Faithfully active

"Destiny is not a matter of chance but choice; not to be waited for, but to achieve… Success involves effort. Successful people focus on what they want to do and want to be… Realistic goals are encouraging and build high self esteem,” counseled Homai Daruwalla, chairperson and managing director of the Central Bank of India as the chief guest at the annual day celebration of The Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) on November 19, 2005.

"The prophets of gloom and doom say that the Parsi community is going to the dogs but our chief guest and the achievement award winners who are people of high caliber prove wrong the oft repeated statement that Parsis are living on past glory,” commented BPA president Vispi Dastur.

The achievement award winners selected by the BPA for the year 2005 were Behram Dastur, chief executive officer of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet who created a Guinness World Record with his 2,493 letters published in newspapers and magazines; active social worker Mithoo Jesia who is involved in the religious instruction of children, organization of summer camps and Navroz functions, the upkeep of the Dadar Parsi Colony and student scholarships among other causes; Dr Noshir Wadia, visiting neurologist at various hospitals, founder member of the Epilepsy Association of India and overseas advisor to the Royal College of Physicians, London; Sensei Farokh Dinshaw, an internationally acclaimed martial arts instructor and fitness consultant; students Freddy Daruwala who secured the first rank at the LLM examination and second at the LLB examination conducted by the Bombay University; and Afreen Tara for being the first among Parsi students at the Higher Secondary Certificate examination, scoring 92.33 percent.

At the BPA function: (along­-side, from left) Daruwalla, Dastur and Dadachanji Photo: Fali Palkhivala; (below) awar­dees and dignitaries on the dais Photo: C. C. Gandevia

Besides the Achievement Awards, the Navaz Jimi Kathawalla Memorial Prizes were announced for 218 winners in the Avesta recitation and kusti spinning and weaving competitions. Prizes amounting to Rs 1,34,700 were sponsored by noted lawyer and philanthropist Shahrukh Kathawalla, announced BPA honorary secretary Tehmina Peer in the course of her report of the 85-year-old Association. There were 350 participants altogether, aged between three years to 85. The other office bearers of BPA are vice presidents Rusi Gandhy, Nadir Modi and Dinyar Jamshedji, joint secretary Aloo Shroff and treasurer Adale Patel.

Send children to religion classes from a young age, advised guest of honor Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji who had earlier led the jashan with his son Hormuzd. The jashan was followed by a hambandagi led by the young priests of the Dadar Athornan Madressa. "We expect you will be faithful to the religion, visit the agiary regularly and observe the necessary tarikats,” Dadachanji addressed the youngsters who had come to Cama Baug to collect their prizes.

A special invitee that evening was Mohan Jhangiani who has performed Mahatma Gandhi’s role in several films and TV serials and has high regard for the Parsi community. Among the other community stalwarts to grace the occasion were BPP chairman Minoo Shroff, Mahrukh and Kobad Noble, Zarir and Jasmine Bhathena, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, Rustom Tirandaz, Rustom Vakil, Gev Bhumgara and others. The function was brought to a close with the audience joining Ratamai Peer, Yasmin Charna and the girls of Avabai Petit School in singing Chhaiyé Hamé Zarathoshti and the national anthem. Every prize winner this time was given two complimentary coupons for the dinner catered by Minoo Bharucha.