As one of the world’s most minuscule communities settled in the world’s now most populated country, the dwindling Parsi community faces an increasing need for representation / reservation across various sectors, especially in education, employment, medicine and government services. In a recent event commemorating the completion of Iran League’s hundred-year legacy, Chief Guest Dr. Cyres Mehta – hailed as the ‘International Hero Of Indian Ophthalmology’ – strongly voiced the need for the support in the form of reservations to help resurrect the Parsi community to its former glory.

Being a strong proponent of this cause for decades, Dr. Cyres Mehta, a true ‘visionary’ – literally and otherwise, applauded Iran League’s efforts in rekindling a connect amongst young Zarthostis with our original motherland – Iran, on the occasion of its centenary celebrations held on 15^th April, 2023, at Allbless Baug, Mumbai. Drawing an audience of about 400 community members, the function started on an auspicious note with a Jashan by Cama Baug Agiary’s priests, followed by a Humbandagi by the sprightly Dadar Athornan students.

Iran League President, Er. CA. Vispi Dastur gave the welcome speech commending the services and efforts of the League, showering a warm welcome over Chief Guest Dr. Cyres K. Mehta and Guest of Honour – Er. Darayesh Katrak; Trustees – Dr. Sorab Javeri, Saroosh Dinshaw and Sam Choksey; Tehmina Peer and others present.

A regaling western vocal recital by Shernaz Shroff was followed by the felicitation of Commodore (retd) Jal Postwalla with the prestigious ‘Maneckjee Limji Hataria’ trophy, awarded for outstanding bravery through his celebrated career spanning the 1962, 1965 and 1971 Indian wars, in capacities including Assistant Director – Weapons and Equipment; and Deputy Director – Warship Projects.

Illustrious music veteran and teacher, Silloo Shapurji introduced and felicitated the much respected Er. Darayesh Katrak of Dadysett Agiary and Charity Trust, who congratulated the Iran League on its achievements and conveyed heartfelt thanks to Chief Guest Dr. Cyres Mehta for the eye-surgery performed by him and reinstating perfect vision, stating he could have permanently lost his vision had it not been for the timely expertise of Dr. Cyres performing the robotic cataract surgery, unique to Mumbai. He also urged young adults to have more faith in prayers and work towards a balanced life.

Sam Choksey then introduced and welcomed Chief Guest Dr. Cyres Mehta, known to consistently set new standards and breakthroughs in expert eye-care, and founder of one of the world’s leading eye-care centers – ‘Dr. Cyres K. Mehta’s International Eye Center’, recognized for offering path-breaking advancements in eye-care and in the treatment of some of the most complicated eye diseases. The recipient of innumerable prestigious national and international awards, Dr. Cyres Mehta’s brief yet hard-hitting speech received much applause, as he lent his voice to one of greatest needs today – adequate representation / reservations for the welfare of the Community.

He started by cordially greeting everyone, “Ervad Vispi Dastur, Mrs. Tehmina Peer, Mrs. Sillo Shapurjee and other committee members, Guest of Honour – Er. Darayesh Katrak, Commodore Jal Postwala, Members of the Iran League, all dignitaries present today, my wife Vinifer and my littlest son, Zane, and my dear friends in the audience…. I’d like to thank you all for honoring me by having me as your Chief Guest today. Winston Churchill famously said, ‘A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt – long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest!” which drew much laughter from the audience.