Menie Kaikhushroo Bhagat, reckoned as the oldest living Parsi in the world, passed away peacefully at the grand old age of 108, on 7th July, 2024. Parsi Times had enthusiastically covered her glorious 108th birthday, earlier this year. Loved by many in the community and held in great respect, Menie Maiji, as she was often called, breathed her last in her Mumbai residence at Bharucha Baug.

Born to Bejonji and Goolbai Pestonji, in Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh, on 16th February, 1916, Menie Maiji was the fifth of ten siblings. She married at age 20, raising five children in Jhansi, with three generations of her family living in Jhansi, until they later moved to Mumbai. She moved to Mumbai on her husband’s passing and was the proud grandma to ten grandchildren and a super-proud great-grandmother to another ten great-grandchildren!

While interveiwing with Parsi Times on the occasion of her 108th grand birthday, she proudly shared that she didnt suffer from any ailments, had her own teeth intact and managed all her daily tasks herself, moving with only the aid of a walker. Dhansak was her favourite meal. When asked about the secret of her happy, long life, she had shared, “There is no secret really – just do everything in moderation, be contented in what you have, always have faith in Ahura Mazda, and stay united!”

Her granddaughter – Goolnaz Debara, currently settled in Germany, shared a sweet tribute:

Born on a cold February day, in the year 1916,

She lived to be 108, a life so pure and serene.

One of the oldest Zoroastrians, she held onto our faith strong,

Guiding us with her wisdom, through rights and wrongs.

Her gentle smile and loving eyes always brought comfort and peace,

She was a beacon of hope, in a world filled with unease.

 In her hands, our family was embraced,

With her love and blessings, we were graced.

Like an angel, you watch us from above,

Guiding us with wisdom and love.

Your presence may be gone, but memories remain,

In our hearts, you’ll forever reign.

May Sarosh Yazad lead Menie Maiji’s noble soul to the highest heavens, to rest in eternal peace. Garothman Behest hojoji!