Former nurse Perin Bhivandiwala, a resident of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds’ (WZOTF) Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Senior Citizens Centre at Navsari, celebrated her 99th birthday on June 1, 2023 with her current family — the residents, management and staff of the Centre — who wanted to "honor her longevity and wish her a healthy life,” noted WZO managing trustee for Navsari, Aspi Ambapardiwala. A special banner, decorations, balloons and streamers lent a festive touch to the main hall of the Centre. "The cake cutting ceremony was the centerpiece of the celebration,” he noted. All present "acknowledged her wisdom, kindness and valuable contributions to the community,” stated the trustee.
Perin Bhivandiwala: "wise, kind contributor"
Commenting on the "vibrant and happy” environment at the Centre, WZOTF chairman Dinshaw Tamboly noted, "Our effort always is to put life into the residents’ days and not just days into their lives, where wrinkles are replaced by twinkles… Our very best wishes to Perin aunty that she may continue to enjoy good health and complete her centenary year at our Centre.”
Born in Bombay in the same year that the iconic Gateway of India was inaugurated by then viceroy the Marquess of Reading, Bhivandivala hails from Bhivandi where the family had a soda business and ran a flour mill. She had worked in The Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and St George’s Hospitals. Perin came to live at the Centre in 2009 with her sister Banoo Bhivandiwala from Bharucha Baug in Bombay. "Her nephew Rohinton Havewala admitted Perin aunty and Banoo Aunty (who has since passed on) on the same day,” stated Ambapardiwala. Perin and Banoo had nine other siblings. "Her sister Manijeh Vajifdar who was staying in Madras was in contact with Perin aunty for a few years but she also expired… No family members are in touch with her at present.”
Perin prays, reads for long periods and at times listens to music. "Earlier she used to visit the agiary and atash behram and also go to Udvada and Sanjan with other residents when we arranged it. Now her age does not permit her to go out.”
The Centre has a capacity to house 50 residents. "We are generally full but at times vacancies occur due to deaths or residents becoming bedridden requiring our having to transfer them to the (Navsari) Infirmary,” stated Ambapardiwala.