A true social worker to the core. A man of his words. A person you can 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 to 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 over. He was supported whole heartedly by his family. His wife Pervin (who passed away a few years ago) was always there supporting him in his journey of social service.
Nariman, after graduating 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 and worked for a reputed educational institution.
Final Retirement-
He finally called it a day of his working life and was involved in social work. He helped many a 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 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, never showing his authority.
I had the opportunity to serve on the committee of NPC for many years in various capacity, under his able leadership. I would say he was a stalwart in leading people. Never associated politically with any party leader but was respected by most local politicians and political parties.
Picnics and Camps were an annual part of NPC activity. He made sure alongwith his committee colleagues that people who cannot afford to travel on their own, were able to travel the length and breadth of our country with NPC on an annual camping and tours. The best part of these camps were camp fire after dinner and he made sure everyone participated.
Leaving a legacy –
In his passing away he has left a legacy for generations to come and cherish.
He spearheaded and established many schemes to help people in times of medical needs.
He supported the idea at NPC ti start an Allopathy scheme, knowing that the cost of medicine takes much out of families budget, for people living under poverty line. With support from our local physician Dr. Lomesh Shah a scheme was implemented and has grown many folds with many more families covered.
Many years back along came a donor who contributed a sizeable amount to start homeopathic scheme, he did not wink for a second. He took the opportunity and offered his home space to conduct the activity on every Sunday. Rain or shine people from within Nowroze Baug, in and around Lalbaug started to take advantage. He was so much involved that he used to be up early on Sunday morning and booked appointments for people calling him to see 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 for helping out people.
Never felt shy –
He never felt, shy to ask for donation in order to support the activities of our organization to anyone, whether be it in cash or kind.
He took the initiative to speak with the Trustees of BPP directly including repair project for Nowroze Baug. He also secured the permission for flood light on our volleyball court so that children can play untill late evenings.
An idea whose time has come –
Occasion was 25th Silver Jubilee sports of NPC on St. Xavier Ground, Parel. Chief guest was Late Dr. Dinyar Gamadia and guest of honor ‘Father of Indian Athletics’, Mr. Jal D. Pardivala. Idea was floated to revive Parsi Sports (Athletics and Cycling). Nariman did not look back and NPC was at the forefront and All Parsis Sports was re-born again after a gap of nearly 30 years. Other organizations joined us later on.
Sad Day for Nowroze Baug-
It was a somber Friday, May 8, 2026 for the whole colony and people residing in and around Nowroze Baug.
It is said that people like Nariman are not born everyday. God does not make them anymore.
In his passing many feel orphaned. But life has to go on. He has left a legacy and a strong leaders committee at NPC being ably led by Mr. Homi P. Ustad, who all are continuing his work left behind.
We pray to almighty grant this Karma Yogi, eternal peace.
by Aspi P Ustad