He was perhaps best known as the Dr. Manoochehr Nikrouz, who spent most of his life, helping people, with no regards for their background, or ethnicity. A true Iranian, he was proud of his Persian heritage and his country with its dear unique culture and profound civilization.
His reputation was based on a long and distinguished record. He was one of the first and only Jewish lawmakers in Iran who was chosen for 2 consecutive terms. He believed in equal opportunity for all Iranians with no regard for their background or their religion. He supported economic policies that sparked business growth, encouraged innovation and opened the doors of opportunity for all.
Dr. Manoochehr Nikrouz was born in 1946 in the beautiful city of Isfahan to a religious Jewish family. He was only 6 years old when his family decided to move to capital similar to most Jewish families in this time period. He further started attending Ferdousi Elementary School. Starting early stages of his life, he decided to work after school to support his family. While working in Tehran to support and maintain his family, he further decided to attend The University of Tabriz for which he concluded his Degree in Pharmacy in 1971 and returned to peruse his career.
Dr. Nikrouz, maintained his love for medicine and pharmaceuticals while practicing his passion of helping people with their medical needs. Upon his arrival to Tehran, he was immediately hired by Department of Health. It did not take long for him to climb the ranking and he was able to obtain the heading of vice president of department of health from Shahid Beheshti University and controller of all pharmacies Located in North and West of Tehran, after the start of Iranian Revolution.
Upon the request of many citizens and his passion for assisting public, he further decided to get involved in socio politics. In 1984, he was therefore chosen as the Jewish lawmaker of Iranian parliament (Majlis) with 99% of the elected votes at the age of 35. He was also relected for a second term as this made him the only Jewish lawmaker ever being elected to Iranian parliament post revolution for total of 8 years with consecutive approval rate of above 95%.
Words can not describe all his contributions and attributions. His influence was remarkable and his present was always felt. He had parts in all aspects of public service. He was involved in facilitating Friday and Saturday schools for Jewish students attending religious schools. He was also involved with building sport facilities, libraries and community centers for all people that were in dire need of these services.
Dr. Nikrouz, had immense respect for elderlies. He was vastly invested in establishing multiple senior citizen and Nursing homes in Tehran metropolitan area with capabilities of accepting charity patients. He respected all people, from any background and religion as his aim was to help them in any shape or form. He conducted meetings and orientations with the help of religious authorities and further aimed to build a strong and deep foundation with in all. In reality one can strongly agree that his main goal was for ordinary people to consider him as their own.
Although he had major responsibilities, but he never distanced himself from his public. Families from far away, would seek his advice and ask for his help. Even though he was not able to assist in some cases, but his heartwarming messages and recommendations were enough for them to keep on with their lives. His aspiration was people and his power was gods will. He was loved and admired by all members of parliament as his role and popularity increased day by day.
Dr. Nikrouz was known for helping people, especially those with dire need for medication. Due to the ongoing embargo, it was very cumbersome for ordinary people to obtain their life saving medications. However in many instances, he was known for carrying his medication suitcase with him everywhere he used to go. People would seek his help and he would mutually respond with his generosity and assistance. He always considered himself people oriented. He maintenance his love for the country and his people, no matter of color, race or background. One of his memorable quotes was “ It’s not where you’re from; it’s where you’re going. It’s not what you drive; it’s what drives you”. It was these words that made him won the hearts of thousands of Iranians who will never forget his legacy.
Finally in February 1995, as he sought the freedom of one of his congregates from prison, he left this world suffering from a heart attack while driving his car at the age of 48. He considered one blessed who left behind a good reputation. Even though a hefty 15 years has gone by, but till this date his Nikrouz name and works has not left peoples memories. Dr. Nikrouz exceptional deeds stemmed from just that elementary sense of decency and humanity that our sophisticated age seldom sincerely believes in. The lesson to be learned is for our younger generation to follow in his path. It is our duty to look at everyone with no regard for their background or ethnicity and be united. We need to follow the nobility of public service as Dr. Nikrouz did, be true to our tradition of tolerance and walk in the footsteps of such leaders that give their lives for their people.
