Prominent Zarathushtis

A Zoroastrian Educational Institute

Prominent Zarathushti Series
	Avari, Dinshawji Amalsad, Meher Dadabhoy The Avaris of Karachi, Pakistan, under the guidance of Dinshawji’s humanitarian, charitable, social and communal services; have earned the recognition and respect of the Zarathushtis as well as all sections of society in Pakistan. The late Dinshawji Byramji Avari was one of those rare Zarathushtis who believed in success at the service of others, not at the expense of others. His humility, spirituality, integrity, charity and love for humanity make him a 5-star Zarathushti.
	Bhikaiji Rustom Cama A young dynamic Zarathushti lady defies the colonial rule imposed on her country of birth at great personal risk, and sets the stage for the eventual independence of India half a century later. The set of circumstance that shaped such a remarkable individual is covered in this article.
	Khurshedji Rustomji Cama, A Salute to the "Lay Dastur" Daruwala, Jehan An effective reformer, this 19th century priest of the Parsi community of India was able to start a campaign of awareness along with other well known community leaders. The forces they set in motion had the impact of creating awareness about the need to restore the religion of Zarathushtra closer to its original focus and away from the dogmas that had come to plague it. The services of this scholar priest must be acknowledged.
	Noshirwan Cowasjee Capitan, Shahpur This article covers the life story of an industrious and hard working man who grew his family business into a leading shipping company in Pakistan and later continued that legacy to build a ferry business in Southern England. A dedicated family man, he showcased Zarathushtrian values of commitment to progress, charity, and love for humanity.
	Eduljee Hormusji Coyaji, The Good Doctor of Poona Shroff, Maharukh His demise created a great void in Poona and for the people of that city, especially the poor who worshipped him. His life was an embodiment of Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds lived to the fullest.
	Dastur Maneckji Nusrawanji Dhalla, The Man Rivetna, Roshan The fascinating article takes the reader through the life and achievements of Dasturji Dr. Maneckji Nusravanji Dhalla, one of the greatest Zarathushti spiritual leaders of modern times.
	Rustam Bahman Guiv Pavri, Jamshid Several years ago late Mr. Pavri wrote an article which serves as a comprehensive biography of Arbab Rostam Guiv. Rostma Guiv, Iranian philanthropist and merchant spent his life and wealth in building the modern Zarathushti society.
	Manekji Limji Hateria Soroushian, Dr. Mehrborzin Reversing the downfall slide of Zarathushtrianism in its birth land, with all forces bent on its destruction was a monumental task to be undertaken by this man of courage and dedication. His life of giving helped resurrect a community that could have otherwise been lost.
	Dinshah Irani A noble son of the Zarathushtrian tradition Coyajee, Sir Jehangir A highly admired leader of the Iranian Zarathushti community of India in early 20th century. Dinshah Irani helped new Zarathushti refugees with their settlement. His leadership, and contributions to furthering understanding of Zarathsuthra's message has earned him enduring respect from generation of Zarathushtis of Iran and India.
	Ardeshir Goodarz Jahanian Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. The story of Jahanian's life story is stuff heroic legends are made of. His tireless struggle to study, teaching and preservation of Iranian Zarathushti heritage is one remarkable struggle. A successful Zarathushti merchant from a modest merchant family in Yazd rose to prominence for his efforts and contributions to his Zarathushti community.
	Jamshid Bahman Jamshidian Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. Originally hailed from Yazd this industrious businessman rose to the national spot line and championed the constitutional reforms of his nation. He managed to redress a wrong that had been perpetuated against the minorities of his nation for over a millennium, and challenged the colonial powers of the time who had extracted monopolistic control of the banking system of his nation from the weak and corrupt central government. Arbab Jamshid Jamshidian's rise to prominence and his undoing through a well orchestrated plan of the colonial powers of the time was very much tied to the fate of his nation and community.
	Dinshaw Framroze Joshi Daver, Adi One of the first Zoroastrians of the 20th century who established himself, and was regarded, as a "world-authority" in the modern arena of telecommunications, Dinshaw Joshi left his mark on his profession as well as on his community. His was a moderating voice committed to the betterment of his community. He proved to be a good role model for others who followed him in the context of the North American Zarathushti community
	Sheheryar Kaoosji Kaoosji, Yezdyar A pioneer in education of the blind in India, his social consciousness and activism left a lasting mark on his community that he loved and served. Admired by many, his concern for all people was a hallmark of his actions in a life of service and giving that he led.
	Sohrab Rostam Kaikhosow Viraf Kianian Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. A leading member of Zarathushti community of Yazd during early decades of twentieth century, his dedication to serve the community proved crucial during this critical period of history. Kianian’s gentle and steadfast character earned him true respect of the Zarathushti population of Yazd .
	The Life and Work of Mirza Soroush Lohrasb Pishdadi, Jamshid (translated by Saadat, Dr. Sohrab) The dedication, care and resilience shown by this educator and community advocate made great difference in the lives of many whom he touched in earlier decades of the twentieth century, Yazd, Iran.
	Peshotanji Dossabhai Marker Rustomji, Aban A humble and caring Zarathushti from India who reached out and touched the lives of many Zarathushtis of Iran at the time help desperately needed. His noble deeds and charitable giving gave many deserving Zarathushtis the helping hand enabling them to rise and reach their potentials. The cherished memory of Peshotanji Marker is captured in this article.
	Jamshid Nusserwanjee Mehta, The Maker of Modern Karachi Dadachanji, Feriedon Jamshid Nusserwanjee Mehta was a unique man, very giving and caring, with a mind for making things happen. He was trusted by the constituency of common people and hold their trust. He chose a life of service and giving in favor of a life of luxury in accordance with the Zoroastrian values instilled in him by his mother, father, and his community. The article brings alive the uniqueness of a man whose name conjured up faith, trust, love and respect in people.
	Sir Pherozshah Mehta Dotivala, Godrei Naval As the first administrator and a prominent public figure in Colonial Bombay, the dignity and honor with which this public figure conducted him won him respect, trust and admiration of his countrymen. A revealing view of this unique public figure is captured in this narrative.
	Shams-Ul-Ulama Dr. Sir Ervad Jivanji Jamshedji Modi Giara, Marzban Jamshidji As a learned Parsi Zoroastrian priest of the 19th century, Jivanji Jamshedji Modi left his mark on the priesthood that followed him. Well known for his community activism and his priestly knowledge, Ervard Modi traveled extensively and was an inspiration to those who met him.
	The Life & Times of Sir Hormusjee Naorojee Mody Parekh,Yazdi As a self driven individual always trying to excel, this prominent Zartoshty of the nineteenth century became a force in the development of Hong Kong into a thriving metropolitan port city of South East Asia. His acts on philanthropy fueled important aspect of Hong Kong's civic life.
	Dadabhai Naoroji, The Grand Old Man of India Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe secretarial help produced this article based on documented historical information.
	Nani Ardeshir Palkhivala Palkhivala,Behram He was acknowledged as one of the world's greatest lawyers ever, and fought several historical cases for the citizens against the illegal and arbitrary actions of the Government in India. Overcoming a dreadful stammer in his childhood, he became a great orator, and published several books. His Ambassadorship to the USA were much appreciated both by his countrymen as well as Americans. He received several awards, and served as president and director of number of large corporations in India.
	Jamshed K. Pavri Tata, Bella Born with a pioneering spirit and endowed with great energy and intellect, this community leader was instrumental in the establishment of one of the North American Zararathushti communities of mid 20th century. He worked actively to help in the resettlement of Zarathushtis to Canada from other regions and helped new comers settle in their new homes.
	Sir Dinshaw Maneckjee Petit Giara, Marzban From his humble beginnings this industrious young man rose to be a captain of the industry in his homeland of India pioneering the introduction of several industries. His acts of philanthropy became a legend as he bankrolled the rescue mission aimed at saving at the remaining small community of Zarathushtrians in the birthplace of the faith, Iran.
	Professor Ibrahim Pour-e-Davoud Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. This article describes the combination of circumstances that led to the making of Ibrahim Pour-e-Davoud into a leading scholar of Zarathusthrian studies. As a venue for reaching his nationalistic aspirations, Pour-e-Davoud comes into contact with descendent of ancient Iranians who had fled to India. From that point his sojourn to realizing his sense of nationalism gets underway.
	Behram (Behli) Sohrab H. J. Rustomji Mehta,Shahrokh Behram S. H. J. Rustomji was a life-long educationalist, a gifted musician, a visionary school principal, an author of several books and hundreds of papers and articles, and an active community social worker. He made B. V. S. Parsi High School in Karachi, Pakistan rise to the high level of "excellence" in education and envy of all the local schools. He indoctrinated in every pupil the daily practice of ASHA and use of VOHU MANA, guiding the careers of thousands of his pupils *Towards That Best Light* and made them proud to be *Virbiajeeites*. He was truly a legend.
	Dr. Mehraban Shahriari Farshidi, Dr. Bahram Driven by his desire to improve the welfare of the populace of his native city of Kerman he became an agent of social change. Mehraban Shahriari studied medicine and became a well admired physician in Kerman. His legacy continues to inspire generations of young Kermani physicians.
	Keikhosrow Shahrokh Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. From his humble beginning, this Zarathushti school teacher hailed from Kerman, rose to the national spot light at the turn of the 20th century as his motherland was going through an ebb in its nationhood. Overwhelmed by the weight of superpower rivalries and suffering from a weak and corrupt ruling class and with Iran's nationhood on a deathbed, Arbab Keikhosrow Shahrokh appeared at that very critical point to champion the cause of his nation, and earned the respect of his people and others who came in contact with him.
	Manijeh "Kermani" Shahrokh Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. Mehrfar in his own powerful language presents the biography of late Manijeh Kermani, a Zarathushti woman well ahead of her own times in social organization and leadership. This biography is prepared with first-hand information provided by Mrs. Katayoon Farin, daughter of late Manijeh Kermani.
	Mobedan-e-Mobed Rostam Dinyar Shahzadi An embodiment of enlightenment, courage and dedication Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. The life story of a gifted and dedicated man who became the well celebrated Mobedan-e-Mobed on Iran of the 1990, and whose acts of courage earned him the respect of his nation is covered in this article.
	Jamshid Soroush Soroushian Cereti, Professor Carlo G. Vajifdar, Farrokh A Zarathushti of Kerman, Jamshid Soroush Soroushian (1914-1999), a community leader, devoted his immense intellectual energy to investigation of his ancestral religion, history and heritage. His commitment to dissemination of information on Zarathushti religion attracted the admiration of two generations of scholars worldwide.
	J. R. D. Tata: On the Islands of Tata, In the Ocean of India Amalsad, Meher Dadabhoy Tatas have been at the forefront in the making of the Indian nation - not just by their monumental achievements as industrialists and entrepreneurs but also by their phenomenal philanthropic contributions in areas of medical research, higher education, aviation, culture, arts and human development. This article while highlighting the attributes of J. R. D. Tata, encapsulates the essence of a 'Century of Trust' built on the Tata tradition of Charity, Industry and Integrity.
No Picture Available	Dastur Jamasp Valayati Kermani Soroushian, Dr. Mehrborzin A learned Zartoshty priest from Kerman whose celebrated trip to Surat, India in late 16^th century was instrumental in the transfer of knowledge that led to understanding Zarathushtra’s Gathas many years later.
	Bai Jerbai Nusherwanji Wadia Kerr, Dr. Sam A socially conscious and visionary lady who despite her family means to live a lavish life dedicated her life to the service of those less privileged than herself. She became the first Zarathushti to think of building affordable homes, offering security for migrant families from Gujarat in search of a better future in the large metropolitan city of Bombay.
	The Wadias of India: Then and Now Jungalwala, Khorshed The history of an enterprising Zarathushtrian dynasty whose generation after generation built pioneering businesses that contributed in significant ways to the industrialization of British India and Independent India for the past three centuries is related by one of its direct descendents. The ships they built crossed the open seas to promote trade for India and for other nations. The reputation they built for honesty, generosity and a genuine concern for their fellow human beings was a hallmark of their enterprises. The family's spirited philanthropy went beyond the Zarathushti community, covering areas of education, health, welfare and industry.
	Esfandiar Bahram Yeganegi Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. An institution by himself, an institution of generosity, a monumental man whose sound of laughter brought joy of reassurance to the heart of his listeners.
	Fereidoon Bahman Zartoshti Mehrfar, Dr. Khosro E. A leading businessman, community leader, and philanthropist, this giant of a man and his brother Mehraban facilitated improvements for Zoroastrians of Iran, India in the 20th century. He was also instrumental in helping Zoroastrians of Diaspora in North America and Australia to build community infrastructures that would serve the community needs into the 21st century and beyond.