“A hornet’s nest”

In "A hornet’s nest” (Parsiana, March 7, 2012) it is shocking that the Ahmedabad Parsi Gymkhana (APG) has been referred to as a "gambling den.”

I would say with resonating conviction that APG has been a life changer for me. I spent much of my childhood at the APG that added value to my personal qualities, apart from the opportunity to participate in sports and extracurricular activities. Due to the facilities there I was able to excel in sports and won various top positions at the state level. My brother, Marzun Jokhi, won the National Billiards Championship in the early 90s.

Ahmedabad Parsi Gymkhana offered many facilities

Since the past couple of decades I have been working in the Gulf and am currently in Dubai as financial controller of a diversified group. I often visit local clubs in Dubai, but have been unable to find a place with the ambience that the APG was able to provide. I can never forget the encouragement and motivation provided by senior members at the APG like Dara Daruwala, Rohinton Master, Rohinton Panthaky, Jehangir Wadia, Jehangir Vakil, Jehangir Cama, Rusi Bastawala, Noshir Mistry, Tehemton Babaycon and many others. Many Parsi youngsters of Ahmedabad will vouch for the goodness of this club.

The APG is an institution that built the dreams and aspirations of youngsters and the mere thought of it being called as a "gambling den” would be an insult to the entire community.

YASHAN JOKHI

Dubai

yashan_j@hotmail.com