This report is an exclusive, firsthand account of the life and work of Zarrir F. Bhandara, a true hero who has donated his platelets and plasma over 538 times, and has, as a result of which, saved over 1,614 lives to date. His selfless acts of compassion have helped countless people in need.

The real-life hero, Er. Zarrir Bhandara, is vegetarian by choice, and has dedicated his life to human welfare and social issues by giving selfless service to the causes he truly believes in. He has been instrumental in providing much religious succour to thousands of Zoroastrians by voluntarily serving the Zarathushti community of North America at the ZAC Atash-kadeh, and in India, for the past 50 years. He promotes the message of prophet Zarathushtra through his prayer services, religious classes, as well as by saving lives of humans and animals, among the Southern California community, for over three decades now.

During the pandemic, Er. Zarrir continued serving the community and society in his capacity as a religious leader and a humanitarian. He helped people heal through the power of prayers, visiting hospitals and ICUs, providing healing prayers. He also provided food, counselling and financial help to those in need, personally and through different associations. Every Sunday, he live-streamed our prayers and Humbandagi, reaching hundreds of Zoroastrians who were stuck at home and unable to visit the fire temples.

Er. Bhandara is an inspiration to so many. “It is my passion to save lives, be it animals or humans, which I do with compassion.” This statement perfectly encapsulates him – a person driven by a deep desire to help others. He is not motivated by fame or recognition but by the simple act of making a difference in the world.

Er. Zarrir has been performing innumerable religious ceremonies like Jashans, Gahambars, Muktad prayers, Navjote/Sedreh Pushi, weddings and funerals, thus satiating the psychological and spiritual needs of our community during this challenging period.

Ervad Bhandara’s story is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. We may not be able to donate platelets and plasma as often as he does, but we can all do something to help others. We can volunteer our time, donate to charity, or simply be kind to those around us. Kudos to Er. Zarrir Bhandara – a true Parsi, a true man of God!