Bombay to Bordi

Navroze Siganporia, popularly known as "Sigi Sir,” was in charge of the 10th Whiz Kids Summer Camp 2012 organized by the Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust (MEJMT) — possibly the third generation of campers he was leading. Participating were 70 children aged between eight and 14 years who were formed into teams with 13 senior children acting as wardens and eight adults opting as volunteers. The camp was held at the J. B. Vatcha High School for Parsi Girls in Dadar from April 14 to 16, 2012 after which the venue shifted to Bordi’s Petit Sanatorium until April 21, 2012. These camps are meant to inculcate in participants the ability to work for themselves and for others, learn the fundamental teachings of our religion, form character and foster patriotism, mentions a write-up sent to Parsiana by Mahiyar Dastoor, MEJMT trustee.

Cooking outdoors (far l) and games at Bordi summer camp

The camp commenced with a prayer by Ervad Kaizad Karkaria of Dadar’s Rustom Framna Agiary, followed by a talk by Noshir Dadrawala, former trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet who is knowledgeable about religious matters. The Bombay leg of the camp involved prayers, games, log book and chart making, quizzes and a treasure hunt across Dadar with its landmarks, stores, schools, institutions to be discovered through codes and clues, photographs of the places visited and cataloged, Dastoor mentions.

Two buses transported the eager youngsters to Bordi on the morning of April 17, 2012, accompanied by vigilant wardens and volunteers. Ten teams of youngsters competed against each other at games on the beach. There were daily swimming sessions and campfires at night. Catering was provided, as in earlier years, by Jimmy Dandiwalla of Billimora, ably assisted by his son Khushroo who served the children sumptuous Parsi meals along with ice cream.

A special award was announced for camper Shazaad Faroodi, who showed great presence of mind in the face of adversity. Other awards presented on their return to Bombay went to senior girls Zara Daruwalla and Anahita Karanjia; senior boys Carl Dudhmal and Sohrab Bhiwandiwalla; junior girls Taira Engineer and Kaizeene Modi; junior boys Jeh Sethna and Ronnie Choudhary. The best overall team was Team 5 captained by Meherzad Patel.

The MEJMT thanked Sir Dinshaw Petit for permitting use of the Petit Sanatorium in Bordi since the last five years, the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds and Jasmine and Zarir Bhathena of Hilla Builders for their support, the write-up mentioned.