The Zoroastrian community’s oldest High Priest, Kaikhusro Navroz Dastoor Meherjirana passes away on June 11 after a brief illness in Navsari, Gujarat. Meherjirana was not only a dastoor but also an advocate, author of two books on banking law and a student of Indian classical music.
He spent most of his life in Mumbai before moving to Navsari after his appointment as High Priest in 2010. He was an expert flute player and a follower of the Kirana gharana of Ustaad Abdul Karim Khan, particularly of the late singer Gangubai Hangal of Hubbali. In his youth, he regularly gave music recitals on the All India Radio Vadodra for which he received Rs30 per show in compensation at the time.
Dastoor Meherjirana hails from the well respected Meherjirana family and became the 17th High Priest to be appointed from the family. The first Meherjirana (1510-1590) was appointed High Priest in the late 16th century and was honoured as a guest in emperor Akbar’s court.
Sadly, the Zoroastrian community has lost its second High Priest in a matter of weeks. Last month, the world renowned Avesta scholar Dastoor Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa passed away in London.
