Dadar Athornan Institute

The Athornan Boarding Madressa in Dadar will henceforth be known as the Dadar Athornan Institute, as per a press release issued by its principal, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar P. Karanjia on November 1, 2009. The Madressa was established in 1919 by the Athornan Mandal, the premier association of priests in India, for the education and welfare of the children of the priestly class. The name of this 90-year-old institution, which has kept pace with the times while keeping alive as many priestly and religious traditions and customs as possible, has been changed bearing its international presence and image in mind, Karanjia writes.

Noted artist Jamshed Irani has designed a new logo depicting an afarganiu with burning fire flanked by the gurz (insignia of priestly authority) and chamach (ladle), an essential priestly implement. Below this are three words — wisdom, spirituality and service — which should be the watchwords of all priests. At the base of the fire is an open book with the words Yatha Ahu, Ashem Vohu and Yenghe Hatam in the Avestan script, signifying scriptural learning. A colorful brochure has been designed and brought out to inform the global community about the Institute’s existence, history, activities and schemes, the press release mentions.

Dadar Athornan Institute (above); new logo (inset); trainee priests (right)

Acknowledging the active interest and support of the trustees of the Athornan Mandal and members of the managing committee, Karanjia is particularly thankful to the chairman Ervad Nadir A. Modi, president Dastur Khurshed K. Das­toor and trustee in charge of the Institute Ervad Erach S. Kuka for ensuring that all reasonable needs of the children are met and they are kept happy, healthy and contented, while maintaining discipline as well. Urging priests to send their children to the Institute, he describes it as a "godsent opportunity” for them. Admissions are given from the age of six, for the first standard and students receive totally free academic and religious education, boarding, lodging and other facilities in a protected environment. A better response from the priestly class would also ensure that their traditions and rituals are revived and survive for a long time to come, according to the press release.

A website enables the Institute to communicate with its large family of "over 500 ex-students” as per Karanjia’s estimate, spread all over the globe and to keep them informed about the activities of their alma mater. One can learn about the history of the Institute and its parent body, the Athornan Mandal, read about outstanding alumni or check out the list of present students, syllabus and monthly activity reports, by logging on to www.dadarathornaninstitute.org Former students wishing to have information about them posted on the website should e-mail the Institute at info@ dadarathornaninstitute.org or write at the postal address (651-652 Firdausi Road, Dadar Parsi Colony, Bombay 400014) stating their contact details, the years they spent at the Institute, present educational and work status, the press release requests.