Elocution competition

The second All Parsees Elocution competition hosted by the Bai Jerbai Baug Sports League, held in Jer Baug on January 31, 2010, received 96 entries, Nilufer Mistry, vice president of the League informed Parsiana via e-mail. Students from schools like J. B. Vatcha High School, Bai Avabai Petit High School, Villa Theresa, Alexandra Girls’ English Institute, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution, Dadar Parsi Youth Assembly High School, Bombay Scottish, St Xavier’s School participated, along with children from Parsi baugs and the Dadar Athornan Institute. The young ones who had come from the far suburbs like Vasai mixed with children from the city, the e-mail adds.

The competition was judged in three categories — under 10 years, under 13 years and under 16 years. Every child received a participating trophy and certificate which, along with trophies for the winners and cash prizes, were sponsored by the Navaz and Jimi Kathawalla Memorial Trust. Snacks were distributed as it was a long day for the contestants with the program starting at 3 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m.

(Clockwise from top left) Dadi Engineer speaks flanked by Diana Marfatia and Arnavaz Mistry; Darius Randelia with Armaity Tirandaz; judges and audience; Shahrukh Kathawalla being felicitated by Nilufer Mistry

Mithoo Wadia, principal, Sunflower Nursery School along with stage artiste Farengiz Craw-ford judged the under 10 group in which Zoish Zahir Irani, Urzin Vispi Pardiwalla and Atishya Madon stood first, second and third respectively. Consolation prizes were given to Kainaz Faroodi and Yazad Sarkari. Avan Madon stood first in the under 13 group, with Karishma Katpitia in second place and Ferzeen Mody coming third. Anahita Karanjia and Jennifer Unwalla received consolation prizes. This group was judged by Maharukh Karbhari, principal Lady Engineer School and Eric Elavia, headmaster of the same school.

Former Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee and lawyer Dadi Engineer along with headmistress of Dhirubhai Ambani School Diana Marfatia co-judged the under 16 group where Zoe Daruwalla took the first prize, Delna Mody secured the second place, Kety Pilcher came third and consolation prizes went to Rolin Talati and Zenai Bhumgara. Engineer commended the "fairly high standard” of the competitors, many of whom "acquitted themselves creditably.” He was particularly pleased with their confidence and the manner in which they carried themselves, the e-mail notes.

Present on the occasion were sponsor Justice Sharukh Kathawalla along with Mahrukh Noble, BPP trustees Arnavaz Mistry, Armaity Tirandaz and Noshir Dadrawala, Silloo Engineer, Kumi Daroowalla and Ratamai Peer.