On 21^st March, 2018, forty-five residents of the Parsi Ward at Sir J.J Hospital were treated to a great Jamshedi Navroz celebration, as has been done continuously over the past thirty-one years. Much to their great delight and anticipation of the residents, the celebrations started with a Jasan ceremony, where those who had passed away during the year were remembered with great reverence, followed by a Tandorasti of all 45 present patients, in the presence of nearly 100 well-wishers of the ward. The prayers concluded with a Humbandagi by all community members present during the Jasan, after which, the congregation moved to the main hall, where Arnavaz Jal Mistry, known as the ‘soul of the ward’, recalled the important day of her life 31 years ago, when she entered the ward with her mentor, Sillamai Kavarana, and formed an instant bond with the ward. She spoke how the bond has grown only stronger over the years, reiterating that it was not the residents who needed her, but she who needed them much more, and that her life would be incomplete without them.

Thanking the well-wishers, Arnavaz Mistry said, “Your life becomes meaningful when you devote yourself to loving others, to your community around you; and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. I can’t express enough my gratitude to have all of you here with us. All the work we do would not have been possible without help and support from Sir J.J. Charity Trust, Respected Dean Dr. Sudhir Nanadkar, Superintendent Dr. Sanjay Surase, RMO Dr. Nitin More, Dr. Rekha Gustad Daver, Trustee of Bombay Parsee Panchayat Mr. Kersi Randeria, my friend Mrs. Hutoxi Dadabhoy, Mrs. Anahita Desai (CEO of Wapiz), Zoroastrian Scholar Mr. Khojeste Mistree, the staff of the ward Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Jal Minocher Mistry Memorial Foundation, Donors and well-wishers.”

This is the only old age ‘Home’ in Mumbai for the community, in which all community members were taken in, irrespective of whether they were bed-ridden, handicapped or mentally challenged and are treated and kept free of charge.  

Hutoxi Dadabhoy shared how Arnavaz Mistry was like a daughter, a sister and a mother, all combined in one, for the residents of the ward. She urged all those who were present to take care of their old at home, the elders in their families, and also the senior citizens of the community.

All the guests were treated with ‘falooda’ and snacks. 

 

 

 

 

For further details or queries, contact Arnavaz Mistry at: arnavazjalmistry@gmail.com