Bandra’s Big 3

In 1964 founder members Jerbanu and Ratanshah Vania formed an ad hoc committee to mobilize residents of their housing colony into doing something worthwhile resulting in the birth of the Bandra Tata Blocks Welfare Association (BTBWA) in the following year.

To celebrate its 45th anniversary BTBWA’s managing committee decided to tap the talent of residents and their children under the leadership of Association vice president Marzban Ardeshir. On February 19, 2011 members with their families and friends turned up at IES Manek Sabhagrah in Bandra for an entertainment filled evening titled "BTBWA BIG 3” notes an e-mail from Adi Limki, president of the Association. Internationally renowned eye surgeon, surgical chief and medical director of The Mehta International Eye Institute in Colaba, Dr Keiki R. Mehta and his wife Dr Zenobia were chief guests, with social worker Mahrukh Noble guest of honor. Three young, talented comperes introduced the distinguished guests.

The evening began with a humbandagi by children directed by Kashmira Kapadia and Roda Amalsadiwala. The musical score was provided by Marzban Meh­ta and his team. This was followed by the Parsi family comedy Jyotish Taru Satya­nash and The Bishop’s Candlesticks, enacted by colony residents. The highlight of the evening was Sugar in the Milk, a play performed by 32 children in the age group four to 14 years who had practiced daily for three months despite their studies, extra curricular activities and other commitments.

(Above from l): Adi Limki, Mahrukh Noble, Dr Zenobia Mehta, Dr Keiki Mehta; (far right): Scene from The Bishop’s Candlesticks

Mehta said that he was very pleased to be there and happy with the performance of the children who should grow up to be good individuals. He wished them a bright and prosperous future. He congratulated BTBWA for the various activities undertaken and hoped that it would continue to perform better in the coming years. Scholarships, academic and sports prizes were handed over to the youngsters by Zenobia Mehta and Noble. The evening ended with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti.

Each June the general body elects working committee members who are involved in organizing various welfare, sports and entertainment activities for the residents of the colony, including blood donation drives, free eye check up and dental camps. Monthly aid is extended to needy families and medical as well as education assistance given to colony residents and other deserving individuals. To generate the means for all these activities the BTBWA organizes an annual fund raising function.

The BTBWA’s managing committee for 2010-2011 comprises Limki, president; Ardeshir, vice president; Aban N. Kapadia, general secretary; Scheheriar Vasunia, treasurer; Firdaus Motafram, joint secretary/treasurer; Neville D. Kapadia, chairman — entertainment sub committee; Kashmira Kapadia, chairperson — welfare sub committee; Farzad Patel, chairman — sports sub committee; Dolly Choksy, Dolly Italia and Rohintan Elavia, ordinary members.