Dear Readers,
For a community celebrated for its orderliness and foresight, it’s surprising how disorderly our affairs can be when it comes to maintaining our important documents. Far many of us, particularly our seniors, we tend to put it off for ‘soon’ or ‘someday’, that never quite arrives. This delay places an undue burden on ourselves and our loved ones, creating acrimony within families and with legal authorities.
Be it important documents like our Will, financial papers, medical and insurance records, or vital information pertaining to bank nominations, property records, passwords, Aadhaar/PAN updates and emergency contact lists – it’s crucial that we keep these in order and in an easy-to-remember-and-access place. This is not about preparing for death, it’s about living responsibly.
With a large number of community members having children or next-of-kin living abroad, it becomes mandatory to ensure that all vital documents are in place. Too many families are left running pillar to post trying to locate basic documents, or get tangled in unnecessary legal battles, because the deceased hadn’t made a Will, or the nominee list wasn’t updated, or property papers were unclear. Probate processes can stretch painfully when clarity is missing.
But these are all avoidable miseries if only we take the timely effort of being prepared. Preparedness should not be perceived as a morbid chore, but as an act of responsibility – which equally serves those we leave behind and ourselves while we are alive. For instance, during sudden hospitalisations or medical emergencies, how many of us have a ‘go-to’ folder with details like IDs, insurance, allergies or emergency contacts ready? Do our children or trusted friends know where our documents are?
While WAPIZ has taken a step in the right direction by initiating sessions across Baugs to help understand the process and importance of making a Will, we need a lot more… Sessions on financial literacy for seniors, guidance on digital legacy planning, legal checklists, medical preparedness kits, emergency folders – tools that should be a mandatory part of every Parsi household.
The time to act is now – why wait for panic to force our hand? Think of it as a gift to yourself and your family – a legacy of clarity, not chaos. Be it documents related to your flat, your finances, your health, your other assets or your final wishes – get it down, get it sorted and get it in place.
Peace of mind is not a privilege, it’s a responsibility. Your preparedness today ensures comfort tomorrow, especially during critical, time-sensitive moments, when you and your loved ones deserve clarity, not chaos and frustration. Because while tomorrow is promised to none, preparedness is a promise we can keep. Let’s act now – with love, clarity and responsibility. For ourselves. For our families. For peace of mind.
Have a good weekend!
– Anahita
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