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Considering himself "privileged to attend the once-in-a-lifetime event” as the only Zoroastrian among the galaxy of nearly 2,300 dignitaries at the coronation of King Charles III in the Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, Malcolm Deboo, president of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), expressed his gratitude to the members of his association. An estimated 20 million viewers watched live the coronation event and witnessed Deboo, identifiable in his black pugree, walk in procession with leaders of the other faiths.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Deboo told Parsiana, "There were several rehearsals prior to the actual coronation service. Instructions are always given on the order of procession, what time to assemble, where to sit, etc. Nothing is left to chance.”
"Your trust in me has enabled me to represent ZTFE and the wider Zoroastrian community… at these state occasions,” Deboo told the nearly 100 members of the community attending the "Big Lunch” at the Zoroastrian Centre the following day.
The Zoroastrian Centre had been lit up in the colors of the Union Jack to mark the special occasion. "Many of us are pro-Royalists partly because of the constitutional aspect of the monarchy that has benefitted not only us but other minority communities in the UK for many decades. Long may it continue,” added Deboo, praying for the longevity of the King and the House of Windsor. Deboo shared with Parsiana a photograph he had shot of the Coronation Bible in the Jerusalem Chamber at Westminster Abbey knowing that the King would be using the sacred book to take his oath as "the defender of the faith.”
As remarked Lord Karan Bilimoria when briefly addressing the gathering at the Big Lunch, "We are very lucky to have King Charles III as our King. He is genuinely kind, caring and compassionate. When no one was talking about the environment and climate change, he was decades ahead of the game.” Included in the weekend coronation program was The Coronation Walk of Faith when people of all faiths and believers of none walked together in unity. Bilimoria participated in the walk that started from the oldest synagogue in Whitechappel and ended at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Later, Bilimoria, dressed in a black daglo and pheto, and Deboo, attired in his white dugli and black pugree, were both present at the evening service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 7. They also had an occasion to interact with the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, the Dean of St Paul’s, Rev Andrew Tremlett, the Archbishop from Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum who brought the anointing oil for the coronation, and the Archdeacon of London, Luke Miller, a contemporary of Bilimoria at Sidney Sussex College Cambridge.
"The oldest king to have his coronation at the age of 74, in today’s world, 74 is middle aged,” quipped Bilimoria who has interacted with the King on different occasions. The last time they spoke was four days prior to his coronation when the King visited the House of Parliament to meet the members knowing that only a few of them would be able to witness the coronation at the Westminster Abbey. As compared to the coronation of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended by nearly 8,000 guests, King Charles III’s coronation was a scaled down event when barely 2,300 could be accommodated. In fact a ballot determined who would be the 30 lucky members from the House of Lords who would be present inside the Abbey, while a second ballot decided the next 30 who could be seated outside the Abbey in Parliament Square to watch the coronation procession, mentioned Bilimoria. Considering himself fortunate to feature in the second batch of 30, he referred to witnessing the "absolutely outstanding” pageantry of the nearly 4,000 members of the armed forces. "No country does their ceremonials the way we do in this country,” he observed. Even the inclement weather could not dampen the spirit of the loyalists assembled in the open.
Sharing a connect with the King since they both played polo at the University of Cambridge, Bilimoria mentioned that he had invited the King on a state visit to India to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries. Although the King has visited the nation over 10 times in the past, since he showed his willingness, the message was relayed to India via the Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar who had come as the official representative of the largest democracy. Prime Minister of Britain Rishi Sunak too was invited to visit India and Bilimoria was hoping a chartered jumbo could be arranged for the large visiting delegation he had in mind. News channels and news feeds in India were happy to report on this proposal.
Focusing on the importance of innovation and education, as chancellor of Birmingham University, Bilimoria spoke of new scholarships launched for students from India to attend postgraduate courses. "In his characteristic, humble manner he did not draw attention to the fact that the scholarship bears (Bilimoria’s) name,” noted the report on the Big Lunch by ZTFE communications officer Dr Karishma Koka.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Lunch, attended by interfaith representatives, had started with a jashan by Ervads Zubin Bhedwar and Yazad Unwalla. Many of the elders, wearing paper crowns on their head, could attend thanks to volunteers from ZTFE CZC (Care in the Zoroastrian Community). The luncheon that included finger starters and a delicious meal concluded with tea and cakes. Foot tapping music regaled the gathering. ZTFE honorary secretary Rohinton Munshi presided over the concluding part of the luncheon. Contributing to the success of the event were a large team of volunteers that included Roshan Avari, Ratan and Gav Buhariwala, Freny Writer, Mehernosh Bilimoria, Addie Batliwala, Tinaz Chacha, Dinyar and Rushna Master, Jesmin Sorab, Rozy Contractor and Mahtab Munshi.
The Big Lunch was linked to The Big Help Out (TBHO), a "huge, public engagement campaign to promote, champion and showcase volunteering,” noted the communiqué from Koka. Supported by organizations like the Scouts and the Royal Voluntary Service, TBHO urges UK residents to make a difference in their communities. "We recognize all ZTFE volunteers through the times… (and) celebrate the unconditional efforts and support that have enriched so many lives and created true happiness that is immeasurable,” added Koka.
In solidarity with TBHO, on May 8, ZTFE organized a webinar on "The Good Mind — Voices of Service and Leadership” with participation from members of the Zoroastrian, Jain, Sikh and Christian communities. Such sessions may contribute to "helping the youth to develop their voice, their resilience, while being stronger cohesive forces for the good of the community…” stated Koka.
In the meanwhile, Mehrnavaz Avari, area director of the Taj, UK, welcomed the Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar and his wife Sudesh. In her dual role as general manager of St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London and Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences, Avari interacted with the Dhankhars who were guests at the centrally located Taj property.