An octogenarian with a heart brimming with compassion, Khorshed Mehta resides in the bustling Anjuman Compound at Mahatma Gandhi Road in Secunderabad. She has dedicated her entire life to serving others, yet her contributions have often been overlooked.
Born in that city on October 3, 1938, Mehta was raised alongside three brothers and three sisters. Despite facing financial constraints, her parents instilled in her a sense of duty towards others, a value which shaped the course of her life. "I lived with my aging parents and took care of them until their last breath,” she reminisces, her voice tinged with both nostalgia and reverence. "My father lived till the age of 92, and my mother till 88.”
Khorshed Mehta: quiet dignity
Mehta’s passions include embroidery, painting, knitting and contributing to ceremonial occasions like navjotes and weddings creating chalk (rangoli) designs. She also loves travel, music and sang when young.
Despite being a matchmaker for others, her own relationship sadly did not materialize despite a long courtship.
Though her formal education was cut short due to economic constraints, Mehta’s thirst for knowledge and her innate desire to serve others remained undiminished. She retired in October 1988 after serving Voltas Limited as a telephone operator-cum-typist for nearly 40 years. She was then appointed as part-time housekeeper at the Parsi Dharamshala in Secunderabad for 10 years. Her dedication ensured the premises were kept spic and span. Unfortunately, ill health compelled her to resign.
"After retiring, I dedicated my life to serving the community,” she notes, eyes sparkling with purpose. "I was involved in various activities, from buying rations for the elderly to serving on committees of the Zoroastrian Stree Mandal and the Zoroastrian Club… I have been staying in the Anjuman Compound for quite some time now.” Her tone is reflective of the countless memories woven into the fabric of her humble abode.
She’s known for assisting at hospitals regardless of the hour. However, during her own serious illness, only a few reciprocated, leaving her to face her struggles alone.
Mehta is the go-to person in the community, volunteering to offer prayers for departed souls. Inspired by her mother’s practice of praying for the deceased, she has continued this tradition for over six decades. Irrespective of whether she knows the family well or not, she prays before the departed till the paidust in order to ensure continuous prayers post death. She has extensive knowledge of religious ceremonies and has performed the sachkar for many women.
"After facing hardships in my youth, I always wanted to help the poor and less fortunate… My upbringing by my religiously inclined parents also played a significant role in inspiring me to serve the community…My policy to ‘forgive and forget’ has made me resilient and determined to continue serving others.” Her words resonate with quiet dignity. "I hope to be an inspiration as someone who was always there to lend a helping hand and who contributed to the well-being and cohesion of the Parsi community.”
Hoofrish Bisney