Surat’s Parsee Pragati Mandal (PPM) paid a prayer tribute to two community stalwarts – Late Nergish Hadvaid and Late Aspi Rao – at the Sheth Pestonsha Kalabhai Vakil Kadim Atashbehram Hall, on 8^th May, 2024, amidst a large gathering of community members who came to pay their respects.

A committed bone-setter, Late Nergish Hadvaid was known for her simplicity and dedication – reckoned as Mother Teresa, and served long as a member of Surat’s PPM. She was as kind as she was effective for her patients, who always left with a sense of contentment. A banker by profession, the soft-spoken and kind Late Er. Aspi Rao, was also a dedicated and responsible member of Surat’s PPM, and will be remembered for his efforts towards the community.

Vada Dasturji Er. Cyrus Dastur commenced the meet with a prayer and a speech. In her address, Mahatab Bhatporia – President, PPM, acknowledged the presence of eminent community members and extolled the services rendered by the two stalwarts. Yasmin Dotivala also paid tribute to them with high praise. Ketty Daruwala, sister of late Nergish Hadvaid, spoke about her sister’s dedication towards family and her learning the science of bone setting.

Armin Bhagalia, daughter of late Aspi Rao, reminisced about childhood times under the guidance of her father and late Nergish and Mr. Aspi. She spoke of her father’s genius with numbers and his enthusiasm to ensure successful PPM programs. Aspi Gyara, Pearl Kharas, Kashmira Palia, Jimmy Kharadi also expressed their reverence, sharing various impressive and interesting aspects about the departed souls. Maharukh Chichgar read out messages sent by community members and thanked the care takers. Cyrus Dotivala read out the obituaries.

The prayer meet, ably anchored by Dilnaz Besania, culminated with a Humbandagi and handing over the obituaries to the respective family members. A Gambhar, in the memory of Nergish Hadvaid, was organized by her family, concluding the posthumous honour presented to two dedicated souls who had rendered a major part of their life, in service to society and the community, at large.

[Courtesy: Nilufer Bavaadam]