On 23rd December, 2020, BPP Chairman, Yazdi Desai put in his papers to the BPP Board, announcing his resignation from his post, as the frontman of the community’s apex body. Having suffered a stroke earlier this year in April, he is yet to make a complete recover. With his full recovery taking longer than anticipated, and in keeping with various restrictions and advisories prescribed by doctors, with a special emphasis on avoiding all stress, Yazdi Desai decided to step down.

In his resignation letter to the Board of Trustees, he wrote (excerpts), “After much thought and soul searching, I have come to the conclusion, that due to constraints on my activities triggered by my stroke, I will not be in a position to give my best to my duties as Chairman and Trustee of the BPP and therefore I am submitting my resignation from the august body of the BPP….

It is unfair to the community to leave my seat vacant and my duties unattended for an uncertain period of time. Since an election for the post of one BPP Trustee is to be held in February / March 2021 owing to the demise of my colleague Trustee Zarir Bhathena, and as every election costs the community a lot of money, I think it is my duty to be prudent and hand in my resignation as Chairman/Trustee…

In the course of one’s life, hard and painful decisions have to be taken. This is the most painful decision I have had to take, as for nearly 20 years my life has revolved around my community and the Punchayet… which I have had the distinction to serve as Trustee for the last 12 years, including 5 years as Chairman…

It has been a privilege and honour to serve the Parsi Irani Zarthushti community and I could not have done it without the support and dedication of my wife Anahita, whom I see as a fearless warrior for the good…”

Sharing this sad news on social media, Anahita Desai, wrote, “With a very heavy heart I am informing that my husband Yazdi Desai has tendered his resignation from the post of Chairman / Trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet.”

Even as the buzz on the social media platforms and WhatsApp went into overdrive with this news, in addition to the numerous messages wishing our former BPP Chairman a speedy recovery, a large number of community members have been voicing their desire to see Anahita Desai step into the shoes of Yazdi Desai and take over the reigns as a BPP Trustee/Chairperson.

Parsi Times received a number of calls and messages reinforcing the same sentiment, and adding that Anahita Desai should in fact, be welcomed unopposed into the BPP, in keeping with her unflinching commitment and dedication to helping the community members, and her extensive and flawless record of community service.

On behalf of the community, Parsi Times wishes Yazdi Desai a full and speedy recovery.