ZAGA zest

Being a true Zarathushti involves helping others and making them happy. That this basic precept is to be practiced was taught to the children of the Zarthushti Awareness Group of Ahmedabad (ZAGA) who whilst enjoying themselves presenting the different cultural items at their seventh annual program were made to realize that the proceeds of the effort would help raise funds for medical aid, notes a detailed account of the event by Dr Armaity Davar forwarded to Parsiana by the program coordinator Shirin Kanga.

At the function under the auspices of the Ushta-te Foundation on February 24, 2006 at the Tagore Hall, chief guests Darayus and Yasmin Contractor offered a magnanimous donation of Rs 2,50,000 for medical aid whilst commending the dedication and efforts of the Foundation which undertakes religious, educational and social activities, and appreciated the talents of the young ZAGAites. The Contractors were welcomed by the managing trustee and founder member of the Foundation Meher Medora.

Skits, dances and music helped liven up the evening. A stage production Precious Keys to Life, giving religious insights was composed and directed by Perin Unwala with the assistance of Dogdo Doctor, while the Parsi comedy Kavas Karbhari na Karnama was directed by Dilshad Sooi and a mime Makorimaar Pehelvan nu operation by Katie Daruwalla. A fusion dance on the title song of Taal and a remix dance on recent popular songs showed the agility of the dancers. A humorous poem Jumva Chaaloji by Adil Watchmaker, the Sanjan song, bongo music by Faariburz Irani and a magic show by Mehelli and Zenia Bhumgara of Bombay added further variety to the show compered by Roshan Rao and Pervin Watchmaker.

To encourage the youngsters prizes were distributed by the Contractors, philanthropic donor Gustad Engineer and Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat president Areez Khambatta. Besides honoring academic achievers the awards commended Tiraz Commissariat who stood first in the state level mental maths examination conducted by ALOHA and Shyamak Unwala who won the prestigious Governor’s award for scouting.