My father, Janab Asghar Khan Ghanbary-Mehrbany (loosely translated) His Excellency Asghar Khan (a title inherited by landowners in old Persia ) Ghanbary of Mehrban (a place founded by my ancestors - effectively, only 3 families and lots of peasants lived there!
He was many things first!! I'll explain:
He had the very first car, tractor, bicycle, motor cycle, fridge, TV, telephone, bathroom (oh yes!) in door toilet, running water, electricity...I could go on!
He owned and operated an Electricity Power Station
He was the first Mayor of Mehrban after Shah's White Revolution after most of his land and all of his villages were taken from him.
He then became Mayor of Heris, a Town renowned for its carpet.
He owned a Mill, a Transport Business, a Hotel or two, a restaurant and a water mill which supplied water to a town.
He had the first telephone line installed from his office to the house some 3 km away.
He had the first long distance telephone line installed over 15 km away from the house.
He had the first News Agency, for the first few months it was free so the locals can get a taste of it but the got the taste for the freebie (very Persian). no-one ever paid for their papers and mags. He never insisted!
He fought hard and managed to have Mehrban's first proper Clinic built (Shir o Khorsid) by donating land & water and food.
He was the first Governor-General of A Job he did not take a salary for and opted out of having a Government car in favour of an ambulance.
He was instremental in lauching the first mixed school, he moved my two sisters there as the very first two pupils.
He still found the time to have 2 wives, 10 children and one or two mistresses!
A Job he did not take a salary for and opted out of having a Government car in favour of an ambulance.