Baha'i Shield of Merit Award 2004

By David Young

Mrs. Farah Mohabati was hostess on Friday 26 November 2004 evening to 50 citizens of Brighton and Hove City for the presentation of the Baha'i Shield of Merit Award for this year to Councillor Tehmtan Framroze. Her home in Tongdean Avenue , Hove was a splendid and fitting setting for this occasion, when Mr. Parker asked the Mayor of the City of Brighton and Hove to present the Award from the Baha'i Community.
 
          Imam Abduljalil Sajid was asked to tell the assembly present about Councillor Framroze, of his services to the City, both as a Councillor and former Mayor, as well as presently being the Chairman of the Brighton and Hove Inter-Faith Contact Group, many of whose Executive Members were in the audience. Imam Sajid described how Mrs. Mohabati had for many years made her home available as a meeting place for interfaith and ethnic communities. He told of his long association with Councillor Framroze, who had always been a champion of different communities. He personally had experienced help from him in meeting the Police on behalf of the Muslim Community at a time of difficulty. In this and in so many other cases, Councillor Framroze had helped people to understand the point of view of others. He knew the importance of unity, said the Imam, because he knew that  divided we fall.

He described the Councillor, not only as a friend of his whole family, including his children as they grew up, but also as a man of vision, a deeply  religious man working from a firm belief in God. He is always a guide, a communicator and a help to everyone, concluded Imam Sajid.
 
          In acknowledging receipt of the Award, Councillor Framroze paid tribute to the value of the Baha'is' contribution to the City. Although Baha'Ullah lived in the 19th Century his contribution was relevant to us today, he said. He could have had a comfortable life, but he gave that up to promote what could be summarised as three things: the Unity of God, the Unity of Religion and the Unity of the Human Race. Through following these three precepts peace is possible. It is truly sad that Baha'Ullah was persecuted and imprisoned in exile for 40 years. But he showed us that we must work for understanding and respect for all - respect, not merely tolerance. A fight for fairness and a stand for understanding will reduce prejudice. In this way we must remove barriers from everyone, whatever their faith. He ended by saying that he wanted to accept the Shield of Merit on behalf of all the communities with whom he works.
 
          The evening ended with a magnificent dinner with numerous tasty dishes and the opportunity for all present to be able to meet and converse with one another.