A Chat With Kersi Sui, Sole Caretaker Of Uran’s Umrigar Agiary
[otw_shortcode_info_box border_style=”bordered” css_class=”boxed”]On the occasion of the 114th Salgreh of Umrigar Agiary in Mora, Uran, PT Reporter Khushroo Mehta spoke at length with its sole caretaker, Kersi Sui.[/otw_shortcode_info_box]
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PT: Tell us about the history of the Agiary.
Kersi Sui: Close to a century ago, my father shouldered the responsibility as the Manager of the sanatorium within the Agiary’s compound. Earlier, there were quite a few Parsi families in Uran and the sanatorium had frequent visitors from Mumbai and nearby places, thus keeping my father on his toes all day. With the Umrigar Agiary being a ‘Dadgah’, the Trustees decided, in the absence of the priest on-duty, my father would take care of the Atash Padshah as a voluntary service, along with his daily duties as Manager.
PT: How did you come about shouldering the responsibility of Uran’s Agiary and sanatorium?
Kersi Sui: There came a time when the Umrigar Trust was unable to provide funds for the maintenance of the Agiary or pay the salary to the priest on duty. This resulted in the last of the serving priests resigning, leaving the upkeep of the sanatorium and Atash Padshah solely as my father’s responsibility. By this time, the visitors to the sanatorium had declined considerably, and my father was paid a paltry sum of just Rs.25/- per month, by which he not only brought us up, but also looked after the necessities of the Agiary and its surroundings. His faith and hope in the Atash Padshah helped him abide by his duties with all sincerity, until he was bed ridden. Having seen my father do his duties with full commitment, I decided to walk in his footsteps and take care of the sanatorium and serve Atash Padshah for the rest of my life.
PT: How do things stand currently?
Kersi Sui: Ever since the original Trust and Trustees were unable to continue the care-taking or maintenance, I have taken over, with little support from donors. Unfortunately, despite repeated appeals for donations, not too many have come forward to help. Year after year, we hear about Agiaries across India shutting down or being encroached upon by non-Parsis. I sincerely hope that my efforts and dedication don’t go to vain, in the years to come. My grit and determination over the years in standing my ground against encroachers will last for a few more years, after which somebody will need to step in and look after our ancestral Agiary and its compound.
PT: How have you been managing the upkeep of the Agiary?
Kersi Sui: Earlier, the expenses of the Agiary were met with the income I earned through private tuition classes that I ran at Mora, Uran and Karanja. However, with time, age, and deteriorating health, I had to shut down my classes. I now rely heavily on donations and funds collected during Salgreh day, but these don’t suffice to run the show for the entire year.
PT: Kudos to your noble Community service in safeguarding our Holy Padshah at Uran. What message would you like to share with our community members?
Kersi Sui: The Atash Padshah of our Uran Agiary is known to have fulfilled the pious wishes of many Zarthostis from far and wide. I wish more and more Zarthostis around the world are made aware about His powers. A humble request to the entire Zoroastrian community to be kind enough to donate towards the upkeep and maintenance of this great Agiary.
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