Vada Dasturji Dr. Kaikhusroo Minocher JamaspAsa, High Priest of Zarthoshti Anjuman Atash Behram since 1956, passed away on 19th May, 2019, at the age of 87, in London. The Community has indeed lost one of our foremost religious scholars and leaders. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
Born on March 11th, 1932, in Mumbai, Dasturji graduated in Avesta and Pahlavi and held a Doctorate in Philosophy. He was an Honorary Professor of Iranian Studies at St. Xavier’s College, his alma mater, (over thirty years); Principal of Sir J J Zarthoshti Madressa (ten years); as also Senior Lecturer at Mulla Firoz Madressa, and Visiting Professor at the Asia Institute of Pahlavi University, in Shiraz. He was a linguist and has also authored books and written numerous articles in globally prominent academic publications.
He followed on the heels of a deferential and lasting line of distinguished scholar priests – his great grandfather, Dasturji Dr. Jamasp JamaspAsa consecrated and installed the Anjuman Atash Behram. He ordained hundreds of Navars and Martabs in the community and performed over 200 Nirangdins and other exalted religious ceremonies. As a revered traditionalist, he steadfastly upheld Zoroastrian beliefs and religious practices, constantly guiding the community on the righteous path and advocating the safeguarding of our religious institutions. A humble and soft-spoken man of a few words, he strongly believed that the community should stay faithful to the customs and traditions.