I had the good fortune of working closely with the late Homai Modi (pictured) between 2004 and 2007 in curating first the Zoroastrian Information Centre at Udvada and then the Sir J. J. Memorial Museum at Navsari. Always smiling, soft-spoken yet stern, meticulous yet ready to give in and most important, having the quality of selfless service for the good of the community.
Though she was laden with work, having devoted herself to the Red Cross, she would put in long hours researching, writing and discussing the above projects. She had strong ideas, but was always open to new suggestions and that’s what I liked most about her. Her keen eye for detail impressed me when she personally set up the exhibits at both the centers, ensuring they were exactly how she had visualized them to be placed. Though she suffered from back pain, it never deterred her from travelling by train and I still remember that fateful incident when she slipped between the platform and the train at Navsari station. Her good deeds must have saved her as she was pulled up in the nick of time. Had anything happened to her I would have never forgiven myself as I had been insistent that she travel on that day.
Modi, who passed away on March 25, 2022, contributed immensely to the community and created an everlasting impression on young minds such as mine.
JAMSHID ADI BHIWANDIWALLA
bhiwandiwallaassociates@gmail.com