Dr Cyrus Karkaria was installed as president of the Zoroastrian Dentists’ Organization (ZDO) at the 69th annual scientific meeting held on March 19, 2023 at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, stated Dr Porus Tuner, chairman of the ZDO Charitable Trust. "Incidentally, he and his wife Dr Khushnuma were instrumental in arranging for a beautiful Asho Farohar on a wooden frame artistically crafted by his father to be given to the dignitaries,” noted Turner. Dr Rukshin Bhot Mistry was installed as the next secretary. Dr Sorab Jhaveri continues as treasurer.
Dr Firoze Mirza, instrumental in introducing dental implants to India, was awarded the honor of "Most Distinguished Dentist.” Other senior dentists honored were Dr Keki Mistry as "Most Distinguished Orthodontist,” Dr Mehroo Turner as "Most Distinguished Professor.”
Above, from far l: Shiamak Davar, Dr Porus Turner, Adi Jehangir, Dr Firoze Mirza;
top, sitting 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th from l: Drs Ruxshin Bhot Mistry, Turner, Sorab Jhaveri, Cyrus Karkaria with fellow dentists
Chief guest, show biz personality Shiamak Davar "gave an inspiring speech extolling the young dentists to always strive to excel themselves and never stop educating themselves regardless of their age.” He also regaled the audience with a song. Philanthropist and "great friend of ZDO,” guest of honor Adi Jehangir, urged the young dentists to shine out in their field, "similar to how Davar has raised himself to be number one in the field of choreography and dancing.”
The meeting was sponsored principally by Colgate and co-sponsored by Dentsply Sirona, "the world’s largest dental company.”
ZDO, established in 1954 by dental surgeon Dr Fali Mehta with Capt (Dr) Nariman Vazifdar, Dr Minoo Ginwala, Dr Billimoria and Dr Ratan Doctor, "has continued to serve the community and the country by organizing dental health camps in Navsari and other rural places. It also encourages and helps Zoroastrians to take up the profession of dentistry (see "Implanting values,” Parsiana, May 21-June 6, 2021). In the past, several Zoroastrians have been helped in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. "This year, a young girl, who in spite of scoring well in her entrance examination, was not able to obtain admission in government dental colleges, was helped to secure admission at one of the most reputed dental colleges in India, A. B. Shetty Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, noted Turner. "Thanks to our Parsi trusts, her fees were paid.” F. J.