"A noble soul,” "a good Samaritan,” a person dedicated "to serve humanity,” were some of the tributes showered on Hormazdiyar Patel, former trustee of the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) and active member of various community associations, at a condolence meeting organized by several Surat welfare associations and community institutions. Patel passed away on August 22, 2024. An email was sent to Parsiana by Cyrus Dotivala and a note on the meet was received from Nilufar Bavaadam.
The meet commenced with a prayer by Surat High Priest Dastur Cyrus Dastur, followed by an address by Homi Doodhwala, president of the SPP, in which he recalled his strong bonds of friendship with Patel whose contributions to SPP were unforgettable.
Hormazdiyar Patel: fondly remembered
At prayer meeting for former Surat Parsi Panchayat trustee Hormazdiyar Patel
Patel’s close associate and SPP trustee, Yazdi Karanjia stated, "The Parsi community has lost a gem.” Patel was a devout Zoroastrian who followed the path of humata, hukhata and hvarashta (good thoughts, words and deeds) noted Zawareh Wadia, president of the Surat Parsi Gymkhana. His was an exemplary life of humility, simplicity and dedication to the community. Maharukh Chichgar, founder trustee of the Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS) spoke honoring him.
Patel, who was born in Surat to Rodamai and Bahadurji Patel on October 26, 1956, believed in strong familial bonds and ensured that he spent quality time with his family. Dotivala had a plaque inscribed by him with tributes to Patel’s life.
On behalf of the members of the Udhana Office Group, Bhadreshbhai spoke of Patel’s entrepreneurial qualities. Trustee of the Sheth Dhanjisha Rustamji Umrigar Memorial School, Harbansji, noted his diligence and dedication towards the School. Aspi Gyara threw light on the stalwart’s services as member of the Parsi Pragati Mandal (PPM) and was grateful for the help extended by Patel in managing the Surat chapter of the Mancherji Edulji Joshi scholarships. Jimmy Kharadi appreciated the deceased’s efforts towards the upkeep and maintenance of the Bag-e-Parsa Adarian, while Burzin Chiniwala spoke of Patel’s contribution as trustee of the Pak Kadim Atash Behram, mentioned Bavaadam’s note.
Former SPP president Jamshed Dotivala mentioned Patel’s association with various trusts and his efforts to help needy Parsis receive aid. Mahatab Bhatporia, immediate past president of PPM, read out a condolence message sent by senior lawyer Burjor Antia.
Kaizin Parabia, Patel’s daughter, thanked all present for their love and respect for her beloved father who was a loyal husband to his wife Prochi, an affectionate father to her brother Burzin and herself, a wonderful grandfather to Ariana and Myra and a supportive father-in-law to Dilshad.
The meeting concluded with handing over the commemorative plaque to Patel’s family. The event was anchored by Dilnaz Besania, wrote Bavaadam.
Sherene Vakil