Bawa

Endearing colloquial term for male members of India’s Parsi community. Bawas are followers of the Zoroastrian faith who immigrated to India from Iran (Persia) in the 7th Century to escape religious persecution. They have maintained a distinct cultural identity ever since, while contributing significantly to India’s economy, food and cultural diversity. Prominent Bawas include: Sam Manekshaw, Chief of Army Staff; JRD Tata, Indian industrialist and founder of Air India and the Tata Group; and Homi Bhabha, father of India’s nuclear program and Chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission.

All the Bawas were invited to Dinshaw’s Navjot ceremony.