A Short Biography of Effie Baker

Born in 1880, Effie Baker was one of the Baha'i community's earliest professional artists. An accomplished photographer and model-maker, Effie served the Faith for much of her life and in particular is responsible for a photographic record of numerous locations associated with the origins of the Babi and Baha'i’ Faiths. This assignment, given to her by the beloved Guardian took her deep into Persia and Iraq where through much hardship she emerged with over a thousand quality prints, some of which were used in the first edition of Nabil's Narrative.

While born in Victoria, Effie eventually moved to Sydney where she passed away in 1968. Since that time her reputation as a photographer has grown and she was recently included in a national exhibition entitled: Australian Women Photographers 1890-1950.

A Short Biography of Dr Sirus Naraqi

Born in Iran in 1942, Sirus Naraqi demonstrated his caliber by placing first in university entrance examinations in Iran out of 80,000 students nationwide. This was the first of many professional accolades.

Because of his spiritual beliefs and his humanitarian nature, he then chose to devote his intellect and expert medical skills to some of the world's most materially disadvantaged people by working in Papua New Guinea for almost two decades.

He spent much of his free time -- weekends and vacations -- visiting remote villages to provide treatment for those with little access to medical care.

In 1999, on the recommendation of the government of Papua New Guinea, Queen Elizabeth awarded him the high honor of Commander of the British Empire (CBE).

Dr Naraqi passed away in 2004 from a prolonged illness but his devoted services to the humanity will long be remembered.

A Short Biography of Dr Manutschehr Gabriel

When in his 20s, Manuch (as he was affectionately known) began his life of service, spending 7 years in Indonesia before migrating to Melbourne in 1962. Manuch and his family became the first Persian Baha'i family to settle permanently in Australia. While in Australia Manuch went pioneering to many parts of the country as well as to Samoa and New Caledonia.

In the early 1970s, Manuch began his passion with the now obsolete amateur medium silent 8mm and sound Super 8mm films. The film came in cartridges of 50 feet which at most runs for only three minutes. From the beginning Manuch saw the potential to serve the Faith with this medium and joined the movie club for this purpose and to learn more about film making.

In his films he has captured Bahá’í activities and many of the early believers in Australia. Manuch’s extensive collection of films is being catalogued and it is planned that in the future a number of his films will be converted from Super 8mm to DVD format.