Pray and play together

For several years now, during the muktad days, the Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS) has been bringing the community together, involving members in various activities in anticipation of the New Year. This year the program extended over three days, August 11, 12 and 14, starting with a prayer competition for children of different age groups, as per a write-up forwarded to Parsiana by ZWAS trustee Maharukh Chichgar.

Remembered on the occasion was philanthropist Nusserwanji Vakil, whose 100th birth anniversary it was. This eminent Zoroastrian had served as chief justice of the Gujarat High Court, chancellor of M. S. University at Baroda, trustee of the Surat Parsi Panchayat and president of the Surat Sarvajanik Society. The chief guest that evening was Vakil’s son, Homi accompanied by his wife Dolly. They were introduced to the gathering by Mahatab Variava. Noted citizens of Surat, Jamshed Dotiwala and Rohin Karanjia spoke of Vakil’s exemplary work for Parsis and other communities. Rusi Besania narrated interesting stories from the Shahnameh and explained their context in Vakil’s life and achievements. Speaking of his father, Homi recalled the days of his childhood and the time they had spent together, the write-up revealed.

From top: Winners of prayer competition; Rohin Karanjia speaks about Nusserwanji Vakil; winners of singing competition

The prayer competition was judged by Ervads Adil Sanjana and Zubin Dalal. Three of the winners, Navzad Mistry, Zubin Daruwala and Percy Bhatporia, were under four years of age. The other winners were Shanaya Katpitia, Roshni Gole, Karishma Katpitia, Kaizin Waghchipawala and Sharmin Jivasa.

Fun and games followed on August 12, 2007, a Sunday. Organized by ZWAS president Binaifer Engineer, secretary Khushnaz Italia and Tanaz Coachman, the games were enjoyed by young and old alike. A melodious evening of lilting songs was scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2007, judged by Hemin Engineer and Devang Dave, both noteworthy figures in the world of music in Surat. Dilshad Palia, Maharukh Bhesania and Monaz Bhesania won prizes for solo singing, while Feroz and Daizy Kapadia triumphed in the duet category. Benaifer Patel and Monaz Palia received encouragement prizes. The evening was ably compered by Dilnaz Besania and Farzana Kharadi.

The office bearers and trustees of ZWAS were urged to continue their efforts to bring out the hidden talents of community members through such activities, the write-up concluded.