On 6^th July, 2025, the trustees of the Surat Parsi Punchayet (SPP) organised a religious talk by one of our community’s leading authorities on Zoroastrian religion and culture, Noshir Dadrawala, followed by a community feast at the recently renovated Anti Dharamshala, Surat. Despite heavy rains, the beautifully decorated hall was filled with over 150 community members including students of the girls and boy’s hostel. The function was ably compered by the dynamic Mahrukh Chichgar.

Dr. Homi Doodhwala, President of the Surat Parsi Punchayet and Trustee – PadmaShri Yezdi Karanjia welcomed and introduced Noshir Dadrawala. In his address, Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur emphasised the need for Parsis to get married and lead a happy family life. Quoting the Vendidad, he said that earth is most happy when a person builds a house, prays before a fire, is married, has many children, dogs, cattle and other necessities of life.

Noshir Dadrawala opened his address by calling for unity and urging everyone to stop squabbling over trivial matters. Marking the first day of Kadmi Muktad, he recounted how, decades ago, Parsis in Surat were torn apart by the Kadmi-Shehenshahi calendar feud, where neighborhoods erupted in violence. He noted how today, those divisions seem almost absurd as both sects now freely support Surat’s Kadmi and Shehenshahi Atash Behrams, side by side. Today’s controversies will be treated by future generations as dark comedy, he lamented.

He also elaborated how a Zoroastrian should consciously live his or her life on a daily basis, according to the principles of Asha (truth, righteous conduct and harmony with the Divine Order.) He further emphasised the need to be charitable, not just with one’s wealth but also in thought, word and deed towards others. He also explained the relevance of fire and all the good creations of Ahura Mazda in the life of a Zoroastrian.

The feast for thought was followed by a feast for the tummy! Kudos to the trustees of the Surat Parsi Punchayet for regularly conducting such programs with the aim of promoting religious awareness and community bonding.

Established in 1841, the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) stands as a beacon of hope and support for Surat’s Parsi Zoroastrian community, continually adapting its services to meet modern needs. Under the visionary leadership and guidance of Late Fali Sam Nariman, SPP secured a landmark Supreme Court verdict protecting community rights to consign loved ones’ remains to its historic Dokhmas. Today, it manages three such towers – one with 476 pavi and two others housing 300 and 261 pavi respectively, and oversees their annual cleaning, preserving a profound cultural tradition.

Every Sunday, children attend engaging religious classes taught by eminent scholars like Er. Dr. Parvez Bajan, Er. Dr. Rooyintan Peer and Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastur, followed by nutritious snacks that nurture both, faith and health. To ensure no family goes hungry, SPP’s Central Kitchen delivers free, wholesome meals and tiffin daily to elderly, bedridden, and handicapped members, reflecting its unwavering commitment to community welfare.

Separately, its Girls’ and Boys’ Orphanages provide safe accommodation, schooling, medical care, counselling, and extracurricular activities, including holiday programs and summer camps, thus empowering Parsi youth from all backgrounds. Legal vigilance also defines SPP’s work: since 1974, it has defended trust-owned agricultural lands and secured a High Court stay order in 2015 to protect 80 percent of its holdings from government acquisition under the Agricultural Land Ceiling Act.

In healthcare, the Seth Tarachand Surat Parsi General Hospital offers comprehensive services from routine check-ups to specialized treatments, easing financial burdens so families can focus on healing. Moreover, SPP has earmarked ₹50 lakh for senior citizens’ medical insurance premiums and runs the Nariman Home and Infirmary, a free old-age residence providing daily care, meals, and recreational facilities.

Pilgrims and visitors benefit from the air-conditioned Anti-Dharmashala, featuring private rooms, dormitories and a banquet hall with full dining services and ample parking for large gatherings. Recognizing housing as a basic need, SPP offers affordable, dignified rental accommodation with essential amenities, prioritizing seniors and families in need at minimal monthly rates.

Its welfare initiatives extend to quarterly financial grants totalling over ₹65 lakh for deserving senior citizens and annual food-grain kits worth ₹19 lakh to families facing hardship. Additionally, parents with three or more children receive third-child educational support, underscoring SPP’s mission to reduce financial stress and foster community growth.

Through these multifaceted programs, the Surat Parsi Panchayat continues to honour its heritage while innovating to meet contemporary challenges, ensuring the community thrives for generations to come. These efforts reflect SPP’s enduring promise of no community member in Surat ever feel without support!