Goodwill in Gujarat

Excellent work is being done by Parsis in Gujarat in the field of social and environmental change. The actual number of Parsis involved in these projects is small, but the scope of social services rendered by them is tremendous. The Parsi spirit of charity is strong as we all know, and great is the need of our community members to help others and make a positive difference to our environment and to raise the general standard of living.

One shining example of this noble work is seen in Udvada, where the Holy Iranshah fire temple is located. The Lioness Club of Udvada Town has been in existence only for the past one year, but in this short time the ladies have worked hard for the upliftment of the needy and the poor of Udvada town and its vicinity. Three dynamic and dedicated Parsi ladies are office bearers of the Lioness Club: Zenobia Sidhwa, president, Roshan Kumana, secretary and Maha­rukh Sidhwa, treasurer. They are all involved in fund raising and in carrying out various projects that benefit the villagers and help improve their quality of life.

For instance, free eye camps have been organized for cataract operations and distribution of glasses. The blood donation program at the health camp succeeded in collecting 20 bottles of blood. Adivasi students of Eklavya and handicapped children of Vatsalaya regularly get free lunch and snacks. Health checkups and vaccination for children, providing poor children with essentials for their school and prizes given to deserving students are some of the many activities of the Lioness Club. Some of the future projects include the planting of trees, prevention of mosquitoes, regular garbage pick-up, as well as proper water and electricity supply. Their work has been recognized and appreciated by the Lion/Lioness clubs of Gujarat district and the Udvada Club has received several awards. If you are thinking of giving some donation for a very good cause, you know where to turn.

Here is another example. On Sanjan Day we came upon a stall run by a group of Parsis who are really concerned about the wanton destruction of the environment in and around that town due to industrial toxins. With the aid of impressive pamphlets and audiovisuals, the activists demonstrated the increasingly losing battle against mass scale industrial pollution caused by unlawful dumping of chemical waste from the Sarigam industrial estate in Gujarat.

Most of these social activists involved in creating awareness for this horrific state of affairs are Parsis residing in Lord’s Seaside Co-operative Housing built in 1989 in the village of Tadgaon. In the old days Tadgaon was surrounded by clean fields and forests and had a lovely beach with a blue sea. The flora and fauna in the surrounding area were abundant and the fisherfolk made a good living from the great variety of fish in the sea.

Unfortunately, 10 years ago a pipeline carrying toxic waste was laid in this area, followed by a second one more recently, with the result that the entire area has been destroyed. Is there no end to man’s greed and ignorance? The government officials seem least bothered and remain inactive despite fervent pleas by the Parsi group and other locals. If this cause touches a chord, please get in touch with Xerxes Buhariwala on 0-9820144931 or 022-24115372 in Dadar Parsi Colony.

ABAN BANA

abanbana123@rediffmail.com