BPA’s annual awards

Allbless Baug was the venue of the annual day and prize distribution function of The Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) on October 2, 2009. The evening’s proceedings began with a jashan performed by Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji followed by humbandagi conducted by the young athornans of the Dadar and Cama Madressas. Those present stood in solemn silence for two minutes in memory of BPA trustee Dorab Tarapore, Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Rustom Tirandaz, Freemason Pervez Mistry and others, as per a write-up received from BPA president Vispi Dastur.

Dastur welcomed the chief guest, BPP chairman Dinshaw Mehta, guest of honor Kumi Daroowala and Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla of the Bombay High Court, along with the BPA achievement awardees, proudly stating that even today Parsis are achievers and do not just live on past glory. Receiving their awards at Dastur’s hands were Padma Shri Dr Zal Tarapore for water resources, Dr Zinobia Madan for clinical research, Silloo Mahava for social work, Urvaksh Kersi Tavadia for academics and Delnaz Aspi Billimoria for sports. Adale Patel read out their names and they in turn thanked the BPA, expressing their appreciation of its services to the community.

Above: BPA achievers (L to R) Urvaksh Tavadia, Delnaz Billimoria, Silloo Mahava, Zinobia Madan and Zal Tarapore; (far right): Vispi Dastur at mike, Dinshaw Mehta, Kumi Daroowala and Pansy Mehta

Rusi Bhumgara read a report on the various activities of the BPA and a monajat was recited by Anahita Karanjia. Twelve Parsi ladies who have been weaving kustis or serving agiaries for over 50 years were felicitated by Dastur. Ratamai Peer announced their names. These ladies received a standing ovation. In all, 23 cash prizes were sponsored by the Parsee Vegetarian and Temperance Society, Dastur mentions. Daroowala exhorted Parsi youths to respect their parents and revere the Zarthoshti religion. She and the BPP chairman appreciated the excellent work done by the BPA over the past 89 years.

On the occasion, The Navaz Jimi Kathawalla Memorial Prizes for various competitions were presented to the winners by Daroowala and Pansy Mehta. As Tehmina Peer read out their name, each prize winner came forward to receive a prize along with two complimentary dinner coupons, all sponsored by the Kathawallas. They were given religious books donated by Rustom Vakil. Aloo Shroff presented a vote of thanks. Also contributing to making the function a grand success were BPP trustee Arnavaz Mistry, Dinoo Dastur and Parveen Sidhwa, acknowledges Dastur.

The function ended with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti and the national anthem. Among the estimated 500 persons who attended were BPP trustees Khojeste Mistree and Yazdi Desai with wife Anahita, BPP’s chief executive officer Mehli Colah and public relations officer Godrej Dotivala, Cmde Aspi Marker, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia and his wife Havovi, Rustom Jasoomoney, Rustom Chothia, Yasmin Mistry, Rustom Cooper, Adi Mogrelia, Gev Bhumgara, Khushru Panthaki and many others.