and saving money. They are now passing on the lesson of punctuality to their parents, which is a truly rewarding experience for me.

I do not have any organization or assistants; my work is driven purely by passion and the love to serve. I am a silent worker who prefers not to draw attention to my actions, and while my efforts may not be widely recognized, I find solace in the support and guidance of God.

Every Tuesday I prepare and deliver meals to four elderly Parsi ladies in the Zoroastrian Anjuman compound who are unable to cook for themselves. On other days, they have different arrangements for their meals. I am also a committee member of the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal of Secunderabad and Hyderabad, an organization dedicated to helping needy Zoroastrians in the twin cities.

Whenever we encounter a struggling vendor at the roadside or a traffic signal, we purchase their offerings, even if we don’t require them, primarily to encourage individuals who earn their livelihood through honest means rather than resort to beggary.

Nearly 50 years have passed since I had my navjote ceremony at Allbless Baug, performed by Vada Dastur Tehmurasp Hozdar of Sir J. J. Agiary, Poona, so my memories of the event are faint. The sudreh and kusti that I have worn ever since have protected and guided me on the right path. I am proud to be a Zoroastrian.

However, I vividly recall Urmez’s meticulous observance of all the rituals at the age of 11 during his training to become a navar at the H. B. Banaji Atash Behram. As an athornan family, we upheld many religious traditions with great reverence. My father’s fuiji (paternal aunt) would perform the muktad prayers at home, which I distinctly recall. Urmez performed Arnaz’s navjote in Secunderabad and continues to offer pro bono services in the USA, officiating at jashans, weddings and funeral prayers. Jehangir and I would have treasured the chance to make Shayan a navar, but the Bisneys being a behdin family, that is not possible.

Every morning, I light a divo at home. On auspicious days, I adorn our doors with a toran (flower garland), place a har (smaller flower garland) on photo frames and decorate the entrance with chalk. On birthdays, I perform sagan by applying tili (red vermilion mark) on their foreheads and placing a har around their necks. On these special days, I prepare sagan ni sev or ravo for breakfast and serve a hearty dhan dar patio for lunch.

As I matured, I realized the profound impact that acts of service can have on those around us. Whether it be a small gesture of kindness or a larger initiative, the ripple effect of our actions is felt far and wide. I am proud to carry on this tradition of service through my work with local charities, volunteering at shelters and mentoring young people.

I hope to inspire the younger generation to serve society selflessly. By adhering to Ahura Mazda’s simple teachings: good thoughts, good words and good deeds, we can cultivate a life of fulfillment and joy. Your religion is what you do when the prayer is over. The joy one brings to others is the ultimate reward.