Babies on parade

Delzin Jimmy Panthaki was declared the Most Charming Baby of the Show while Ziana Rumi Marawalla won the Jeroo Baria Memorial Trophy at the Bonny Baby Competition organized by the Rustom Baug Association at the Neville Wadia Hall, Rustom Baug on October 14, 2007, as per a write-up forwarded to Parsiana by Kumi Daroowala, president emeritus of the Association.

Thirty-five contestants, ranging in age from birth to three years participated in this annual competition which is very popular with parents. They were judged by eminent pediatricians Dr Amin Kaba of Prince Ali Khan Hospital and Dr G. Ganesh of Bombay Hospital, assisted by Dr Daruwalla and Dr Mehercher China. Every child received a participant prize.

Vivaan Z. Mehta stood first in the birth to six months group, followed by Palash M. Daruvala and Ava P. Contractor. In the six months to one year group the winners were Janine Khajotia, Pashum Italia and Tania Mazdiyasni, while Bianca Unwalla took home a consolation prize. Marawalla, who carried off the trophy, topped the one year to three years group, followed by Hozan Sanga and Farshaak Irani. Consolation prizes were awarded to Zenia Antia and Faarish Sethna. Two pairs of twins, Chirag and Jai Neville Khodana and Rashna and Roxane Mehernosh Choksi received special prizes. In a meaningful gesture, mother of three Ruhangiz Sethna was presented a special cash prize, as per the write-up.

Earlier that year Saisha D. Bacha of The J. B. Vachha High School won the Seth Rustomji N. Contractor Trophy for Juniors while the Seth Rustomji N. Contractor Memorial Trophy was carried away by Zoe S. Daruwalla of the same school at the All Parsis Elocution Competition organized by the Association at the Neville Wadia Hall, Rustom Baug on February 25, 2007. One hundred students from 18 schools participated.

Top (left to right): Most Charming Baby Delzin Panthaki; participants and parents with Kumi Daroowala; elocution winners Saisha Bacha and Zoe Daruwalla; (left) judges and audience at elocution contest

Ferzeen Mody stood first in the under seven years group, followed by Freyosh Sinor and Manaz Nariman. Consolation prizes were awarded to Rustom Makoojina and Ranai Siganporia. Bacha topped the below 10 years group with Zara Daruwalla coming second and Shahzad Faroodi third. Consolation prizes went to Varun Bulsara and Zelna Wankadia. Zoe Daruwalla was first in the below 12 years group while Urveez Kakalia and Vahista Sinor tied for second place. Sanaya Boyce stood third while Alysha Khodaiji and Zeus Shroff won consolation prizes. In the over 12 years group Mehrnaz Patel took the first prize, Delnaz Mody and Vahishta Panthaki jointly came second while Rhea Sarkari stood third. Consolation prizes went to Spenta Daruwalla and Mazdiar Mevawala. Bacha and Daruwalla stood first and second in the extempore category, Kakalia came third while Delzaad Doctor and Arnaz Irani received consolation prizes.

The competition was judged by qualified speech and drama teachers: Ayra Cama who runs her own play school Toddle Time and has authored a book of verse titled A Work of Heart, Anushka Dongre and Alifia Bhatri who works as a radio jockey with All India Radio’s FM station. Daroowala acknowledges the unstinting support of Yasmin Mistry, Hutoxi Irani and Bapsy Chinoy for the smooth running and success of the competition.