Cama Athornan courses

In 1923 eminent philanthropist the late Seth Mervanjee Muncherjee Cama laid the foundation of the Muncherjee Framji Cama Athornan Institute in Andheri to sow the seeds of religious knowledge and fervor in the minds and hearts of young priests so that they may become torchbearers for the community. Several learned dasturs and scholars have passed through its portals and guided the community.

Today, a small group of dedicated and dynamic persons belonging to the Ex-Students Association led by Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza have offered their services to rejuvenate the Institute. The Refresher Course, organized by them with great success for the last five years, is clear testimony to their commitment.

At the Institute, each child will be trained to be a full-fledged yozdathregar priest so that he is qualified to perform all the liturgical ceremonies. Moreover, secular education will be provided at the government recognized A. H. Wadia High School of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan from Std I up to the SSC, completely free of charge to lay the foundation for an educated clergy. This will enable priests to provide religious leadership to the community. It is a stepping-stone to higher education and will also enable students to take advantage of the various amelioration schemes for priests. The Institute also provides free boarding and lodging, sports training, free books, vocational guidance for the holistic development of students to broaden their horizon.

Admission is offered in three categories. In Category I athornan boys from Std I onward will receive complete mobedi training (Sampurna Navar Maratab) along with academic education up to SSC. In Category II an athornan boy who is a Kacha Navar will also be trained to qualify as a full-fledged yozdathregar priest (Sampurna Navar Maratab) by making him fully conversant with all Zoroastrian rites and rituals. For this category, the age of the student will be determined on an individual basis. In Category III, which is for helper priests, any behdin could benefit by a course of study which would enable him to perform prescribed outer liturgical ceremonies in the absence of an athornan priest. A helper priest would serve the community, especially in locations where there is a scarcity of qualified athornan priests.

A working committee comprising two trustees of the Institute, some members of the Ex-Students Association and a high priest of the community will supervise the overall administration.

We appeal to all athornans to encourage their sons to join the M. F. Cama Athornan Institute to give them an opportunity to chart a new life and also carry forward our precious religious legacy. For centuries the priestly class has been in the vanguard in preserving our culture, tradition and literature. May more youngsters continue to perform this onerous task. Details regarding admission to the Institute are available with Ervad Mahiar Panthaki (tel: 9821049251), Ervad Hormazdyar Govadia (tel: 9969014126) or the Trust office (tel: 22656348.)

Dr HOMI DHALLA

wzcf@bom8.vsnl.net.in