KCYA’s prize distribution

"If you do the kusti properly, good health, long life, harmony and prosperity will follow you,” exhorted Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute, in his keynote address at the annual prize distribution function of the Khareghat Colony Youth Association (KCYA) Dharmagnan Classes at Khareghat Memorial Hall on December 12, 2010. He was speaking on "The power of the conscious kusti,” reveals a write-up sent to Parsiana by KCYA president Ervad Cyrus Dastoor.

Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji, head priest of the Vatcha Gandhi Agiary who, along with his sons Hormaz and Marespand, conducts these Dharmagnan Classes twice a month, presided over the evening’s function. Comperes Cyrus Pooniwala, Nilufer Kudianiwala and Meher Sidhwa welcomed the audience with a prayer that the community remains united forever. To this end Marzban Mehta sang the song Réhjo Hali Maliné.

KCYA executive committee member Cyrus Patel said that KCYA founder president Paeterasp Patel formed the Association to induct the youth into our religion from an early age so that they would be less likely to stray from our rites, rituals and culture. He thanked Dadachanji on behalf of KCYA for his unstinted cooperation in running the Dharmagnan Classes. The priest said the youngsters are "very good children.” It is the duty of parents to ensure that their children attend regularly so that they learn the prayers and their meanings.

(Top): Children singing religious songs; (second row, from l): prize winners with Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, Khojeste Mistree, Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji and Feroza Panthakey Mistree. (below): fashion show participants

Religious and other songs sung by colony children were choreographed by Kudia­niwala and Khorshed Jamooji. A Gujarati play, Nirang and Dadam ni Patri — Why? written and directed by Jerbanoo Nargol­walla was performed. A fashion show choreographed by Sidhwa depicting a navjote girl, a navar, bride and groom, mother and father-in-law and a lady carrying the auspicious sés was modeled by the youngsters. The Atash no Garbo was performed before an afarganyu with fire and the film Persopolis Recreated was screened.

Prizes were given away by Karanjia, Dadachanji and Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Khojeste Mistree and his wife Feroza. For bhantar, the first prize was shared by Yazad Elavia and Rushad Amaria, winners of the Keki Kerawala Memorial Trophy for Navjote Students; Kermansha Kohla stood first in the Quiz contest.

Jamshid Kohla won the Keki Kerawala Memorial Trophy for the pre-navjote bhantar, as well as the first prize for the Quiz. A special prize for the most enthusiastic student went to Kashmira Damania. The prize for most regular attendance was taken home by Kerman­sha and Jamshid Kohla.

The evening’s success was attributed in large part to program assistants Katy Anklesaria, Roshan Umrigar, Homi Jamooji, Behman Katrak and Jeroo Rabadi, and the religious vision of the KCYA president. The function ended with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarathoshti.