Born on September 25, 1928 in Bombay, Jehan showed exceptional promise from a young age. He went on to study at St. Xavier’s College and earned advanced degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, receiving a Gold Medal from the Indian Pharmaceutical Association. A J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship took him to the United Kingdom, where he completed his doctorate in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of London—an opportunity he later repaid so that another student could benefit.

His professional journey took him across North America, where he built an outstanding career in pharmaceutical research. At Ayerst and later Wyeth, he rose through the ranks to become Distinguished Research Fellow—an honor never before given in the Chemical Sciences at the organization. His work in prostaglandins and medicinal chemistry earned international recognition and contributed to important drug discoveries, while his mentorship shaped many young scientists along the way.

Yet, for all his professional accomplishments, Jehan’s greatest and most enduring contributions were to the Zoroastrian faith. Initiated into the priesthood in his youth, he later committed himself to a lifelong study of the religion, driven by a desire to understand it deeply and share it meaningfully. He brought both intellectual rigor and clarity to his work, becoming a trusted voice for generations seeking guidance on religious matters.

Jehan was a true pioneer of the Zoroastrian community in North America. As the founding President of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec, he helped establish one of the earliest organized Zarathushti communities on the continent. From Montreal, he also pioneered one of the first community newsletters, Gavashni, which would later evolve into what we know today as the FEZANA Journal. His involvement with FEZANA was longstanding and impactful—serving as the first Editor of the FEZANA Journal, chairing the Research and Preservation Committee, and contributing to key initiatives such as the Global Scholastic Competition. He was also instrumental in the formation of the endowed chairs that support the FEZANA Professorship in Zoroastrian Languages and Literature at the University of Toronto, helping to ensure the academic study and continuity of the faith for future generations.

He was a prolific writer, speaker, and teacher. Through his articles, lectures, and books—many co-authored with Ervad Adi Unwalla—he helped make complex religious ideas accessible and relevant. His series of practical prayer and ceremony books on Navjotes, weddings, and obsequies continue to be widely used by mobeds across North America. He represented the faith at interfaith gatherings and international forums, including the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and was widely respected for his thoughtful and measured approach. In a final act of generosity, he donated his treasured collection to the FIRES Library—ensuring that future generations may learn, reflect, and remain connected to their heritage.

Jehan’s dedication was recognized through several honors, including the FEZANA Award for Excellence in Profession and Business and the FEZANA Lifetime Achievement Award.     Those who knew Jehan will remember not just his achievements, but his humility, his discipline, and his generosity with knowledge. He was a mentor, a guide, and often the person many turned to when they needed clarity or conviction.

He shared a remarkable 70-year marriage with his beloved wife Freny, and was a loving father to Shiraz and Darius. He experienced profound personal loss with the passing of his daughter Shiraz at a young age, a sorrow he bore with quiet strength and dignity.    His greatest wish was the unification of the three Zoroastrian calendars, and he travelled extensively across the world advocating for this cause. While it did not come to fruition in his lifetime, his efforts brought awareness, dialogue, and a sense of shared purpose to the global community.

As a community, we are profoundly grateful for Jehan’s lifetime of service—his commitment to scholarship, his dedication to strengthening our institutions, and his unwavering efforts to promote understanding of the Zoroastrian faith around the world.

Prayers will be held at the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation as follows:

• Sarosh prayers: Tuesday, April 7 at 9:00 PM
• Sarosh prayers: Wednesday, April 8 at 9:00 PM
• Charam prayers: Thursday, April 9 at 5:30 AM

On behalf of the entire FEZANA Family and Zarathushtis in North American and around the world we offer our deepest condolences to Freny Aunty, Darius and the entire Bagli family and all those who’s lives were touched by Jehan.

May his Ruvan journey onward to Garothman Behest, and may the light of his knowledge and service continue to illuminate our path as we carry forward his commitment to faith, knowledge, and service.