MAN ON A MISSION

Dear community members, I humbly stand before the community after a period of six and a half years seeking to recontest the forthcoming elections.

Four and a half years into my term, I had considered not re-contesting as progress within the BPP had come to a standstill and instead of working for the community, the BPP was being used as a tool to settle personal scores.

However, in 2021, Mrs. Tirandaz was unanimously elected as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees after being acting Chairperson for six months prior to that. Since then, the BPP has seen drastic change. Mrs. Tirandaz, Mr. Dastur and myself, despite the obstructions and objections worked for what we believed to be the best for the community. In under two years, we have, as a TEAM brought about change that the BPP lacked for nearly 5 years.

Hence today, I once again stand before you seeking your vote, not alone, but as a team of 5 like-minded individuals who have a common goal –to serve the community.

EDUCATION

I was born and raised in Mumbai and studied at St. Mary’s School (ICSE) in Mazagaon and then at St. Xavier’s College (HSC – Science). Later, I spent 7 years in Chicago, USA attending the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and did my Bacherlor’s in Mechanical Engineering and subsequently a Master’s. in Finance. At IIT, I was the President of the Indian Students Association for one year and the Vice-President for two years

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I am the Vice President at CLSA Limited – Asia’s leading and longest running independent investment and brokerage group, with over 1,800 employees across 20 locations globally. I currently am the Head of Trading at CLSA and have been ranked amongst the top 3 sales traders in India for three consecutive years by the Asia Money polls.

DINSHAW MEHTA

I am my father’s son and I am proud of it. My father till date works for the community as for him his community is everything. We have a lot of disagreements on various matters of policy however I have no qualms in seeking his advise at times of need as he was known as the Encyclopaedia of Housing at the BPP. By the grace of god, he has been a pillar of support to me during my tenure as Trustee.

PROMISES TO THE COMMUNITY

In my manifesto of 2015, I made certain commitments to the community. I take pride in saying that I have kept up to most if not all of my commitments despite having been in the majority to serve the community only in the last two years.

• Passing a resolution to Convert Leave & License to tenancy

• Amendment to the term of a Trustee from 7 years to 5 years Amendment to the number of terms from 3 to a maximum of 2 terms. • Amended to the Scheme so that all Trustees come and go together. No unnecessary mid-term elections

•Creation of an Election Commission DOONGERWADI & THE SYSTEM OF DOKHMENISHINI

In 2015, I vowed that the Doongerwadi would not be used for any method for disposal of the dead baring dokhmenishini. I make this commitment even today and will renew it every day till the day I die.

During COVID, I suggested that the BPP move the Hon’ble Bombay High court to obtain special permission to allow community members to visit the Doongerwadi for the Farvardin Roj prayers in September 2020. Xerxes and I gave our personal guarantee and undertaking to the Hon’ble Court to ensure their guidelines were followed.

The Doongerwadi has always been close to my heart and I have taken it upon myself to visit as frequently as possible to ensure the staff along with the property are always well kept. A big thank you to our donors Mrs. Roshan Lentin, Mr. Percy Lentin, Mrs. Soonu H. Buhariwalla, The Calagopi & Adajania family (Zoroastrian Homeopathic Pharmacy) and Mr. & Mrs. Noshir & Katy Gotla who have stepped forth and helped renovate a bunglis and made the Doongerwadi look prestine again. Our community blessings will always be with you for such a magnanimous gesture.

COMMON MINIMUM PLAN

We five candidates contesting together have sat for hours on end to formulate a common minimum plan. This plan covers all the aspects we wish to achieve in the upcoming term, if elected. On the Board, we need like-minded yet independent people. Unfortunately, in the previous majority any decision taken by Kersi had the automatic seal of approval from Noshir and Zarir.

The Common Minimum Plan addresses issues on housing, conversion of leave and licenses to tenancy and much much more. Please do take the time to browse through it to see our aims for the next 5 years.

MY LAST TERM

If re-elected, the next five years would be my last term as a Trustee of the BPP. My entire effort will be driven to perform and ensure that I leave the BPP in a much better state than what I received it in.

The YOUTH are our future and we need to come up with a long term plan to address the various issues they face and how we can help resolve them. With a diminishing population the youth are our only beacon of hope, but to help them we first need to stand strong as a Trust and lead the way.

May 29, 2022 is judgement day not only for me but for the community. Do come out and vote judiciously. If you are reading this, it means you have given your precious time to reading what I have penned down for which I thank you. I hope for your support not only for myself but the group I am part of as I foresee them being instrumental along with me in paving the way for a great future at the BPP.

Always in your service. Sincerely,

Viraf D. Mehta Trustee and BPP Candidate

Source: Parsi Junction