A landmark community health programme was organised by WAPIZ in association with NK Dhabhar Cancer Foundation focused on preventive healthcare, elder care, and social support for the Parsi Zoroastrian community.

WAPIZ – Empowering Seniors and Supporting Health

World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ) hosted ‘Parsi Health Matters: A Conference on Community Wellbeing’ at the Allbless Baug on 30th January 2026. The event was attended by eminent medical professionals, supporters and cancer survivors.

The Chief Guests for the evening were respected Dr (Mrs) Rati Godrej and famed Bollywood Actor-Director, Mr Boman Irani. The attendees were blessed to be led in a ‘humbandagi’ by Vada Dasturji Keki Ravji Meherjirana.

BPP and WAPIZ trustee, Mrs Anahita Desai, representing WAPIZ, in her opening address outlined the organisation’s initiatives and partnership with the NK Dhabhar Cancer Foundation for free breast cancer detection camps. “WAPIZ tries to cater to what the community needs,” she said, highlighting WAPIZ’s response to past challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WAPIZ distributed oxygen concentrators, and it also donated motorised stair-climbing wheelchairs, SEEDEE, to support mobility among seniors who were living in buildings that did not have elevators. Other initiatives include the Adult Diaper Project, Helping Hands for Seniors, which provides assistance for seniors to enable them to live with dignity, the WAPIZ Jehangir Dinshaw Pandole Shelter at Dadar Parsi Colony, which provides a stop-gap facility for convalescing seniors, the Mental Health Fund and the Cama Baug Sale to support Zoroastrian entrepreneurs. Mrs Desai emphasised that no Administration Charges are taken out of any donations: “If you donate for the adult diaper project, that money will be used only for that project.”

Healthy Ageing is Key

Dr. Rati Godrej, public health advocate, delivered the keynote address, focusing on healthy ageing and disease prevention. “We don’t want people to just add years to their life; but rather to add life to each year that they have,” she said. Dr. Godrej stressed mobility, mental health, and emotional well-being as pillars of preventive care. She also noted that “sleep is extremely important in preventing dementia” and highlighted the dangers of loneliness: “One in four people suffer from depression, and one in six experience loneliness. You can attend several social events and still feel deeply lonely.”

Cancer Awareness: Prevention, Early Detection, and Support

Dr. Jeyhan Dhabhar, medical oncologist, bust several myths and fears associated with the disease citing that “Stage one and stage two cancers are highly curable. Even stage three is manageable. The real challenge is stage four, where the aim shifts from cure to control.” Highlighting India’s low screening rates, he noted that only 30% of cancers are detected early, compared to nearly 60% in developed countries. “Early detection can improve survival rates by up to 90%,” he added.

Underlining preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol, obesity, and lack of screening, he clarified, “Cancer is not contagious, and it is not a death sentence if detected early.” Modern treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision oncology, he said, have transformed cancer care.

An enlightening and informative Panel Discussion

Chief Guest, Mr Boman Irani, while keeping the narrative light, served as a moderator for an interactive panel discussion led by oncologists, mental health professionals, survivors, and caregivers where they focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and emotional support. These included breast cancer survivor and palliative care expert, Dr. Khurshid Mistry who shared her own journey. Well-known psychiatrist Dr. Pervin Dadachanji highlighted the psychological impact of cancer, while also speaking about youth mental health, dementia, and the importance of caregivers. Agreeing with her was caregiver and cancer survivor, Capt. Jamshed Appoo, whose wife is currently battling cancer. Addressing concerns of fertility, Dr. Anahita Pandole added that fertility preservation through egg freezing and IVF can help women undergoing cancer treatment. While cancer treatment can be costly, Mr Homa Petit, President of the BD Petit Parsee General Hospital, said, “Rationing charity care is not an option.” Dr Jeyhan praised the hospital’s ability to provide advanced cancer treatments, including immunotherapy, free of cost. Addressing the broader question of ageing, Dr. Boman Dhabhar said, “We talk about quality of life, but we forget quality of death. Honouring a patient’s wishes is what a graceful death means.” Dr. Rati Godrej urged awareness about living wills, which “allows you to decide how much medical intervention you want.”

Of course, no event where Mr Boman Irani is present would be complete without his regaling the audience with his rendition of the Frank Sinatra classic, “My Way”. Through the evening, he acknowledged his wife Zenobia as his pillar of support and one could only marvel at the deep bond they share.

The evening also saw all 8 WAPIZ Trustees acknowledge and provide financial assistance to 12 cancer warriors and their families who have been waging their own personal battle against the disease.

The entertainment for the evening was amped up by a powerful performance of popular Western numbers by the inimitable Sarosh Nanavaty. The evening ended with a vote of Thanks by WAPIZ Chairperson Ms. Meher Panthaki.  The Guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet to round off the evening.

Shared Message

The event concluded with a strong message: community care, prevention, and compassion are essential to healthier lives. One participant reflected that he would leave “a wiser human being,” impressed by the charity and commitment of WAPIZ and the wider Parsi community.

Photo Credit: Farokh Mojia