Appeal for funds

Over the last six years Frohar Foundation has been telecasting the tele-serial Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta on every Sunday at 11.05 a.m. over the Zee TV Gujarati-Zee Network, showcasing Zoroastrian values, culture and way of life. Very little is known or recorded about the Parsis, especially in the audiovisual format. Hence the Foundation has been making a serious effort to project the Parsis in a favorable light through this tele-serial to create awareness about our background, instill a sense of pride, of belonging and motivating our youngsters to become better Zoroastrians.

The telecasting fees for each episode on the channel are Rs 5,800, which works out to a recurring expense of about three lakhs rupees per annum. The telecasts are a labor of love and depend entirely on the largesse of individual philanthropists and supportive institutions. At present the cost involved in the production of each episode amounts to Rs 48,000 plus the telecasting fee of Rs 5,800.

The Foundation also undertakes, in a very small way, other charitable activities like helping destitute women and children, giving medical aid to the needy and awarding educational scholarships. Last year hundreds of unfortunate people in Surat who had been rendered homeless and destitute due to floods were helped by the Foundation. Our committee members went to Surat, visited villages like Adajan, Icchapore, Siganpore, Rander and Bhatha and personally gave Zoroastrian families financial help for repairs to their houses, medicines and in order to buy essential household items.

We look forward to continued support from the community and urge members to sponsor an episode. Donations, which are exempt under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, may be made by cross and order cheques drawn in favor of "Frohar Foundation” and sent to Fro­har Foundation, 26 Khareghat Colony, Hughes Road, Bombay 400007.

Ervad CYRUS DASTOOR

Trustee, Frohar Foundation