Funds for Jhansi Anjuman

The Jhansi Parsi Anjuman held its annual jashan ceremony on Fravardin mah, Fravardin roz at the aramgah, and another jashan at the Dharamsala the next day, Bahram roz. This time 35 Parsis were present at the jashan. Ten of these were former residents who had come from Bombay, some after a gap of 25 years. The jashan was performed by Ervad Dinar Sidhwa of Thana.

There was a humbandagi after the Bahram roz jashan, followed by two minutes of silence in memory of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The list of donations received in 2007-2008 was read out. Daulat Devecha had donated one lakh rupees in her will and the amount was received from B. S. Postwala, trustee of the Calcutta Anjuman. Rs 10,000 donated by the Zoroastrian Foundation Trust, was received from H. S. Kohina. A donation of Rs 5,000 was received from Phiroze Rattanshaw Pestonji of Lonavala while Soli N. Dick of Surrey, UK, sent £ 107.

The Jhansi Parsi Anjuman felicitated its two seniormost lady members, Menie K. Bhagat (93) and Katy F. Jalnawalla (91).

The Jhansi Parsi Dharamsala building is about 90 years old and has a tiled roof. The wooden false ceiling inside is leaking badly and the planks are likely to fall any time. White ants have eaten up parts of the wooden doors and windows and the flooring is in very poor shape. Urgent repairs are required, the cost of which would be between five and seven lakh rupees.

I request all large trusts and anjumans to help us maintain the Dharamsala and the 120-year-old aramgah in the Cantonment area. Cheques in the name of "Jhansi Parsi Anjuman,” may be sent to Dhanji Billimoria, secretary, 239/1 Ajad Kunj, Sipri Bazar, Jhansi (UP) 284003.

RONNY JEHANGIR DICK

President, Jhansi Parsi Anjuman

Jhansi