Celebrations in Surat

Three achievers from Surat were felicitated and a fancy dress competition followed by a gara/sari kor contest marked the Surat Parsi Pragati Mandal’s celebrations in August 2009, as per a report written by Dilnaz Besania and forwarded to Parsiana by Rusi Besania. Yasmin Dotivala welcomed the audience and thanked them for supporting the Mandal which was set up in 1945 as a platform for young Zoroastrians to showcase their talents.

Rusi Besania reminisced about a proud moment in the history of the Mandal when, way back in 1989 a team of which he was a member presented a portrait of Madame Bhikhaiji Cama to Parliament House in Delhi. This was unveiled by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and vice president Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma.

Darayus Master, president of the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP), who was unable to attend, sent a letter of appreciation which was read out. Chief guest Dr Minu Parabia, trustee of the SPP and a renowned naturopath spoke compellingly on the importance of ayurveda and life, the report reveals.

(Clockwise from top right): Navroz Dapota­wala; gara/sari kor contest; Frenaz Chipia, Dr Minu Parabia, Mani Jehan­gir and Aspi Rao; Keshmira Kharadi, Rusi Besania, Dr Aspi Kharas and Yasmin Dotivala

Sheryl Elavia introduced the three stars of the evening, benevolent bonesetter Dr Aspi Kharas known for his selfless service to the community and society; Navroz Dapotawala, adjudged India’s runner up in the body beautiful contest; and Frenaz Chipia, consistent winner of medals and awards in table tennis championships at the school and state level. They were felicitated by Rusi Besania, Dotivala and Parabia respectively. In addition, scholarships aggregating Rs 60,000 were distributed to students of Surat by secretaries of the Mandal Aspi Rao, Parizad Chipia and past president Mani Jehangir.

Young anchor for the fancy dress contest Carol Vaid made the event lively and interactive, while the gara/kor competition was competently handled by Pearl Dabu. Both contests were judged by Drs Dhun Edibam and Dinaz Besania. After a vote of thanks from Keshmira Kharadi, vice president of the Mandal, the attendees enjoyed a contributory dinner, the report notes.