Noted educationist and mother of legendary Jockey turned trainer Pesi Shroff, Mrs Tehmina Shroff breathed her last in the wee hours on Friday, 13^th September ’13 at the Breach Candy Hospital. She was 83. It is learnt that Mrs Shroff sustained a fall at her house a few days earlier, following which she was admitted to the hospital.

Mrs Shroff was an enterprising lady and lived a noble life caring for the ‘differently challenged’ children. Tehmi, as she was fondly referred to, took over the responsibility of the Jai Vakeel School that was established in the mid 40s by her parents. The school looks after differently challenged children and Tehmi was dedicated to their cause.

Besides this, Tehmi was actively involved in several social causes. Her caring and helpful nature provided relief and joy to many lives.

Tehmi was a successful amateur rider as well and has ridden many winners at the gymkhana races at Mumbai. Her love for horses was evident, as even at in her ripe age, she made it a point to come to the racecourse during the morning trials often. She used to be a regular at the races until recently.

“Tehmi was a very noble lady and charitable by nature. She contributed her time and resources in bringing up mentally challenged children, which is a great thing to do. She was also a good amateur rider as well. She lived a rich and fulfilling life,” said Mr KN Dhunjibhoy, Chairman, RWITC.

“Tehmi was a true racing enthusiast from a prominent racing family. A very affectionate person and a kind soul. Her efforts towards the welfare of the lesser fortunate children are laudable. She will be sorely missed,” reacted Mr Vivek jain.

“She was always very warm and friendly. I was particularly fascinated by her keen observation of horses,” said Mr Zeyn Mirza.

“It’s a great loss. Her knowledge about horses was immense. She was a philanthropist and was associated with several charitable organizations taking an active part in reaching out and helping the under privileged. I will always remember her for her kind nature and don’t forget, in her son, she has given the racing fraternity a great jockey who has now turned to a champion trainer as well,” said trainer Mr Narendra Lagad.

Shaherbanoo Lagad recalled her closeness with Tehmi. “We used to sit next to one another at the races and we shared our post race views. Her knowledge about horses was commendable. Coincidently, we shared our Birthdays and during the last couple of years, we had jointly cut the cake at our stables. I had grown very fond of her and this is a deep shock to me.”

“She was a lady of substance. Extremely caring and most helpful. Her concern for the handicapped children was genuine and enormous. Charity was second nature to her,” said trainer Dallas Todywalla.