Aspi Ustad writes about the passing of Nariman Mehta
Our Community Lost a Gem
A true social worker to the core. A man of his word. A person you could rely on. A true Karma Yogi. Selfless devotion for 70 years helping people. An innovator of ideas for social schemes. That was Nariman Mehta (lovingly called Naju Uncle by all who knew him). He breathed his last at the age of 93 on Friday, May 8, 2026.
A man who was the pillar of strength not only for his family, but for many families who came seeking help, be it medical, educational, financial, or social. Nariman was there at the forefront of them all.
His home was like an office with a revolving door; people came knocking day or night. He never turned them away. He was supported wholeheartedly by his family. His wife, Pervin (who passed away a few years ago), was always there supporting him in his journey of social service.
After graduating, Nariman joined the house of Tatas. He joined Tara Electric Co. and led the provident fund department. He retired a few years ago and, after his retirement, was associated with and worked for a reputed educational institution.
Final Retirement
He finally called it a day from his working life and became fully involved in social work. He helped many people secure housing, financial assistance, or educational scholarships for students.
Early Age Involvement
Nariman enjoyed social work, and the idea of helping people was born when an organization called “The Nowroze Baug Play Centre (NPC)” was established in 1947 under the able guidance of Khody P. Kolah. Later, he took on a leadership role, which he continued until his last breath.
He steered many storms during the founding period of NPC and always led from the front.
He led people without ever showing authority.
I had the opportunity to serve on the committee of NPC for many years in various capacities under his able leadership. I would say he was a stalwart in leading people. Never politically associated with any party leader, he was nevertheless respected by most local politicians and political parties.
Picnics and camps were an annual part of NPC activities. Along with his committee colleagues, he made sure that people who could not afford to travel on their own were able to travel the length and breadth of our country with NPC on annual camping tours. The best part of these camps was the campfire after dinner, and he made sure everyone participated.
Leaving a Legacy
In his passing, he has left behind a legacy for generations to cherish.
He spearheaded and established many schemes to help people in times of medical need.
He supported the idea at NPC to start an allopathy scheme, knowing that the cost of medicine takes a large toll on the budgets of families living below the poverty line. With support from our local physician, Dr. Lomesh Shah, a scheme was implemented and has grown manyfold, with many more families covered.
Many years ago, a donor came forward and contributed a sizeable amount to start a homeopathic scheme. He did not hesitate for a second. He took the opportunity and offered space in his home to conduct the activity every Sunday. Rain or shine, people from within Nowroze Baug and in and around Lalbaug started taking advantage of it. He was so deeply involved that he would wake up early every Sunday morning and book appointments for people calling to see the late Dr. Major, who helped with the homeopathic dispensary. Dr. Jagos is the current homeopathic doctor assisting the scheme every month.
Such was the enthusiasm and energy he brought to the table in helping people.
Never Felt Shy
He never felt shy to ask for donations in order to support the activities of our organization, whether in cash or kind.
He took the initiative to speak directly with the Trustees of BPP, including regarding the repair project for Nowroze Baug. He also secured permission for floodlights on our volleyball court so that children could play until late evenings.
An Idea Whose Time Had Come
The occasion was the 25th Silver Jubilee sports event of NPC at St. Xavier’s Ground, Parel. The chief guest was the late Dr. Dinyar Gamadia and the guest of honor was the “Father of Indian Athletics,” Mr. Jal D. Pardiwala. The idea was floated to revive Parsi sports, especially athletics and cycling. Nariman did not look back, and NPC was at the forefront as All Parsis Sports was reborn again after a gap of nearly 30 years. Other organizations joined us later.
Sad Day for Nowroze Baug
It was a somber Friday, May 8, 2026, for the whole colony and the people residing in and around Nowroze Baug.
It is said that people like Nariman are not born every day. God does not make them anymore.
In his passing, many feel orphaned. But life has to go on. He has left behind a legacy and a strong leadership committee at NPC, ably led by Mr. Homi P. Ustad, all of whom are continuing the work he left behind.
We pray to the Almighty to grant this Karma Yogi eternal peace.