Every year The Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) pays homage to Dr Dadabhai Naoroji on September 4, 2010 by garlanding his statue at Hutatma Chowk. On Naoroji’s 185th birth anniversary this year BPA president Vispi Dastur garlanded the statue of the great patriot. Additional floral tributes were offered on behalf of the Iran League, Navsari Parsi Association, Rahnumae Mazdayasni Sabha, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Yazdi Desai, Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee, reveals a report sent to Parsiana by Dastur.
Cmde Aspi Marker, Homai Modi, Adi Mehta and Marzban Giara spoke on the occasion, while Murzban Wadia recited a poem written by him lauding the nationalist stalwart.
On September 6, two days later, on Fravardin mah, Fravardin roz, the action shifted to the War Memorial at Khareghat Colony when the BPA commemorated members of the armed forces who had laid down their lives for the country during World War I and in subsequent conflicts. After the trumpeter of the Indian Navy sounded the Last Post followed by the Reveille, wreaths were laid at the Memorial by Dastur on behalf of the BPA, BPP trustees Khojeste Mistree and Arnavaz Mistry as well as Marker.
(Top): BPA members at Dadabhai Naoroji’s statue; (left): at the War Memorial; (above): Kerzin Mogal with son Yashan
Photographs of three bravehearts who had perished were displayed. Members of their families were present at the solemn occasion. Russi Bunsha requested Marker to read out the bio data of his late brother, Flying Officer Farokh Bunsha. Cmde Medioma Bhada, having worked with him, recalled Farokh’s professional competence. Flying Officer Marazban Surti was remembered by his brother Kersi and sister-in-law Pervin, who spoke a few words. Marker then dwelt on the recent tragic loss of young Lt Cdr Firdaus Mogal who died while saving others on the submarine INS Shankush. Mogal’s parents Dara and Armin, his wife Kerzin and their two-year-old son Yashan were present. Mogal’s family spoke of his valor and a teacher recalled that he was a very motivated and courageous person. Marker recalled how Mogal would assist him each year in conducting the armed forces capsule at the Holiday Programme for Youth organized by the BPP.
The function ended with a humbandagi led by Ervad Cyrus Dastoor, with Vispi Dastur thanking attendees for coming in large numbers.