Inspiring Iran League

A jashan ceremony was performed and a humbandagi conducted by students of the two Athornan Institutes as part of the 91st anniversary celebrations of the Iran League (IL) at Cama Baug on March 2, 2013. Attended by about 425 persons, all stood in solemn silence for two minutes to pay homage to the association’s founding fathers, past presidents, office bearers, Nelly and Kobad Noble and others, mentions a write-up on the event sent to Parsiana by the IL.

(From l): Vispi Dastur, Pouruchisti Dubash and Sq Ldr Parvez Jamasji receiving Hataria Trophy

President Vispi Dastur welcomed chief guest Kyoshi Vispy Kapadia, guest of honor Girton High School principal Pourichisti Dubash, Maneckji Limji Hataria Trophy awardee Sqn Ldr (Retd) Parvez Jamasji and IL trustees Saroosh Dinshaw, Sam Choksey, Dr Sorab Javeri amongst others. He scoffed at the doomsayers, saying he was confident that the younger generation, which the IL is inspiring, will definitely prove its mettle in the years to come.
The chief guest released the IL newsletter edited by Dastur and a CD, Khushali ne Bandage na Geeto, based on poems by Kavi Firoze Batliwalla prepared by Marzban Giara. A monajat by Kavi Firoze was sung by Sanobar Reporter. Jamasji urged the youth to serve the country with valor. Dubash emphasized the importance of various interschool and other competitions organized by the IL which provide an excellent platform for Zoroastrian children to showcase their talents. Kapadia asked the youth to seriously take up the martial arts and join the defence forces, the police and not to forget the tenets of our ancient religion, the write-up notes.
Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, Ratamai Peer, Rustom Cooper, Godrej Dotivala, Cmde (Retd) Aspi Marker and Ervad Noshir Kanga were among those who were honored with flowers. Anahita Karanjia and Shahzad Faroodi rendered a melodious recitation of the Shahnameh in Persian and Gujarati, mentions the write-up.
Awards for competitions in art, music, rangoli and other extracurricular activities — 27 trophies and 208 prizes — were announced by chief judge Silloo Shapoorjee. Choksey proposed a vote of thanks. The contribution of Perin Bhathena, Dara Challa and others to the success of the function was acknowledged. The evening ended with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti and the national anthem, followed by dinner catered by Jimmy Gadiwalla.