Young Collegians and old

The golden jubilee year of the Young Collegians’ Zoroastrian Association (YCZA) came to an end with a function on May 24, 2003 where the YCZA Alumni Association was launched. Zarine Commissariat, the evening’s emcee and an ex YCZAite outlined the objects of the Alumni Association stating that it would provide an excellent opportunity for networking. Inviting past members to join she assured at least two functions every year. An overnight trip to Udvada in September followed by a moonlight cruise later in the year were the events in offing, according to a report filed by Firuza J. Khan.

Outlining the activities of the YCZA, ex member Aspi Billimoria hoped that the Alumni Association would play a vital role in reviving and revitalizing the YCZA for the youngsters of today. Over the years the YCZA has been guided by its chairman Nadir Modi and vice chairman Prof Khurshed Sheriar to mobilize Parsi collegians into various productive activities.

Nearly 450 YCZA supporters gathered at the May 24 function at Allbless Baug which started with a jashan, followed by a talk by Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji wherein he explained and demonstrated the significance of the jashan ceremony with the help of his son Ervad Hormuzd, and later delineated on the different Iranian traditions practiced then and now.

Entertainment for the evening came from TV artistes Roshan and Dinyar Tirandaz and their group of actors. Marazban Mehta’s Darling Orchestra livened up the event with popular tunes and old-time favorites which had the audience tapping their feet and dancing. Ultimately everyone joined in the singing of Chhaiyé hamé Zarathoshti led by Adi Davar, one of the key volunteers. Tanaz Godiwalla’s hearty repast was then enjoyed by all.