KCYA prize distribution

The second annual prize distribution of the Khareghat Colony Youth Association (KCYA) Dharmagyan Class, was held on January 29, 2012. The function began with a hambandagi led by Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza of Udvada, after which the high priest lit a divo in front of the photograph of the late founder president of KCYA, Paeterasp Patel, mentions a write-up received from Ervad Cyrus Dastoor, the current president.

In his welcome address Colony resident and compere Parzaan Dastur extolled Patel for his selfless service to the community and the Colony. The Dharmagyan Class has received an encouraging response, but many more parents must make an effort to send their children to religious classes, he felt. He also spoke of the recently started Behdin Pasban classes, an initiative of The Ex-Students Association of the M. F. Cama Athornan Institute which is supported by the KCYA. Ervad Homi Govadia is chief coordinator for this, along with the Dharmagyan Class. Any behdin can complete this course to enable him to perform the outer rituals, Dastur explained.

The children of the Dharmagyan Class then sang the monajat O Khuda tu ek Chhé, led by Nilufer Kudianawala, along with Marazban Giara and Marazban Wadia. Children from Godrej Baug sang a welcome song followed by monajats and performed a skit on the power of Yatha Ahu Vairyo, written and directed by Jerbanu Nargolwala.

Co-compere Meher Sidhwa introduced the chief guest, former Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Noshir Dadra-wala. Dadrawala gave a power point presentation on "Glimpses of Ancient Zoroastrian History” covering five major dynasties in Iran from the Peshdadian to the Sasanian, the write-up mentions. A film by Karishma Sam Bagli, titled Parsis Down the Ages was also screened.

At the KCYA’s annual prize distribution function

Prizes were given for examinations conducted by Ervad Hormazd Dadachanji for bhantar (prayers), religious quiz, Iranian history and regular attendance. The prize winners were Rushad Amaria, Yazad Elavia, Hoshedar Chichgar, Parinaz Chichgar, Kerman­shah Kolah, Karishma Bharucha, Yazad Sarkari, Freyan Wadia, Zenia Gandhi, Jamshid Kolah, Shazad Patel, Farhan Gandhi, Arzan Wadia and Farah Billimoria. Rotating trophies donated by Tanaz Kerawala and family in memory of late Keki Kerawala were presented to Amaria, Elavia, Kermanshah and Jamshid Kolah. The overall outstanding prize, donated by Shirin Wadia, was awarded to Jamshid Kolah.

Clockwise from top left: Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza lighting a lamp assisted by Ervads Hormazd Dadachanji (ext left) and Homi Govadia; Mirza addressing the audience; children from Godrej Baug and the Dharmagyan Class children enlivening the proceedings

Prizes were also given to the KCYA Internal Table Tennis Tournament winners Jimmy Spencer, Meiron Damania, Shervin Mashreghi, Aaresh Bachana, Naoshad Siodia, Noshad Engineer, Khorram Siodia, Aaresh Chanduwadia and Boman Irani, with juniors Spencer and Mashregi and seniors Naoshad and Khorram Siodia and Chanduwadia taking home the rotating trophies. Khorram Siodia and Rayomand Mogrelia received gifts for conducting the tournament.

The efforts of Ervads Asphandiar and Hormazd Dadachanji who, along with Firoza Mistree conduct the Dharmagyan Classes were acknowledged. Donors and sponsors were thanked, especially Shirin Wadia and Devii Jewellers as were the Parsi Press and the ZoChild Foundation for the loan of the film. Mistree was appreciated for providing snacks for the Dharmagyan Class children as were Tanaz Kerawala and Cyrus Irani who gave free snacks to the performers. Dastoor and executive committee members with volunteers Homi Jamooji and Yasmin Choksey were appreciated for their work and free copies of the mini English version of the Khordeh Avesta were distributed to those who had not collected them earlier, the write-up concludes.