BPA’s celebrations

A jashan performed by Ervad Hormuzd Dadachanji followed by a humbandagi conducted by the students of the Dadar Athornan Institute and the Cama Institute marked the opening of the 91st anniversary celebrations and prize distribution function of The Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) at the Allbless Baug in Bombay on January 21, 2012. The 550 members and guests present paid silent homage to the late Thrity Taleyarkhan, founder members and past presidents, architect Vicaji Tarapore­walla, Major Bamji and Jehangir Shroff, reveals a write-up on the function sent to Parsiana by the Association.

Vispi Dastur, BPA president welcomed chief guest Darayas Master, chairman of the Surat Parsi Panchayat, Maharukh Noble, social worker, Din­shaw Mehta, chairman of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet and others. He lauded the role of former office bearers of the BPA and mentioned that "even today Parsis are achievers and not just living on past glory.” Pervin Sidhwa read out highlights of the BPA’s activities. Anahita Ramiyar Karanjia recited a monajat while Minoo Jokhi gave a demonstration of his signature brand of mathemagics.

From l: Dinshaw Mehta, Darayas Master, Vispi Dastur, Maharukh Noble with honorees

Dastur presented the BPA Achievement Awards to Dara Doomasia and Porus Shroff for sports, Godrej Dotivala for public relations, Keki Umrigar for social work. For excelling in academics the awards went to Cyrus Choksey and Shazad Udwadia. Floral tributes were given to Ratamai Peer, Ervads (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia and Khushru Panthaki and others. Bio datas of the awardees were read out by Adale Patel, BPA’s honorary treasurer. Twelve Parsi ladies who have been weaving kustis or serving in agiaries for more than 40 years were felicitated by Dastur. Honorary secretary of the BPA Tehmina Peer read out their names. They also received cash awards sponsored by the Parsee Vegetarian and Temperance Society, notes the write-up.

Master urged Parsis, especially the youth, not to forget their ancient religion and to lead a moral and fruitful life, emphasizing the importance of daily prayers and wearing the sudreh and kusti. The Navaz Jimi Kathawalla Memorial Prizes for various competitions were distributed by Noble, Mehta and Master. These prizes, along with two complimentary dinner coupons per prize winner, were sponsored by the Kathawallas. Aloo Shroff proposed a vote of thanks. Among those who had contributed to the success of the function were Arnavaz Mistry, Dinoo Dastur and Rusi Bhum­gara. The function ended with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti and the national anthem, followed by a community dinner, the write-up concludes.