ZOSTA’s zeal

"You are the maker of your own fate and the captain of your own soul... The most extraordinary person exists for others,” im­pressed chief guest Burjor Antia, noted solicitor and trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, at the annual prize distribution and entertainment program of The Zoroastrian Student Teacher Associa­tion (ZOSTA) on February 18, 2005. "Base your life on righteous­ness...Be faithful to your religion...Never get divided on small issues,” Antia told the assembly of Zoroastrian educators and students.

"The aim of ZOSTA (founded in 1979) is to inculcate a religious awakening in the Zoroastrian students, to motivate them to take an active interest in the culture and traditions of our community and inspire them to uphold the basic tenets of Zoroast­rianism and put its noble truths to practice,” stated a brief introduction by the chairperson of ZOSTA Zenobia Daroga, in the souvenir brought out on the occasion.

Scholastic accomplishments at the board examinations and University graduation examinations are rewarded by ZOSTA each year. The Zoroastrian toppers at the 2004 examinations were: ICSE — Dilshad Ghadially from Hira­nandani Foundation School, Powai; SSC — Zelda Dada­chan­ji from The Alex-andra Girls’ English Insti­tution; CBSE — Jehan­gir Cama from Modern School, New Delhi; HSC — Simin Patell from Villa Marie Junior College for Girls, Hyder­abad. Zervin Baam, the only student opting for medicine after completing his HSC with 90 percent was given a cash prize of one lakh rupees and a 22 carat gold medal. The toppers at the graduation examinations were: BA — Meher Mody from Nowrosjee Wadia College, Poona; BCom — Natasha Mistry; BSc — Purnishat Patell from St Francis’ College for Women, Hydera-bad. ZOSTA also recognizes excellence at the post­graduation level for degree and diploma courses.

Top: Baam receiving award from Kathawalla. Alongside, from left: Bhathena, V. Kapadia, Patel, Damanwalla, Ghadiali, Roshan Antia, Basla, Burjor Antia, Daroga, Billimoria, Commissariat, Marfatia and Mehta

Special felicitation was accorded this year to Freny Mehta, principal of the Alexandra Institution for winning the State Best Teacher Award Rajya Puraskar (2003-04). An award of appreciation was also conferred on Khorshed Bharucha, principal of the J. B. Vachha Girls’ High School for Parsee Girls. The other supervisors/headmistresses to be felicitated were Zarine Basla, administrative advisor of École Mondiale World School for 35 years of service, Huaafrid Kotwal, headmistress of Sett R. J. J. Primary School (15 years), Dhun Manjra, headmistress, Sir J. J. Princess Street Primary School (15 years). Six of the 11 teachers felicitated were from the J. B. Vachha High School — Gool Anklesaria (35 years), Maharukh Wykes (25 years), Dinaz Morena (25 years), Banoo Makoojina (15 years), Bakhtawar Gazdar (15 years), Farokh Bardoliwalla (15 years). Bapsy Kerawala from Bombay Scottish School (29 years), Jerry Engineer from Bai B. S. Bengallee Girls’ High School (15 years), Nilufer Kudianawa­la from Bai Ruttonbai F. D. Panday Girls’ High School (15 years), Pervin Sidhwa from Sir J. J. Princess Street Primary School (15 years) and Kashmira Vankadia from Sir C. J. High School (15 years) were the other teachers honored.

Major donors supporting ZOSTA activities over the years are attorney Homi Ranina who told the audience, "We live in a highly competitive world where Parsis still have to make their mark...” Chartered accountant Zarir Bhathena has been giving regular encouragement and incentive to the youth. Shahrukh Katha­walla, a practising counsel in the Bombay High Court who believes that only education will make our youth economically independent and prosperous in life donated Rs 8,63,200 to ZOSTA this year. To encourage religious fervor, 40 children from six ZOSTA member schools were taken to Udvada and Sanjan, courtesy Shihan Vispi and Shiraz Kapadia.

Give children the roots of responsibility and wings of independence, conveyed ZOSTA vice chairperson Silloo Commissar­iat. "Champions are not made in the gym. One needs the skill and will to win the race. It’s the last minute dash that counts. Don’t wait for the ship to come in. Row out to meet the ship,” she advised.

The other office bearers of ZOSTA are honorary secretary Basla and honorary treasurer Tehmina Damanwalla. The managing committee members include Dilnavaz Billimoria, special educator, Hill Springs School, Gool Ghadiali, principal, Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School, Diana Marfatia, principal, Byramjee Jee­jeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution, Navaz Sanjana, advisor, Modern School, Mehta, and Abban Patel, principal, Sir Cowasji Jehangir School.

Over the past 25 years ZOSTA has been conducting several fun-filled competitions for the community youth. Contests like essay writing, art, fancy dress, quiz, talent contest, rangoli, making of greeting cards, cookery, salad making, etc unravel the latent strengths of the children and build up their personalities to face life confidently. Believing in developing a healthy mind in a healthy body, ZOSTA Day every year sees students participate in telematches, mini sports and games at the Avabai Petit High School campus.

The teaching fraternity also has their share of enjoyment. Informative workshops and seminars, picnics on Teachers’ Day, trips to Udva­da, cooking classes, etc are the activi­ties ZOSTA has for its educators. Apart from this several social evenings with dinner are held at Cama and Albless Baugs, mentions their silver jubilee brochure.