Three years back I had sent Dorab Gazder a piece on a Parsi exhibition in Poona, and he felt I should forward it to Parsiana. However, the sponsors of the exhibition objected to its publication when I sought their permission.
Dorab Gazder: the joy of living
Gazder passed away on March 7, 2015. He knew I loved the Parsi community and would often send me links to stories and videos connected to the joy of living, which is what the Parsis believe in. Sometimes it would be the latest news from Parsi Khabar, Parsiana or Parsi Digest. At other times it would be great moments in life, as interpreted by artists, opera singers, street performers, flash mobs... all of which brought out the need to be happy. This was Gazder’s message to me, and to all his friends who loved him so much. Though we never met, he became a dear friend and I miss him a lot.
I keep observing this lovely community when I brush shoulders with Parsis at Dorabjee’s departmental store or the bakeries and listen with a keen ear to their delightful chatter. Of course it is all in Parsi Gujarati, which I do not understand, but their expressive gestures and mobile mouths are a treat to watch.