On 20^th February, 2022, the Zoroastrian Dentists’ Organisation (ZDO) celebrated its 68^th Anniversary at Mumbai’s iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, with an annual scientific symposium, after a two-year hiatus due to the Pandemic.

The community’s distinguished luminary, Padma Bhushan Dr. Farokh Udwadia presided as Chief Guest. In his inspirational speech, which moved all present in the room, he honoured his parents, reminiscing how his father instilled in him the sense of empathy towards patients, and how his mother was a strict disciplinarian and taught him to always be truthful, modest and yet excel in every sphere of life. He shared how classical music was a great stress reliever and suggested listening to the legendary classical musician – Mozart, when in stress. With his own life having set the precedent for ethics, he shared that doctors should not turn away a patient who was unable to afford their fees. He added that his family – especially his wife and children – constituted the core of his existence and that they held the greatest priority in his life.

The occasion also marked the release of the book, ‘Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice’, authored by Dr. Porus Turner, in collaboration with Dr. Farokh Udwadia. Published earlier in 1986, the new version is modified, reprinted in colour and considered a must-have for dental practitioners.

Art connoisseur and family historian, Adi Jehangir, who was also the Chief Guest, regaled everyone in his introductory speech. Other luminaries on the dais included renowned dental surgeon, Dr. Firoze Mirza, who pioneered dental implants in India, as also Vera Udwadia, wife of Dr. Farokh Udwadia, Parsiana magazine’s ace editor – Jehangir Patel and his wife, Veera Patel. The Chief Guests were both presented with beautiful lamp pieces of Lladro with a Farohar emblazoned and floral tributes were presented to all on the dais.

In his speech, Dr. Firoze Mirza lauded the efforts of the ZDO and that of Dr. Porus Turner for holding this dental conference every year and providing a platform for youngsters to present their clinical cases. ZDO Secretary, Dr. Ruxshin Bhot Mistry introduced Prof. Dr. Porus Turner, who then introduced Chief Guest, Padma Bhushan Dr. Udwadia, sharing that it was Dr. Udwadia who inspired him to join medicine. He said that Dr. Udwadia who is probably India’s greatest medical luminary, is a true Zoroastrian at heart who never failed to help any genuinely needy person, without expecting anything in return. This motto is one that he also practices. Further lauding Dr. Udwadia, he said while most physicians today rushed to form medical diagnosis for patients without spending much time to ponder upon each case, Dr. Udwadia stood out with his vast experience and humble compassion by examining and giving individual attention to each of his patients, immaterial of their background.

The other speakers also included Dr. Gulnar Sethna, Dr. Kayannush Dadachanj, Dr. Kaiwan Shroff, Dr. Cyrus Karkaria, Dr. Jamshed Tavadia, Dr. Farzana Bharucha, Dr. Taronish Bharucha, Dr. Pervez Cooper, Dr. Shazneen Kalyaniwalla, Dr. Shazneen Kandawalla and Dr. Khushnuma Karkaria.  Dr. Jasmine Tavadia and Dr.  Ruxshin Bhot Mistry were appreciated for organizing the event perfectly. ZDO thanked its principal sponsor – Colgate Palmolive India Ltd., alongside other sponsors, as also the MDM Jeejeebhoy Trust for its support and Dr. Sorab Javeri for his continuous guidance.

The ZDO was founded in the residence of eminent dentist – Dr. Fali S. Mehta; alongside other Founder Members – Capt. Dr. Nariman Vazifdar, Dr. Minoo Ginwala, Dr. Billimoria, and Dr. Ratan Doctor. ZDO maintains an open-door policy for all to showcase their talents.