Passing of Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, Chairman of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group

29 June 2022

Bust statue of Mr Mistry outside the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies on the third floor of the Philips Building.

SOAS Director, Professor Adam Habib, issues a statement on behalf of the institution on the passing of Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, Chairman of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, and who was also a key benefactor for SOAS.

The family’s generosity has enabled the teaching of Zoroastrianism at SOAS, countless scholarships, as well as research projects, and summer schools, over the past five years.

Mr Mistry was responsible for building the Shapoorji Pallonji Group into one of the largest businesses in India today and was equally revered for his contribution to humanity.

In 2016, he was awarded the Padma Bhusah which is one of India’s top civilian awards for his contribution to India.

Professor Habib said:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Mistry who was an incredibly generous individual without whom many scholarships would simply not have been possible. The SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute was founded in 2017 thanks to a generous donation in the name of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. We are very proud to have a bust statue of Mr Mistry outside of the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies to celebrate the progress that has been made in his name; his legacy and generosity will live on here at SOAS. Our deepest sympathies go to the Mistry family at this very sad time.”