“Let’s Work As One Collective And United Community” Says Community Service Stalwart – Hoshang Jal

Those who know Hoshang Jal would describe him as a very helpful, sincere and genial personality, known for his commitment to community service and for going out of his way to extend a helping hand to all. 62-year-old Cusrow Baug resident, Hoshang Jal has been a former Assistant Commissioner in the Customs, serving in the Indian Revenue Service for over three decades, and is the proud recipient of the prestigious ‘Presidential Award for Specially Distinguished Record of Service’ – the highest award to be conferred to a Civil Service officer.

Known for his active involvement in the community and in the Baug, Hoshang is the Secretary of Cusrow Baug’s United Sports and Welfare league since 2008. He played a crucial role in helping out residents of the Baug as well those outside, during the lockdown and the continuing pandemic. Having spent his childhood in Jer Baug, he has always felt grateful for the Wadia family’s towards generosity and foresight towards Parsis in providing facilities that have been a boon for the community.

“Since childhood I knew that I never wanted to take these facilities for granted but work towards bettering them. Cusrow Baug has been my home for over 25 years and I’m grateful to have found friends like family here. Baugs are a fantastic place to be born and raised in – it takes work and effort and community building at every stage to keep our Baugs the safe heaven that they are,” says Hoshang. Even growing up as a young collegian, Hoshang was on the Committee of the Bai Jerbai Baug Sports League, being an avid sports player through childhood.

Hoshang’s family comprises his supportive wife and his pillar of strength – Farida, and his children who make him very proud – Pashan, Cyrus and Parinaz and his son-in-law, Areez, as also the newest family member – his doggy – Oscar. Hoshang’s father – the Late Jal Bejon Jal – worked with the Mumbai Police Department, retiring as the Assistant Commissioner of Police. His mother, Late Amy Jal was a caring and nurturing homemaker.

Having completed his graduation in Commerce and a Bachelor of Law (LLB), Hoshang followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Government service. As an officer of the Indian Revenue Service, he worked across departments of the Central Board of Excise and Customs such as the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Marine and Preventive Wing and the Central Excise department. After 35 years of service, he retired as the Assistant Commissioner of Customs. During his service he received innumerable Commendation Certificates and Appreciation Letters in recognition of his efforts against smuggling, tax evasion and illicit traffic in foreign exchange, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. He was honoured with the prestigious ‘Presidential Award for Specially Distinguished Record of Service’ for his diligence and commitment.

Speaking about his leanings towards community service, Hoshang says, “As children, it was ingrained in us by our parents and elders of the community to always be of help to others, as that is the true Zarthosti way.  I found a great sense of contentment in being able to help others and bringing a smile to another’s face. It is this that drives me to always try to be of help to others, be it within the baug or outside. Also, the bonds and camaraderie that we are able to cultivate with others are wonderful. It was a very fulfilling experience working as a team, especially during the Covid lockdown – the Cusrow Baug team and residents showed amazing commitment and camaraderie, and serving others energized us instead of tiring us, making us want to do more for those in need.”

Sharing pearls of wisdom as regards the privilege and the responsibility of being Parsi, he says, “Living in a Baug is a luxury, but beyond that, being a Parsi is a privilege. As a community we have stood by each other and supported the next generation – our children have the privilege of being a part of organized sporting activities and access to funds for education and entrepreneurship. More than all else, it gives me great pride being part of a community whose reputation commands respect worldwide. We should strive to sustain and further this reputation and not take our privileges for granted.

Sometimes, we lose sight of this and tend to bicker too much – we have so much, still we find faults. We are given so much, still we continuously ask for more because some of us have grown a misplaced sense of entitlement in the place of gratitude. With our privileges comes our responsibilities and duties. I hope that all who feel like, ‘This is my right’ are equally contributing and fulfilling their duty towards their community and its members.

I would like to remind everyone that nothing lasts forever without effort and nurturing. We must work towards supporting and helping each other at every stage, to protect what our ancestors left us. Let’s talk to each other instead of at each other. No matter what the situation, let’s never compromise on our unity and always work together as one collective and united community.”