Awareness in Ahmedabad

Youngsters in the age group of five to 16 years who are imparted knowledge on the religion and trained in art, music, dance and dramatics twice a month under the auspices of the Zarthusthi Awareness Group of Ahmedabad (ZAGA) were given an opportunity to display their talent at the annual day celebration of the Ushta-Te Foundation on February 14, 2005 at Ahmedabad’s Zoroastrian Hall, Kankaria. Besides songs and dances the function included a play based on Dadabhai Naoroji’s life, depiction of Behram Yazad and the seven Amesha Spentas.

Chief guest Yazdi Karanjia, the popular thespian and trustee of the Surat Parsi Panchayat enlivened the proceedings with his speech and lauded the efforts of the Foundation in meeting the social, cultural and religious needs of the communi­ty. While Ushta-Te’s study circle conducts lectures on diverse topics, the Gatha study group caters to the religious and academic inter­ests of a select few. Educational scholarships, loans for cottage and small scale industries (preference being given to lady en­trepreneurs), medical help to the poor and needy of Ahmedabad, awards to achievers, are some of the regular features of the Foundation started in 1999. "Managing trustee of the Foundation Meher Medora with her hard work, dynamic spirit and constant endeavor for excellence has brought the Foundation to its present position,” noted a write-up by trustee Minnie Patel. Another trustee Shirin Kanga is the dynamic convenor of ZAGA.

Children display their talent at the Ushta-Te Foundation celebration

President of the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat Areez Khambat­ta was full of praise for the activities of the Foundation, adds Patel. Guidance to the Foundation comes from its honorary patrons Noshirvan Daboo and Sam Dastur. Besides Medora, Kanga and Patel the other trustees of the Ushta-Te Foundation are Persis Khambat­ta, Dhun Anklesaria, Zarine Cambatta, Dr Armaity Davar and Jamshed Pardiwala.

After the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarathushti and the national anthem the gathering enjoyed a contributory dinner which brought to an end an "eagerly awaited” evening of camaraderie and entertainment.