Ringing in the New Year

The year 2011 was ushered in at the F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla in Khareghat Colony with a New Year’s party on January 3, 2011. The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the Parukh Dharamshalla Queen and King, reveals an e-mail sent to Parsiana by Zarin Havewala, a member of the committee that manages this old age home for community members.

The Dharamshalla, a haven for elderly members of the community who have no one to look after them is run by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). Its day to day activities are handled by a resident manager, assistant manager, supervisor, nurses, ayahs and ward boys guided by a team of socially conscious ladies comprising BPP trustees Arnavaz Mistry and Armaity Tirandaz along with Zenobia Adajania, Zarine Chothia, Maharukh Noble, Bakhtavar Tarapore, Pervin Shroff and Havewala.

Parukh Dharamshalla Queen and King (seated) with judges and committee members (from 3rd l) Arnavaz Mistry, Zarin Havevala, Pervin Shroff, Zarine Chothia and Armaity Tirandaz

Ladies from the Inner Wheel Club judged the contest in which participants showcased their talent in the form of song, dance, relating a joke or anecdote. Each participant was asked, "Which was the happiest day of your life, and why?” The majority responded that it was the day they moved to the Dharamshalla, because of the love, care and security provided to them in a place they consider "their own home.” Everyone present enjoyed the entertainment provided by the cheerful senior residents. At the end of the program the judges commented that they were "amazed at the tremendous talent and great spirit of the young-at-heart participants.”

Crowned Queen, 91-year-young Homai Palkhiwala sang a beautiful song, while her counterpart the King, 86-year-old Jal Junglewalla presented some humorous shayaris (verses). The Queen was so thrilled at winning that she continued to wear her crown, sash and floral garland long after the party was over! The residents partook of mouthwatering snacks donated by the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, the e-mail mentions.

At the conclusion of the festivities the committee members expressed gratitude to the donors for their munificence without which such activities would not be possible, the write-up mentions.