Surat’s Eminent Dr. Khushroo Laskari Passes Away

On 27th August, 2020, 75-year-old family physician from Surat and well known Parsi personality, Dr. Khushroo Laskari, lost his battle to the novel coronavirus, which he had been braving over the past six weeks, at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital. 

Dr. Laskari is survived by his wife Dilshad, and two daughters – Nina Rumi Palsetia and Firoza Rukshad Cama.

Known for his compassion for the poor, Dr. Laskari operated from his family clinic at Machlipith, at Chauta Bazaar, Surat. The clinic was established by his grandfather Dr. Jamshedji Lashkari, and was later taken over by his father to serve the underprivileged. Dr. Khushroo Laskari was the third generation of family physicians who served people in the walled city area, for over 45 years. So popular was Dr. Laskari that the street on which his clinic is located, is named Dr. Laskari Marg, as a form of respect. 

He was the past trustee of Surat Parsi Panchayat. He earned the reputation of being a selfless doctor who continued on his call of duty, selflessly treating his patients, till he fell ill, contracting the deadly Covid 19 and was admitted to Mission Hospital in Surat. In his passing, Surat has indeed lost a humane doctor, a noble soul and a true gentleman.

As per news reports in the TOI, Dr. Jayendra Kapadia, a family physician who was close to Dr. Laskari, said, “We have lost the last shining star of the Laskari family and the last senior family physician from the Parsi community. He was the third generation of the Parsi family dedicated to medical service. He was very soft-spoken and a down-to-earth personality. It is a big loss to the family physicians fraternity in the city.” 

“Dr. Laskari had cars at his disposal, but would prefer travelling on the moped. For the last 150 years, the Laskari family have served the people of the walled city through their medical expertise,” added Dr. Kapadia.  

Jamshed Dotiwala, president of Surat Parsi Panchayat said, “Dr. Laskari’s demise is a big loss to the Parsi community. He was the trustee of the Parsi panchayat for many years and belonged to a family who donated their properties for the development of the city. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall in Mughalsarai is donated by Dr. Laskari.” 

Dr. Laskari was always there to help the community members in difficult times. He was a humble man and will be greatly missed. May his soul attain Gorothman Behest.