Hamazor for seniors

A felt need to address the needs of senior citizens of the community has culminated in the formation of Hamazor, an initiative of Ahmedabad’s Ushta-te Foundation. At the inaugural function, held at the Navroji Vakil Sanatorium Hall on January 10, 2013, Major Gen (Retd) Navzer Chinoy, convener of the project outlined the aims, objectives and functioning of Hamazor, Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayet (APP) trustee as well as trustee of the Foundation, Shirin Kanga informed Parsiana via email. Chinoy pointed out that of the total Zarathushti population of 1,737 in Ahmedabad, 30 percent were above 60 years old, with three of them being over 90 years. Brig (Retd) Jehangir Anklesaria, president of the APP, expressed his appreciation of this new effort of the Ushta-te Foundation and promised help and support from himself and co-trustees on the board.
Meher Medora, managing trustee of the Foundation, traced the path that the trust has taken over the past 13 years. Starting with its flagship project, Zarathushti Awareness Group of Ahmedabad (ZAGA) for the benefit of children aged from four to 14, to the religious lectures series, Gatha classes, disbursement of interest free loans for higher education and small enterprises, recognizing achievements and talents and giving medical aid (only within Ahmedabad), to the newest venture — bringing joy to and bonding among the senior citizens. Gradually, the Foundation aims to provide necessary help in arranging home visits and take steps to ease their difficulties and problems, Kanga mentions.
Sam Dastur, patron member of the Foundation, cut the celebratory cake. Noshirwan Daboo, also a patron member who was unable to attend, sent a message which was read out by Kanga. Daboo wrote that the task was long overdue, blessed the organization and encouraged their efforts. In her vote of thanks in her inimitable Gujarati, APP trustee Dr Armaity Daver impressed upon all present how unity and the feeling of togetherness can be a panacea for all problems. There are pills to control high blood pressure, but there are none to cure loneliness, hence Hamazor was the answer, she said. The registration of 95 persons so far has been an encouraging response to the initiative.
The evening ended with community singing (lyrics of the songs were distributed to all) after which refreshments were served, the email concludes