22^nd March, 2023 (Roj Adar, Mah Avan) marked the auspicious 19th Salgreh of Umrigar Adarian, located at Fatehganj, Vadodara. Vada Dasturji of Iranshah Udvada – Khurshedji Kekobad Dastur, presided as the Chief Guest at the celebratory function organised by the Parsi Panchayat Charitable Fund Vadodara and attended by many community members. An evening Machi was offered at the Adarian, followed by a Jashan, performed by Vada Dasturji Khurshed and other Mobeds of Umrigar Adarian.

President Phiroz Patel, Trustees of the Panchayat and the Anjuman honoured two community stalwarts for their long-standing dedication, hard work and service to the Panchayat, namely ex-President – Shavaksha Fakirji Patel and Prof. Dr. Rumi Jehangir Mistry, by unveiling their portraits in the Adarian Hall.

Shavakshaw Patel, whose family has been serving the community for generations, was actively involved with the activities of the Panchayat for over four decades and had the distinction of serving as President for four terms.  He was a keen Sports person and mentored many youth in Cycling and Table Tennis. Also a businessman, he was known for his fund-raising abilities.

Prof. Dr. Rumy Mistry was a senior member of Baroda University, with exceptional academic qualifications.  Modest and courteous, he dedicated his life to education and helping the youth in career choices. He was a Sportsman, Dramatist and a member of various Advisory Committees at the Local and Central Government levels. He was the Chairperson of the Education Committee as well as the Chairman of the Election Committee of the Panchayat. Several family members and friends, expressed their respect and admiration for both these accomplished gentlemen and thanked the Panchayat for the honour. Some sent in written tributes to be readout.

Vada Dasturji Khurshed was felicitated by the President of the Panchayat. In his inspiring speech, Dasturji spoke on the topic, ‘Journey of Parsis from Iran to India, the five Iranian Dynasties, our prayers, our rituals, the journey of our Iranshah from Iran to Udwada’.

President Patel then initiated the donation drive for the renovation of Godrej Hall, with a very generous donation by him and his brother Hector S. Patel. Prof. Dr. Rumy Mistry’s family also committed to donating Rs. 15,00,000/- towards the Education Fund. The President then appealed to members of  Vadodara  Anjuman  to  donate  generously.

The function ended with the rendition of ‘Chhaiye Hame Zarthoshti’ and the National Anthem, followed by a Gambhar dinner.