Confident clergy

The Ex-Students Association of the M. F. Cama Athornan Institute "has taken upon itself the role of a teacher to not only teach the new aspirants but to also refresh the knowledge of the young and senior ervads,” noted a write-up reporting on its third two-week Refresher Program for Ostas and Ervads from May 15-29, 2004. "These programs sure bring out better mobeds — more educated in bhantar, kriyakam, Iranian history, religion; more self-reliant having learnt pugree tying and making daran, papdi, malido, bhakhra, etc themselves,” adds the write-up.

The presence of the three High Priests: Dr Firoze Kotwal, Dr Peshotan Mirza and Khurshed Dastoor as also 14 other speakers holding orthodox, moderate or modern views, helped the partici­pants discuss and clarify their doubts on different issues con­cerning the community. One such debate with Zoroastrian Studies founder Khojeste Mistree lasted for more than four and a half hours and continued even after the evening prayers were said, mentions the report.

Apart from the intensive training the participants were also given an opportunity to enjoy and unwind themselves. There were competi­tions for games and sports as also to determine who made the best daran and papdis!

Enthusiastic priests in Udvada (top) and with Kotwal and K. Dastoor (alongside); Above: Bust of M. F. Cama

At the valedictory function the Insti-tute’s managing trus-tee Manch­erji Cama unveiled the portrait of the former prin­cipal of the Institute, the late Kaikhushru Daruwala who had given "dedicated service to the Institute for more than 55 years.”

One of the three coordinators Ervad Pirojsha Sidhwa thanked guest of honor Jamshed Guzder for his generous donation of Rs 1,00,000 to the Association as also of Rs 1,000 to each of the participants. He was equally appreciative of the financial contributions of ex-students Ervad (Dr) Soli Dastur of USA who sponsored the expenses of the third refresher program and of Ervad Jamshed Bhesadia and other sponsors who donated in cash or kind to cover free lodging, boarding, supply of study materials and other expenses. The cost of taking the participants by road to the Iranshah was borne by the Kathawala family.

Ervad Cyrus Dastoor acknowledged the cooperation of his colleagues Ervads Homi Gowadia, Sidhwa, Mahiyar Pan­thaky and Kekobad Panthaki in coordinating the program successfully. He also welcomed participation in the proposed day scholar scheme in religious studies to be conducted thrice a week by K. Panthaki which would impart training in bhantar as also kriyakam.