On 27^th November, 2024, the Zoroastrian community worldwide lost a true friend, well-wisher and philanthropist. Although he lived in the USA, his heart was always in India and his soul resided in Iran. He used to visit India periodically usually during the cooler winter months and meet his old friends and relatives. He would also stay tuned with happenings in Iran and would talk fondly about his early days in Tehran and Yazd.

A staunch traditional   Zoroastrian, he supported several community causes over the years, sponsoring various Indian Zoroastrian priests as also Zoroastrian youth visits to Iran to experience its beauty, history and spiritual heritage. He had deep pockets and a large heart. He loved his family and friends dearly, caring always for their wellbeing.

Born on 29^th August, 1936, in Mumbai, India, to Hormazd and Perin Aresh, Tahamtan was the beloved brother of Zarin, Dilnavaz, Yasmin and Rohinton. He graduated from Cathedral School and Davar’s College of Commerce, before earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University. In 1959, Tahamtan married Gordafrid Irani in Mumbai, and together they raised a family with three children —Rohinton, Scheherazade and Zaal, and two grandsons, Saahm and Areya.

In Iran…

Tahamtan’s life journey took him across India, Iran and the US. In Iran, he collaborated with his father to develop a desolate property into the city of Teheran Pars. He also established the Zoroastrian Iranian Community Association (ZICA), which provided support and a sense of community to Indian Zoroastrians seeking better opportunities in Iran. However, the revolution in Iran compelled him and his family to leave the country and relocate to the USA.

In the wake of the Revolution in Iran, Tahamtan highlighted the plight of the community at several community forums, including the Fifth North American Zoroastrian Congress held in Los Angeles, in 1986. Top priority was given to the immigration of Zoroastrian refugees to the New World by a majority vote. Much scepticism was shown by some towards refugee immigration, but that did not deter Professor James Russell and Khojeste Mistree in India to begin work, intensively and systematically.

Khojeste met music maestro Zubin Mehta in New York and through him, some friends from the US Senate and Congress. Likewise, Professor Russell wrote extensively to his congressmen, and slowly a network was established in Washington, with Dr. Ada Adler being the key State Department lady, spearheading the PS 4000 programme instituted by the then President, Ronald Reagan. Tahamtan remained a silent but solid pillar of support all through.

In the USA…

In America, Tahamtan continued his philanthropic work and silent but effective service to the Zoroastrian community. As a devout Zarthushti, he upheld its traditions and values while inspiring the younger generation. He served as President of ZAC (Zoroastrian Association of California) from 1982 to 1985. In 1988, he founded the Traditional Mazdayasni Zoroastrian Anjuman (TMZA), which under his guidance, has been a beacon of traditional Zoroastrian values, offering religious services, fostering education, and engaging esteemed scholars and priests to enrich the community’s understanding of our heritage.

During The Pandemic…

Tahamtan continued his philanthropic endeavors, from aiding Zoroastrians globally during the pandemic. He lived by the motto, ‘When you give with your right hand, your left hand should not know.’ Known for his dry wit and endearing humor, Tahamtan was a source of joy to his friends and family. His patriotism for his homeland and unwavering dedication to the Zoroastrian community were hallmarks of his character.

A Life Well Lived…

Tahamtan’s sudden passing on 27^th November, 2024, has left a profound void in the hearts of his loved ones and the community he cherished. However, his legacy of compassion, leadership, and faith will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. He lived a good life and was always full of wit, humour and amazing stories about Iran and India. He will be remembered most for his love for India and Iran, the Zoroastrian community and the Zoroastrian religion, which he consciously lived by, through being happy by making others happy!