ZWAS initiatives

The community was treated to four action packed events in the first half of August 2010 courtesy the Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS). On August 8 ZWAS held card making and prayer competitions in which about 85 children participated. There was a cooking competition for the ladies as well, notes a write-up sent to Parsiana by Maharukh Z. Chichgar, founder trustee of ZWAS. At the function on August 14, the fourth edition of the Directory of the Zoroastrian Residents of Surat 2010 was released, she states.

The first function was presided over by writer and social worker Rusi Besania. Dilnaz Besania, a strong pillar of ZWAS warmly welcomed all present, Delnaz Katpitia said a few words about the chief guest and Sheryl Dastur introduced the judges for all three competitions.

Daisy Patel and Kishore Parmar had a tough time deciding the winners in the card making contest as the children displayed unique ideas and great talent. The participants were graded by age into three groups. Winners in Group A (5-7 years) were, in order of merit, Meher Patrawala, Nasha Dumasia and Darayus Ghyara. Sanaya Katpitia received a consolation prize. Standing first, second and third respectively in Group B (8-12 years) were Yohan Patrawala, Nisahmin Mistry and Pizan Bhatporia, with a consolation prize for Diana Kasad. In Group C (12-17 years) Kaivan Todiwala came first, Farzin Patel stood second, Ricka Jivasa was third while consolation prizes went to Bala Gole and Nelviz Jivasa.

A pak (holy) atmosphere built up during the prayer competition. Judges for the contest were Ervads Porus Zaroliwala and Zubin Rabadi, the write-up notes. The children also sang devotional monajats. Winners in Group A (up to 5 years) were Benaisha Bhada, who stood first, Diaan Sahakari came second, Kayan Katpitia and Aanoash Chichgar tied for third place while Parizaad Karanjia took the consolation prize. In order of merit in Group B (6-8 years) were Meher Patrawala, Angel Gandhi and Darayus Ghyara, with Kainaz Chothia receiving a consolation prize. In Group C (9-13 years), Diana Gole ranked first, Yohan Patrawala second, Freny Jivasa third and Kersi Dutia got the consolation prize.

The aroma of Parsi specialities and tasty starters pervaded the air after the ladies tied their apron strings and got to work during the cooking competition. Judges Sheroo Chichgar and Yasmin Besania had a delightful time sampling their culinary creations. Sanober Pajnigara won the first prize for Parsi specialities, with Nazneen Patel standing second and Firozi Karanjia third. The consolation prize went to Zarine Kasad. For conjuring up the best starters, the first, second and third prizes went to Kashmira Palia, Parvin Todiwala and Pajnigara respectively.

Top row (from l): Release of the Surat Parsi directory; Jamshed Dotivala; Rusi Besania. Alongside: Winners of prayer competition with guests, judges and ZWAS members

Prizes for all three contests were given away by Rusi Besania, his wife Yasmin, actor and Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) trustee Yazdi Karanjia and the judges. The chief guest captivated the children by recounting anecdotes about the religion and was grateful for ZWAS efforts to inculcate the importance of prayers through such competitions.

A week later, the Directory of the Zoroastrian Residents of Surat 2010, brought out by ZWAS, was released by SPP trustee Jamshed Dotivala who was the chief guest. Poet Esha Dadawala was a special guest. Rusi Besania led a humbandagi after which Dilnaz Besania welcomed the dignitaries present. Perin Karanjia introduced the chief guest while the special guest was introduced by Mahatab Variava. Since ZWAS president Shehnaz Kapadia has moved to Muscat, founder trustee Piloo Bhathena was unanimously selected to occupy the post, as per the write-up.

Maharukh Chichgar enlightened the gathering about the demanding yet enjoyable task of putting the fourth edition of the Directory together. Not only does it provide details like names, age, address, mobile and landline telephone numbers of Parsi families of Surat, it also includes a list of voluntary blood donors. The cover page was designed by Farida Ankleswaria.

An effort has been made in the Directory to provide comparative statistics of the Parsi population of Surat in 1994 (2,823), 1999 (3,383), 2004 (3,616) and 2010 (3,693). Since the figures show an increase in numbers whereas there has been a general decline in the population in the rest of the country, Parsiana sought a telephonic clarification from Chichgar. She explained that a major reason is that the municipal corporation of Surat has been extending the boundaries of the city and many community members living in the nearby villages now come within its ambit. Also, she believes many couples are marrying at a younger age and ZWAS has noticed an increase in the number of tiny tots who take part in the contests it organizes. Persons under the age of nine numbered 253 in 1994, 318 in 1999, dipped to 243 in 2004 and went up to 322 this year, as per the statistics provided in the Directory. When asked whether there has been any significant migration to Surat, Chichgar said this may certainly be possible since the SPP has provided more and better housing stock for Zoroastrians in recent times. This was confirmed by SPP president Darayas Master whose response to Parsiana’s queries reads: "It is heartening that the strength of the community in Surat has increased during the past 15 years... Our endeavor in providing housing to the newly married... seems to have borne positive results. But I think that the issue needs further analysis of the present and past data.”

Since ZWAS has completed 18 years of service to the community, two 18-year-old achievers were selected to present the Directory to the chief guest who then released it. The young sportsmen, Kaiwan Karanjia and Arzan Varachhawala, have earned laurels and won many medals at the state and national level. Dotivala spoke of loyalty and dedication to duty in his anecdote interspersed speech. This was followed by an entertainment program with songs, dances, jokes and skits by ZWAS members and friends like Shahzaad Karanjia, Mahazarin Chichgar and Daanesh Bhathena. Hemin Engineer and his orchestra provided the music. Firozi Karanjia proposed a vote of thanks. Benaiffer Engineer was the moving spirit behind the entire event.

The fourth edition of the Directory is available at: Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat, C/o Vira Yazdi Karanjia, Rati Villa, Bhavnagri Street, Surat 395003.