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During Aspy Mehta’s tenure as treasurer of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA), the organization made a profit after many years. He rendered it an efficient and viable operation. The DPA underwent substantial upgrades including at the Mengusi Parsi Dharamshala where solar panels were added, an elevator installed for senior citizens, and air conditioners and televisions placed in all rooms. When the retired chartered accountant passed away of cancer on February 25 this year he left behind a vibrant, profitable Anjuman. Today the DPA is amongst the best managed anjumans and is able to generate additional funds for needy members of the Parsi community.
To honor and celebrate his life, the DPA has organized a memorial meet on April 30 that will commence with a musical homage by The Farohars and end with lunch.
Born in Calcutta to Dhun and Dhunjishaw Mehta on May 31, 1951, Aspy was raised in that city with his sisters, Kamal and Shenaz, and brother Daly, in a thriving Parsi community. The family came from humble beginnings and Aspy spent his youth working hard to progress in life. After completing his secondary education at the age of 15 from St Joseph’s School, Calcutta, with his determination and sharp intellect he graduated with a BCom degree and proceeded to clear both parts of his chartered accountancy examinations at one shot at the early age of 20.
A truly self-made man, he worked his way up, paying for his education and even his own wedding. In 1981 he married Kerman (née Gherda) and they had two children, Naasha and Gaev. Aspy obtained his CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) higher professional qualification shortly before his second child was born, while simultaneously working at a full-time job. His drive to succeed was deeply rooted in the need to provide for his family.
Aspy was a star sportsman, excelling at table tennis, football and hockey. He was nicknamed "Bansi” after the defense minister of the time, Bansi Lal, for his impeccable "defending” skills. People knew him to be humble and unassuming, despite his swift problem-solving skills and advanced agility. By playing sports, he had developed an understanding of teamwork, perseverance and the importance of competition to drive people forward. 
Aspy’s professional career began early, rising steadily as he gained in experience, achieving many milestones at a much younger age than his peers. He would joke that he had to grow a beard so that his colleagues would take him seriously and not treat him like a young boy even though he was their boss. Starting his career with the British company, ICI (Imperial Chemicals Limited), he moved on to companies like GHCL (Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Limited), the Dalmias and finally headed multiple companies within the Escorts Group. In 1990 he went to Berlin where he was managing director of two German companies for three years. 
Aspy ensured that his children were well-educated and taught the values of a good Parsi upbringing. Loyalty, honesty, and kindness were paramount to him, and he led by example. Believing that those with differing points of view merit the patience and dignity of a sympathetic ear, with his ethical outlook, he advised people from all walks of life with humility and grace. 
A keen Freemason, Aspy joined the Masonic movement where he met fellow brothers with similar interests. Serving in senior positions in different Lodges, he pledged to contribute to the welfare of their communities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, Aspy faced the situation with admirable courage. He often knew as much as his doctors did about his disease, and almost never complained despite being in immense discomfort. He believed in the universe’s will and consistently treated his body, his life and his surroundings with care, love and kindness. His positive outlook ensured that his family and friends felt no pressure to give in to grief or fear as life had in store for him only what was the best. He believed this sincerely, and by virtue of that those around him believed it as well.
As a testament to his wisdom, having made peace with his life, he left his wife and children fulfilled and secure. He was laughing till moments before he slipped away, optimistic as ever and determined to prove that in love lies all the eternal answers.