Find Communities in Australia

Join activities, celebrations, study groups, spiritual empowerment and education programs for young people, and more.

Learn about the Baha’i Faith

Baha’i beliefs address essential spiritual themes for humanity’s collective and individual advancement. Learn more about these and more.

DISMISS MENU

In Memory Of My Father: Sirus Naraqi

August 19, 2011, in Articles > History & Tributes, by

Last night marked the 7th anniversary of the passing of my father, Sirus Naraqi.

Since his passing, I have been blessed to constantly meet so many people who knew him and loved him, and share with me how he touched their lives.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to look back on my parents’ lives and reflect on the experiences they had. It’s interesting how you start to see the human side of a parent as you get older, and realize that they too are ordinary people – much like you and your friends – with their own hopes and dreams, fears and regrets, trials and accomplishments.

My parents were born in Iran and they moved to the United States where they were married in 1969 in front of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. After my father finished specializing in medicine, my parents moved from the suburbs of Chicago to Papua New Guinea (PNG). I remember spending a lot of time with my dad going to the villages and doing both medical work and visiting the Baha’is there.

My parents ended up spending 20 years in PNG, and I remember an old colleague of my father from Chicago had written to him asking why he was still in PNG after so long, and what did PNG offer that the US didn’t offer. My dad’s reply was “It’s what PNG does not have that keeps us here.”

My father had lived a life of service. By moving to PNG, he had chosen to use his medical skills to serve the disadvantaged. He would often spend his free time visiting rural areas in which medical services were not readily accessible. In addition to his work as a doctor, he was a professor of medicine at the local university, and he was committed to building the capacity of local medical professionals in order to make medical services more readily available to the people. He was also a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia for 20 years, and he traveled often to meet and encourage the region’s Baha’is.

As with any other place, growing up in PNG had both its good times and its tests. There were times when I would get upset with my parents for having moved there, especially when I saw the comfortable lifestyles many of my relatives had in the US. My dad always said that one day I would understand why they moved there, and that I would be grateful for it.

One day, while my mother and I were going through my father’s things after he had passed, I came across a small, regal-looking box. The insides were lined with velvet cloth and embedded in the cloth was a medal attached to a ribbon.

“What’s this?” I asked my mum.

“It’s your dad’s Knighthood medal.”

“What??” came my response.

It was only then that I found out – much to my surprise – that in 1999, my father had received a Knighthood (CBE) for his services to the people of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. What was even more surprising to me was that my father had never talked about it to me! It seemed strange that I should only find out about something as significant as this while chancing upon the medal which was hidden away in some drawer, rather than placed in a frame on the wall.

I suppose it wasn’t that surprising after all. My dad’s humility was – in my opinion – one of his greatest attributes. He was always keenly aware of the needs of people around him and gave little thought and attention to the dressings. His medal was merely a testament to the fact that he was passionate about helping others and of how much he loved them.

Having my father as a role model has shaped many of my own ideas and attitudes about life, spirituality and service. I think one of the things I wish I had done more of while my father was alive, was to let him know how proud I was of him and all that he had done.

Thank you dad for dedicating your life to the service of others. I miss you.


If you knew my father and would like to share a memory or story about him, I would love to hear from you. You can either leave a comment in the section below or email me at: [email protected].

Here are a couple of beautiful tributes to my father available online:

Baha’i World News Service: “A special place in the rose garden

The Medical Journal of Australia: “Sirus Naraqi

Posted by

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.
Naysan Naraqi

Discussion 77 Comments

Dear Naysan, this was so beautiful to read. I was telling ladan a few days ago how much your father has been on my mind these past couple of weeks and realized the anniversary of his passing was approaching. I am personally so happy I had the opportunity to meet him in the days leading up to Ashk and Ladan’s wedding. Though the encounter was brief, he left a deep impression on all of us with his immense capacity for kindness, his gentle spirit, his warmth, and his genuine love for everyone around him. We’re only sorry we didn’t get to have him in our life for longer and feel that loss and remember him with alot of fondness and love.

Much love
Cheshmak

cheshmak

cheshmak (August 8, 2011 at 4:36 AM)

Thank you so much for sharing that Cheshmak jan, it’s so nice to hear. I’m so glad he was able to meet you all as well. He really, really loved Ashk and your whole family! Miss you all and hopefully we’ll all be able to catch up again somewhere soon. -Naysan

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 6:00 AM)

Dear Naysan,
Thank you so much for sharing and I personally have a memory of him when he was visiting Bonara (Daga cluster) community school at that time (but now is a Primary School) with you.
Well he was a best friend of my father that usually he would send post cords and short note to my father greeting the family and send pictures of Abdu’l-Baha and the Holy Shrines. Father is illiterately so My sister and I would get the letter read to him. When the day he was visiting the school, some students and the youth when to bring him at the air strip-Aragip and rest of us ( students) were cleaning the road and the school ground to receive him.

I climb a tree to cut a vine than broke a dead branch and fell over. A old sharply cut small stamp I fell over and it cut through my thigh and broke inside me. The friends brought me over to a teachers house than you and Mr. Naraqi arrived. Than he came over to me checked saw pieces of wood were still in and so he asked you to do some kind of movement that I have to concentrate on and he remove the staff.

In 2005 we had a memorial service at the Alotau General Hospital and heard from the Doctors saying Naraqi is a father of the Nation and when they with him, often he talk about AID post in the Rural areas that most they could not understand him why such man is concern of people in the rural. they turn to know him later.

Now in a short period of time here at the Shrine, I continue pray that he is our angle and he will continue protecting and guiding the doctors and people of bahais in Papua New Guinea.

Graydon

Graydon (August 8, 2011 at 6:58 AM)

Nayse Ace, I never had the privilege of meeting your dear dad so thank you for this touching article. Got me all choked up! A humble life of service – now that’s something we should all aspire to. I bet he’s looking down on you all and feeling pretty proud of his brood. Love, love M

Maryam

Maryam (August 8, 2011 at 7:27 AM)

naysan jan I personally didn’t have the privilege of knowing you dad but I have heard so much about him. Its amazing to read about your dad’s services it gave me so much inspiration to serve the faith whole heartedly. Thank you so much

Shila Haghighi

Shila Haghighi (August 8, 2011 at 9:29 AM)

Very touching my dear friend.

Neysan

Neysan (August 8, 2011 at 10:22 AM)

Beautiful piece. Hope you’re doing well, Nays.

Lina

Lina (August 8, 2011 at 10:26 AM)

Thank you Lina. We have to catch up soon. It’s been too long.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 12:27 PM)

Thank you Graydon. Mi hamamas tru long harim comment bilong yu.

I truly have such great memories of the times my family visited the friends in Bonara and other areas of Daga. When I think of those days i feel very emotional. I remember how much love everyone showered us, and even though many had never met us before, it felt like were family seeing each other again after being apart for a long time. When we would leave to head back to Moresby, i would always feel so sad and I’ll never forget the picture in my head of everyone lined up on the top of the mountain along the airstrip waiving goodbye.

I wish everyone could experience the absolute love which exists in the hearts of the people of PNG. You are all truly connected to the spiritual world closer than any of us could ever wish for. Much love to you and your family my wantok.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 12:52 PM)

Thank you so much Shila jan. Much appreciated.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 12:53 PM)

Thank you Maryam joon, I’m striving to do my best to make him proud, but unfortunately I still have a very, very, very long way to go. Miss you both!

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 12:56 PM)

Thank you Neysan. Good to hear from you bro.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 12:57 PM)

The final line of the Medical Journal of Australia tribute captures Dr Naraqi’s spirit perfectly: integrity, commitment, firm principles and intellectual capacity. He also had a great sense of humor and was a mentor and inspiration for countless people from all walks of life. He is sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of having their lives touched by him.

Pouya

Pouya (August 8, 2011 at 3:17 PM)

Your father was one of a kind and an exemplar of everything he did.
He really was one of the few kind and unselfish people in Port Moresby. It was an honour to know him and your family.
What a lovely tribute.
Anita M

Anita

Anita (August 8, 2011 at 7:44 PM)

Naysay Jan, do you remember in December 1988 , a group of Baha’i youth came for travel teaching to PNG, we spend an evevening in your house.

Mehran Shoghi

Mehran Shoghi (August 8, 2011 at 12:32 AM)

Hey Nays, so I met your dad when he travelled to Rarotonga with your mum and sis Guli! I remember his huge smile and being introduced to him by my papa. Your dad said something to me which unfortunately due to my lack of memory I can’t remember 🙁 But from what I saw, your dad left a piece of him with the people he had met, including me. Like father like son… except you eat a lot of cookies whereas he probably was more desciplined with food than you hahaha. Love you and thanks for sharing this with us all!!

Ine

Ine (August 8, 2011 at 1:29 AM)

A great account of his unrelentlessness service. A role model, mentor and inspiration indeed.
Much love, K

Kai

Kai (August 8, 2011 at 2:46 AM)

Naysan joon,

Such a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing.

Much love,
mehran

Mehran

Mehran (August 8, 2011 at 12:25 PM)

Dear Naysan !
Perhaps we have meet. Have you been to Sweden ? I know that I meet your father and perhaps your mother. It was a joy to meet him/them, perhaps during a winterschool ???
You know we have several Naragis in Sweden and I meet them regularly. Just a few weeks ago I meet Jasmine Naragi (Sasan daughter) . Se my mail to you. Love Lena

Lena Johansson

Lena Johansson (August 8, 2011 at 1:28 PM)

i love him and miss him so much.

Love you Naysan joon.

Simin

Simin (August 8, 2011 at 9:04 PM)

Dear Naysan, I will never forget your dear father. He is the single person who influenced me to do medicine. He believed in me, and to this day I continually ask him for help. He is the first person I pray to when I am at work in times of difficulty. I asked him last week to help me with a difficult IV line on a child… he was there for me. He is a daily inspiration for me. I miss him too.

zafar

zafar (August 8, 2011 at 12:00 PM)

Naysan jan,

“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value”. Sirus was one of the exceptions fitting this quote. He was an inspiration to me and thousands like me when I was in my teens and he continues to be so. I have some of the letters he wrote to me with his poems.
Once he was giving a talk at the National Convention in Adelaide. Stephen Hall was introducing him and mentioned that he had received the title of CBE from he Queen.
Sirus started his talk by saying: ” You realize the grandure of the Faith of Baha’u’llah as the Commander of the British Empire is only a soldier of Baha’u’llah”

He lives in our hearts and memories.
Thank you for the blogpost

Farid hatami

Farid hatami (August 8, 2011 at 3:26 AM)

Dear Naysan,

My son Abhinav passed on to me your message in commemoration of your dear father Dr Sirrus Naraqi. His passing away was not only a big loss to our community but also to you and all your family members. Almighty God has given you great strength to bear that loss seven years ago.

He was a great soul, knowledgeable professional, practical and was able to relate each and every one in the community in his unique infectious way.

Your writing made me to cry and at the same time great sense of inspiration as well. Please give our regards to your dear mother and all sisters.

We still miss him and love him,

Bharat, Abhinav, Suman and Gitu

Bharat Gauba

Bharat Gauba (August 8, 2011 at 10:38 AM)

Dear Naysan – When Sirus passed away I too lost a mentor and a man I loved depply. His loss to the world was felt by so many. I would marvel at how much he and Peter Khan were drawn to each other, they were so close. In Haifa at 1992 at the commemoration, seeing the two together is an image I will never forget. You have a deep spiritual heritage, drink deep. With love, Arvid.

Arvid Yaganegi

Arvid Yaganegi (August 8, 2011 at 1:46 AM)

A beautiful dedication Naysan. Your father’s selflessness and devotion have been incomparable. Truly a remarkable soul and a blessed family. His spirit, love and selfless devotion live on through you. To read of his Knighthood is astounding and his complete humility of such a bestowal reflects how truly a great man he has been.Thank you for sharing such an intimate insight of your beloved father. Blessings and love.
Jasmine.

Jasmine Stander-Neef

Jasmine Stander-Neef (August 8, 2011 at 11:06 AM)

Dear Naysan,

This was very touching to read! Im glad I saw someone post a link to this by chance. I was lucky enough to be in PNG for awhile and to visit places where his memory is kept very much alive. I’m still in awe of the outstanding qualities that were related to me in those stories which included his heroic sacrifice and servitude and humility.

Adrian

Adrian (August 8, 2011 at 11:19 AM)

[…] his beautiful tribute to his father last week, Naysan reflected on his father’s legacy of love and compassion and the way in […]

Living A Life of Service | Baha'i Blog

Living A Life of Service | Baha'i Blog (August 8, 2011 at 5:33 PM)

Hi Naysan, Thanks for sharing your dad’s beautiful life, it makes us ponder even more the possibility of pioneering. Hope you are doing well. The blog is one of my hubby favorites now. Big Hugs!

Aida

Aida (August 8, 2011 at 3:50 AM)

Thank you so much Aida for your message, and I’m so glad you guys like the blog. Sending BIG HUGS right back to you.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2011 at 5:11 AM)

[…] #1: In Memory of My Father: Sirus Naraqi […]

Dear Nasan, I never forget the love, kindness and support your dad showed to our family in October 2000 when my beloved seventeen years old Shahab Kargarian, passed to Abha Kingdom. He almost attended all the memorial gatherings we had for my son. He gave a profound talk in one of his memorials about life after death. After his talk, the religion teacher of St PIXS College in Chatswood came and said to your father that whatever you said was absolute truth. That School wrote in their yearly book about Shahab’s Faith and his religion teacher wrote a inspiring poem about Shahab and his faith. Your father told me that in the history of Australia it is the first time that National TV showed Bahai Temple when they talked about Shahab and his family coming from Iran because of their faith. He gave us so much strength and comfort by lovingly supporting us on that difficult time.
Shahab at seventeen was a teacher of the faith and he touched so many hearts by his loving and kind actions and I am sure now and forever, he and your dad are helping us to fulfill the wishes of Universal House of Justice for humanity. Our love and prayers are always with all your family.

Rouhiyeh Kargarian

Rouhiyeh Kargarian (December 12, 2011 at 1:45 AM)

Dear Rouhiyeh jan, thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring memory and thank you your kind words and prayers. I wish I could have known Shahab, but it puts a smile on my face to think of all the wonderful work he and my father are doing for us all here on this earthly plain. I look forward to meeting him when my time comes. Thank you again for your kind words.

Naysan

Naysan (December 12, 2011 at 2:16 AM)

Dear Naysan,
Last night I had a dream that I visited your dad in the house they lived near Blue Mountain. We sat down and talked, Although, I can’t remember exactly what we talked about, I felt the love and hospitality he showed me as he was giving me some advice or instructions. He has been a role model and an inspiration for me. You are so blessed to have such a father.

Soroush Jahani

Soroush Jahani (December 12, 2011 at 11:02 AM)

Hi Soroush jan,

Thank you so much for sharing your dream and for your kind words. I am so glad that even in his absence from the physical realm, he continues to touch the hearts of others.

Naysan

Naysan (December 12, 2011 at 12:26 AM)

Dear Naysan,

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, I remember the first time we arrived in PNG in 1989 being picked up at Port Moresby International (the old one) and coming over to your house. Your whole family were so welcoming, it made a big difference for me as a young child coming to a new and very different place. I remember meeting your dad quite a few times when we visited Port Moresby from Lae, and remember his kindness and his sense of humour, he always made time to connect with us kids as well as the adults. I remember later as a teenager when we moved to Port Moresby that same kindness, and also being inspired to serve by discussions in the lounge room at your house. Many lovely memories! Lately I have met quite a few people in the medical profession in PNG during my studies and all of them have such a great deal of respect for your father, especially the Papua New Guinean doctors who trained with him. He has certainly set an inspiring example for us all! 🙂

I am thankful every day for having grown up in Papua New Guinea, as you said, the absolute love which exists in the hearts of the people of Papua New Guinea is really special and is something I will never forget. Thanks again for posting this, it has brought back so many great memories for me!

Kindest Regards,

Mathew

Mathew

Mathew (January 1, 2012 at 12:07 AM)

Hi Matthew, thank you so much for your beautiful message and for sharing your wonderful memories of PNG and my father. It really means a lot to me.

Naysan

Naysan (January 1, 2012 at 12:49 AM)

[…] 5. In Memory of My Father: Sirus Naraqi […]

Baha’i Blog Turns One! | Baha'i Blog

Baha’i Blog Turns One! | Baha'i Blog (March 3, 2012 at 2:13 AM)

Naysan joon – I remember meeting your dad once when I was a seeker and your whole family was visiting Atlanta. In the short 30 minutes I spent with him, he was able to teach me so much about the Faith without “teaching”; and he encouraged me to investigate for myself everything the Writings had to say about the things I was on the fence about. It was because of his wise advice that I chose to join the Bahai community in their 19 day fast before declaring and fully committing myself. He is certainly a special soul with the ability to touch (and teach) everyone he meets! Thinking of your family during this anniversary and sending you spiritual hugs. Peace and much love.

Kishani

Kishani (August 8, 2012 at 9:15 PM)

Thanks for sharing this, your father was my cousin (pesar daii) but I never had a chance to meet him, as he had left Iran years before I was born, I remember he was writing a letter every two-three months for my mother and she was always reading them by tears (You can imagine how hard it was to send a letter for PNG to Iran). I know they were very close when they were young and Sirusas still exists in my mother’s memories.

Emilia

Emilia (August 8, 2012 at 10:18 PM)

Neysan, I did not know your father well. I mostly remember you and Ladan from when we were very young (the suburban life). I do remember that both your parents were very kind and loving people. My parents, however, ALWAYS spoke if your mom and dad and how much they loved and admired them! My mother would occasionally reference your family as an examplel of the life of service we were all expected to live! I will share this beautiful message with them tonight and if they have any stories, I will write again.

Mona Movagh

Mona Movagh (August 8, 2021 at 4:34 PM)

Thank you so much Mona dear, really appreciate your kind words, and it would be lovely to hear of any stories from your parents if they share them. Feel free to email me at: [email protected]

Thanks again. 🙂

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan Naraqi (August 8, 2021 at 10:50 PM)

Dear Naysan,

What a loving tribute to your very dear and special dad who touched our lives in so many different ways in the years we lived in PNG. My thoughts often go back to those special days in Port Moresby when we did so many things together with your family, and the love and spirit that were infused in the community through his warmth, and personal touch. The Baha’i centre was a focal point for so many unforgettable activities, and I say to myself “Iluk olsem pam bilong mi istap long olgeta taim long ol ples long PNG”.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on his anniversary, Sirus must be very happy today, his legacy lives on!

Ho-San Leong

Ho-San Leong (August 8, 2012 at 5:05 AM)

So nice to hear from you Ho-San and thank you so much for your kind words and memories. Yes they were truly good days and I miss those times very much. Mi misim olgeta man nau meri long PNG tumas tru. I hope you and your wonderful (and continuously growing) family are all doing well and I hope we can all see each other soon. Sending a big hug your way!

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2012 at 5:36 AM)

Dear Naysan, Your father was one in a million. A general in the great Army of Love. He was pure energy and light.
Meeting him, no matter how briefly was a memorable experience.
And you know what they say: “Like father, like son!”
Thank you for sharing this article.
mojgan

mojgan Khadem

mojgan Khadem (August 8, 2012 at 8:55 AM)

Thank you Mojgan jan for your kind words. I hope we can catch up soon.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2012 at 5:31 AM)

It was very nice reading these memories about your father Naysan! I’m also happy that you are following the same path as your father, you have such a great humility and kindness. Cheers Naysan!

Ibrahim Rodríguez

Ibrahim Rodríguez (August 8, 2012 at 9:56 PM)

Thank you Ibrahim, that’s very kind of you. Let’s catch up soon.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2012 at 1:27 AM)

Dear Naysan:

I don’t know if you remember me, I Have met you for a couple of times when you were very young. I believe one time was in 90s at our house.
Syrus an I were best friends, we were class mate at the Med School. When he passed away, for a long time I was in the state of denial. I just couldn’t believe that no longer I will be able to talk to him or visiting him. I took it extremely hard. Rightly so, you mentioned about a number of his qualities. I would like to add another one, that so many times he proved it to me, and that was his great integrity. As an example you might like to know this story; On one of the tests, we were sitting next to each other. We were supposed to answer 5 or 6 question in writing. The out come of this test was extremely important to us. When I finished answering the questions, I glanced at Syrus’s paper, I noticed he has not answered the last question and sitting there and does nothing. I realized that he probably had a mental block over that question, because Syrus always knew the answers, better than me.The last question was the most important one too, and carried a lot of weight. Being concerned , I asked Syrus to look at mine, I pushed my paper closer to him. He wouldn’t look, I insisted and got a bit angry with him, still he wouldn’t look. Any way somehow he remembered the answer and wrote it down. That I call integrity. I loved him and thank you for your loving tribute to him.

Badiollah badie

Badiollah badie (August 8, 2012 at 9:54 PM)

Thank you so much Badiollah jan for your kind message and for sharing that wonderful story. It really made me smile.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2012 at 10:51 PM)

Hi Naysan,
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I remember you telling me about him when we were in Haifa with so much love and pride. I wish our kids could remember us for something significant we do …. I am sure your kids will do.

Natalya

Natalya (August 8, 2012 at 2:43 PM)

Naysan
I wished I had the priviledge to meet your father personally. I heard a lot about him indirectly from someone who was so closed and so much loved by him. In sharing your story about him it reflected truly the attributes of humility which I heard of him. “He was a humble servant in the vineyard of service” It reminded me of some passages in one of the Four Volume of Adib Taherzadeh “Revelation of Baha’u’llah” I paraphrase it, Humility is not an attribute of God, but is a quality for humankind to reach. If my recollection is right, your father had visited Tonga and he left a remarkable memory for the friends over there to be inspired by.
thank you
Gloria

Gloria

Gloria (August 8, 2012 at 8:23 AM)

Hi Gloria, Thank you so much for your kind words about my father and for sharing that wonderful phrase from Mr. Taherzadeh’s book. Much appreciated.

Naysan

Naysan (August 8, 2012 at 10:55 PM)

Dear Naysan jan,
Just came across your blog and am sooo very touched by your words and thinking back at your dear father’s humility and the love both of your parents always showed towards the friends everywhere. That picture on the boat is wonderful! Sending you and your mom a big hug wherever you are now!

Nasim Anayati Maani

Nasim Anayati Maani (October 10, 2012 at 2:20 AM)

Thank you so much Nasim jan, it’s so good to hear from you and thanks for your kind words. I’m in Melbourne Australia right now, and I hope your well and that you keep on enjoying Baha’i Blog!

Naysan

Naysan (October 10, 2012 at 2:34 AM)

Hi Nays,
I often read this touching post on your dad and am reminded of so many great times with your family in PNG. In addition to his humility, and care (he always took great care to make sure I ate enough fruit, vegetables, milk etc. when I stayed over) he had a great way of balancing his time and bringing joy to everyone with his wicked sense of humour. I always remember him tricking us kids into thinking eggs grow on trees for April Fool’s day. The best! x

Corinne

Corinne (December 12, 2012 at 1:31 AM)

Hey Corinne, thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing your wonderful memories. I had no idea about the April Fool’s gag! 🙂

Naysan

Naysan (December 12, 2012 at 12:31 PM)

Dear Naysan

I am a Baha’i who lives in New Zealand with my family. We are originally from Tonga where I became a Baha’i in 1972. My wife’s parents were among the first Baha’is in Tonga in the 1950s.

Your father visited Tonga many times in the 1980s and the 1990s. As an ABM, I used to travel with him (as Counsellor) to the villages, visitnnge the Baha’i friends and providing talks and deepening classes.

Upon the release of the Kitab-I- Aqdas in 1992, your father came to Tonga and gave a number of talks on the significance of the most Holy Book. I interpreted for him.

Your father would always stay with the late Lisiate Maka who was also a Consellor.

When we travelled to the villages, your father alwasy exchanged stories and perspectives with me on a range of topics. While he was obvioudly a very learned co-workers, his humility always rules supreme and he had a great love in his heart for humanity. He was a great storyteller too with many jokes and a great sense of humour. I still remember some of his stories that the friends in Tonga and here in NZ love. He was also has a great love and respect for the indigenous peoples of the Pacific.

Many of his medical students are close friends and co-worlers of mine in Tonga and here in NZ. I met your father again a few times when he visited NZ in the late 1990s.

I have at least one photo of me and your father and other Baha’is in Tonga taken after a deepening session for ABMs and their assistants.

He has been a wonderful servant of Baha’u’llah.

Much Baha’i love

sione

Sione Tu'itahi

Sione Tu'itahi (June 6, 2013 at 8:22 AM)

Dear Naysan,

The photo that show your loving dad paddling the canoe is very historical.
I’am the one who snapped that photo for him upon his request.

That photo show me and your Dad leaving the village call Adiba after the very big opposition.

You dad spend a day/night in that village with the Baha’is friends and
Local Spiritual Assembly of Adiba village ,Balimo,Western Province.

next morning while he and me walking out from the house to canoe place suddently all the village people (christian) with
pastors grap your daddy both hands and me dragging your dad to the canoe place.

They told us not to come to that viillage.They humiliated your daddy by dragging and pulling his hand left and right and
not even give him chance to talk.I was beside him and looking at your daddy,he smile and show loving kindness to them.

Then I told your daddy I travelled to this village to make all become a Baha’i but today you did it.

After a couple of months after this incident the whole village become Baha’i and those who humiliated your dad until
now they regretting for what they have done to your dad.

Your dad is my angel.He is really a Baha’i.

His only desire is to see message of Baha’u’llah cover all around PNG.
Hope we can fullfill his heart desire.

Many miracles did happen when I was associated with him.But I will inform you another day.

Thank you
Mani

Manisegaran Karuppiah

Manisegaran Karuppiah (November 11, 2013 at 12:47 PM)

Very touching and inspiring. Greeting from Sarawak, Malaysia.

Kalong Katik

Kalong Katik (August 8, 2014 at 3:01 AM)

Dearest Naysan,

I knew your dad well through working with Dr. Khan for some years and the work of the Faith. I have many wonderful stories to recount about your dear dad, but given how humble and pure he truly was, I will not say a word more, only that he was a beautiful beautiful spiritual giant. I hold the highest respect for him.

Mahfar

Mahfar

Mahfar (October 10, 2014 at 3:15 AM)

Thank you Mahfar jan. It would be great to hear about some of those stories as I’m working on a book about my parents. If there’s anything you think you could share, please email me at: [email protected]

Thanks again Mahfar.

Naysan

Naysan (October 10, 2014 at 7:49 AM)

Thank you Mahfar jan. It would be great to hear about some of those stories as I’m working on a book about my parents. If there’s anything you think you could share, please email me at: [email protected]

Thanks again Mahfar.

Naysan

Naysan (October 10, 2014 at 7:50 AM)

Dear Naysan,

I have known your Dad, he was really a great man of God. My experiences with him has sustain me in my life over trials & test as a Bahai. I just wanted to share one or two of this experiennces

Once I was serving at the Baha’i World Centre, he invited me to the Shrine of Bab, we actually went into the Abdul’Baha’s Shrine, and the way he was prostrating himself at the Threshold of the Master’s Tomb , in that instant I thought Abdul- Baha’ is alive and anytime would become visible and that really shakes me to the core. His humility and submission at that Hallowed Threshold has left a permanent imprint in my life.

Another story is about how he get to Suki, Daru Western Province. The picture of him paddling the canoe. One day I got stuck in that village for ttwo weeks as there was no plane. I had to hire a motorised dinghy for some 300 kilometres down the Fly River. The people that I hired to take me down the Fly River were the same people that took your dad up.

This is how they say it, it was later afternoon around 3 -5pm. The plane that was supposed to take him to Suki was cancelled, he went down the wharf looking for someone to take him up the Fly River, the sailed all afternoon, till night and arrived in Suki for some 300kms plus against the current. He never slept or rested until he reached his destination and had his job done for the weekend and returned the same way to Daru and caught the Port Moresby flight. I was lost for words, it really did again had a tremendous impact on me,. He was single minded, resolute, had this sense of urgency doing the work of the fight. To me he was a man from a different world coming to live with us and left so soon. This man is your father and a mentor to me, he had me rooted in the Cause of Baha’u/llah.

Uncle Kuike
Port Moresby, PNG.

Kuike Kagl

Kuike Kagl (December 12, 2014 at 6:36 AM)

Hi Uncle Kuike, Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful memories and stories of my father. I really appreciate it and am so happy he had an affect on so many wonderful souls like yours! Thanks again and hope to see you again in future!

Naysan

Naysan (December 12, 2014 at 9:52 AM)

Hi Naysan.
Love your blog!
My name is Elti & im Sula and Ramu’s youngest daughter. I don’t know if you remember them. But I heard many stories from them about your wonderful dad. Sadly, I wasn’t born in time to meet him but his services and beautiful soul is an inspiration to me and as I walk along my path to become a doctor, I pray that I will be as great as he was in rendering service to humankind.
Praise be to God!
Much love x

Elti Sannyasi

Elti Sannyasi (March 3, 2015 at 6:51 AM)

Hi Elti,
Glad to hear that you like Baha’i Blog and thanks so much for the wonderful message! Of course I remember your wonderful parents! 🙂 They are very dear to me and I love them very much!
I’m so happy to hear that you are on the path of becoming a doctor!
I’m sure you’ll make an excellent doctor and I really look forward to meeting you one day, hopefully soon! 🙂
-God bless you and please send my love to your family!
-Naysan

Naysan

Naysan (March 3, 2015 at 5:17 PM)

Dear Naysan, you wrote a beautiful word-portrait of the great soul who happens to be your dad. Simply reading about him brings happiness. Abdu’l-Baha knew the galvanizing effect that stories of heroic believers exert on our souls, and that is why He wrote “Memorials of the Faithful”. Yes, please write the book you envision. I can barely imagine how much one would miss the earthly presence of parents like you had, and it can’t be easy to write about them. But to do so is a service that you are uniquely equipped to perform. Thank you for your post!
Loving regards from Harriet Ferguson Gilman
(Secretary/Assistant in the International Teaching Centre
1985-1992)

Harriet Gilman

Harriet Gilman (November 11, 2015 at 4:59 AM)

Dear Naysan
What a beautiful and befitting tribute to your dad. Indeed he was a man with a big heart full of love to humanity and serving people, a true servant of Baha’u’llah. A man that his humility was outstanding and his dedication to the Faith was immense.
much love
Nasser Sedghi

Nasser Sedghi

Nasser Sedghi (August 8, 2016 at 12:58 AM)

Thank you so much Naysan jon for absolutely beautiful tribute to your dear father. When we arrived to New Zealand we met your beautiful family. You visited us and brought so much love and encouragement to our family. Your dad touched our lives and when he came to New Zealand, he visited us often and we were honoured to listen to his guidance. I loved his stories and sense of humour during his talks. Shortly after he passed away I had a dream that I was walking on street and I saw a big crowed as I got closer I saw a big wall and on that wall was written that Dr. Naraqi is coming soon to give a talk. I woke up. So, your das is busy in the Abha Kingdom, as he was here. We all loved him and the whole family dearly. Good work Naysan jon,

Shahin Anayati

Shahin Anayati (August 8, 2016 at 4:22 AM)

Thank you so much for sharing with all of us the story of the life of service this wonderful man exemplified.

Emi Hosoda

Emi Hosoda (August 8, 2018 at 1:20 AM)

Thank you Emi for your message. 🙂

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan Naraqi (August 8, 2018 at 9:07 PM)

Dear Beloved Naysan “Allah’u’Abha” Bahai love and greetings from Papua New Guinea.
My name is Michael Anton from Kora Local Spiritual Assembly now Jiwaka Province.
I thank God always for the greatest gift of my Bahai life is having being blessed to spend more and more time serving with your father has Auxiliary board member under his leadership has councillor of the Australasian board of councilors
He is truly a man who has great love for the beloved cause of God and has an Irian Bahai wanted us the Bahai of Papua New Guinea to understand how blessed we were to become to know this wonderful long awaiting promised religion of God the Bahai faith.
I wish he was still alive to this very day we miss his wonderful true Bahai spirit of encouragement, caring, love he has all for pioneers and all local Bahai belivers.
My prayers are with all his wonderful families.

Michael Anton

Michael Anton (September 9, 2018 at 10:56 AM)

Dear Michael, Allah’u’Abha! Thank you so much for your wonderful message and for all your prayers! Please send my love to the all the friends there!

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan Naraqi (September 9, 2018 at 10:26 PM)

Talofa and Allah’u’Abha Naysan. I have read your beautiful story and all emotional sharing from friends who used to know you and your beloved father in the past. Teary!!! We haven’t met or known each other but this wonderful conversation touched my soul. What an inspiration. Thank you so much Naysan for absolutely beautiful tribute to your dear father. Love from Samoa Bahai Community

Kapeneta Purcell

Kapeneta Purcell (November 11, 2018 at 8:41 PM)

Thank you so much Kapeneta for your touching message. I really appreciate that and really hope to meet you one day too! Please send my regards to all of the dear friends in Samoa!

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan Naraqi (November 11, 2018 at 6:02 AM)

Great post and one that resonates deeply for me. My parents were pioneers for 16 years and I also grew up both loving the pioneer life, and sometimes being frustrated with what seemed like the disadvantages at the time. My father has now passed and my mother is very sick at the moment — experiences which have made me reflect more deeply on how they have lived their lives and how dedicating their lives to service has, in turn, shaped so many other lives.

Ariana

Ariana (July 7, 2019 at 9:35 PM)

Thank you so much for sharing Ariana.:)

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan Naraqi (July 7, 2019 at 5:21 AM)

Leave a Reply

YOUR EMAIL WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED
REQUIRED FIELDS ARE MARKED *

"*" indicates required fields

Receive our regular newsletter

Join activities, celebrations, study groups, spiritual empowerment and education programs for young people, and more.

Find Communities in Australia

or Internationally

Horizons is an online magazine of news, stories and reflections from around individuals, communities
and Baha’i institutions around Australia

Visit Horizons

Baha’i beliefs address essential spiritual themes for humanity’s collective and individual advancement. Learn more about these and more.

What Baha’is Believe

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia.

We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

Baha’i Blog is a non-profit independent initiative

The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent authoritative views of the Baha’i Faith.