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IIt has been exactly 27 days since we lost a father figure, Er. Palanji Pirojshah Dastoor, the torch bearer of Dastoor family of Udvada. It is hard to believe and accept God’s will. November 5, 2017, Shehenshahi Roj Ram Yazad, Mah Khordad Ameshaspand, YZ 1386 will be marked as a very sad day in the lives of the Dastoor family of Udvada, Udvada Samast Anjuman, Athornan Mandal, the Tarapore gamvashis and the Parsi community as we all lost a pucca Yozdathregar Mobed and a very fine and humble human being.
Ervad Palanji Dastoor was born to Late Hirabai and Pirojshah Kawasji Dastoor in the little town of Tarapore on September 21, 1933. He underwent Mobedi training at the Dadar Athornan Institute. After being initiated as Navar, Martab and Saamel at the holy Iranshah in Udvada, he assisted his father in Tarapore for years. He served as Panthaki at the ‘Panthaki Agiary’ (Bandra) for 10 years and Panthaki also at Seth Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary (Colaba) for 37 long years before settling in Udvada (2013) where he continued serving Iranashah Atash Behram. He tutored many youngsters from Mobed families, performing their Navar and Martab ceremonies. He performed Navjotes and weddings of several Zoroastrians and their generations!
He was a simple man and believed in simple living. His passion in life was his 1972 model JAWA bike with a side car, which he maintained in top condition and now, which his son, Kurush continues maintaining. A doting father, he shouldered the dual responsibility as a single parent after the early demise of his dear wife, Dhun. Ever willing help the needy, he was the ‘go to man’ for me and all family members and friends when one faced any kind of difficulty. Keeping in mind the feelings of poor Parsi patrons visiting the Seth Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiyari, he offered a variant of Sukhad and Diva at a price as low as Re. 1 – a very noble gesture indeed.
The Dastoor family successfully carried out many Community projects including the construction of a Bungli within the Iranshah complex with his help, supported by his brother Soli for Buoywala Mobed Sahebs. Tarapore was very close to his heart and he remained connected – he was the Trustee of Kawasji Mobed Dharamshalla, and was actively involved in the upkeep of Vicaji Meherji Agiary. I am deeply indebted to him for his guidance and opportunities given to me. Among the many lessons of life I learnt from him, the one that I hold dearest will remain, as he always used to say, “Do your prayers with fervour and passion, don’t bother about monetary gains.”
Days will turn to months and months to years, but I am sure he will stay in the hearts of everyone who came across him. May his soul keep rising in Garo Demana (The House of Songs) in the Spiritual world and May his Fravashi continue to assist and guide us in all our endeavours.
Ravaan Garosmaani Baad, Ravaan Garosmaani Baad, Ravaan Garosmaani Baad!!!
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