Mandal honors Parsi poets

Parsi kavyo no kalrav, a special edition of the Surat Parsi Pragati Mandal’s 65th annual report containing Parsi poems, songs, garbas, monajats, ghazals, shayaris, etc was released by philanthropist and ardent Zoroastrian Noshir Dabhoiwala. The result of teamwork by committee members, the work was released at a function in the presence of Jamshed Dotivala, Yazdi Karanjia, Dr Upendra Kalaigar and Arvind Mehta, who was chief guest at the Sheth Kadmi Atashbehram on July 3, 2011, notes a write-up sent to Parsiana by Keshmira Kharadi and Dilnaz Besania.

The evening’s program began with a monajat from the special issue sung by Besania, followed by a welcome speech by president Mani Jehangir. Since the last three years the Mandal has been adding value to its annual report by including articles showcasing the rich heritage of the community gleaned from the members’ personal libraries, Yasmin Dotivala informed those present. In addition to the medical and educational aid extended by the Mandal, it also endeavors to safeguard our heritage for the generations to come, Dotivala added. Working with Rusi Besania since the past 45 years to conduct the Mandal’s activities has been a great experience, she shared. His writing and oratory skills are noteworthy and knowledge of our history is evident in the special report.

(From l): Yasmin Dotivala, Dr Upendra Kalaigar, Noshir Dabhoiwala, Rusi Besania, Mani Jehangir, Yasmin Besania and Arvind Mehta at book release

After Rusi Besania had enumerated the Mandal’s activities, Dabhoiwala released the volume amid cheers. Chief guest Mehta spoke eloquently about Parsi kavyo no kalrav while Kalaigar recited from his own work, Yazdi Karanjia na panchoter vadhamna, which is included in the report. Maharukh Chichgar, Roshni Dastur, Gulbanu Turel and Aspi Rao recited poems from the edition, the write-up reveals.

Children who sang monajats at the Surat Parsi Pragati Mandal function

Ervad Faredun Turel’s long service as priest in the Surat’s Shri Shahenshahi Atashbehram was appreciated by Hormazdyar Patel on behalf of the Mandal. He has performed over 100 mahabokhtar nirangdin ceremonies, the report mentions. After Daizy Patel’s vote of thanks, the gathering partook of dinner.