On 10th August, 2022, a Blue Plaque was unveiled in commemoration of Dadabhai Naoroji, at his London residence (72 Anerley Park, Penge SE20), where he resided from 1887 to 1904. Representatives from English Heritage, the House of Lords, Indian High Commission, local government, the Zoroastrian community – notably the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), inter-faith groups, well-wishers, et al gathered at the front garden of the Victorian property.  The steps leading to the front door provided a natural platform from where speakers highlighted some of Naoroji’s many great accomplishments, against the backdrop of a stained glass door and a prominent brass number 72.  From here, the curtain was eventually lowered to reveal Naoroji’s Blue Plaque.

The ceremony began with a recital of Avestan prayers and the lighting of the āfrīnagān (fire urn) by ZTFE resident priest, Er. Yazad Bhadha. Blue plaque panel member, journalist, author and cricket commentator Mihir Bose, introduced the work of English Heritage and said that he was proud that the “985th blue plaque,” was installed in honour of Dadabhai Naoroji. He acknowledged Naoroji’s early contribution to the struggle for an independent India, sharing that Naoroji’s book, ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901)’, was published while he resided here.

ZTFE President Malcolm M. Deboo spoke of Dadabhai Naoroji’s business ethics, political successes, campaigns and his presidency of the ZTFE, stating how Naoroji’s Zoroastrian faith had a bearing on his work and his conscience throughout his life. Politically, Naoroji was a founding member of the Indian National Congress, serving three times as its President.  His greatest political triumph in the UK, came in 1892 when he became the first Indian to be elected to the House of Commons. He shared that Naoroji was an advocate of women’s rights and supported many feminist campaigners.

President Malcolm Deboo stated that Naoroji’s Blue Plaque, was long overdue, but a welcome addition to the one commemorating music prodigy Freddy Mercury (2016, in Feltham) and civil engineer Ardaser Cursetjee Wadia (2021, Richmond).  He thanked English Heritage for recognising Naoroji. Dadabhai Naoroji was one of those who founded the forerunner organisation to the ZTFE in 1861.

ZTFE’s journey to honour Naoroji’s achievements through the Blue Plaque scheme began in 1992, when Malcolm Deboo, along with a few others, first made representations to English Heritage. In 1992, ZTFE member, community activist and race equality campaigner – late Faridoon Madon MBE, launched, what became a 3-year campaign to having a street in Islington renamed after Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji, which achieved fruition in March 1993, when a plaque – with ZTFE funding, was placed outside Finsbury Town Hall, in commemoration of Naoroji.

In the evening, speakers celebrated the life and legacy of Dadabhai Naoroji, in the Zarthoshty Brothers’ Hall at the Zoroastrian Centre. Sir Rohinton Minoo Kalifa read a speech by ZTFE Patron Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, who, like Naoroji, also took his oath of office on the Khordeh Avesta. He said with pride that the Zoroastrian community although small in number continued not only to contribute to the amelioration of the countries they inhabited but globally, citing the vital work of Padma Bhushan Dr. Cyrus Poonawala MD and CEO of the Serum Institute of India in manufacturing vaccines especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Naoroji was mentor to the likes of Mahatma Gandhi in his early years. In India’s 75th year of independence and 105th year his passing, Naoroji remains as relevant. His sense of purpose, unwavering commitment, tenacity, high morals in public and personal life are exemplary and make him a timeless reminder that with grit and determination, the seemingly impossible can be achieved.