ZWAS active in Surat

The Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS) organized a number of competitions and felicitations of achievers during the muktad days on August 8 and 9, 2015, mentions Maharukh Chichgar, ZWAS trustee, in an email sent to Parsiana.
The proceedings began with a benediction by Ervad Yazdi Turel. ZWAS president Mahtab Bhatporia welcomed those present. Over 80 children participated in the card making, umbrella decoration and prayer competitions held on the first day. There was also a cooking competition, followed by a magic show. Vice president Delnaz Katpitia wound up the evening with a vote of thanks.
Daisy Elavia and Vishwaben Patel, introduced by Zena Chipia, judged the first two contests. The prayer competition was judged by Rati Nalladuru and Turel who were introduced by Afreen Patrawala while Daizy Patel and Naznin Dungore compered the program. Every participant received a gift, with prizes and gifts sponsored by Maharukh Noble in memory of Nelie and Kobad Noble.

(Above) ZWAS trustees and officebearers with tiny tots in traditional attire; prize winners in Surat

The aromas of Parsi cooking greeted judges of the cookery contest Vikas Khanna and Priyaz Ghosh, chefs who run Big Belly Bistro in Surat. They were introduced by ZWAS secretary Mahtab Variava.
On the second day guest of honor chartered accountant Nozer Shroff told the youth that one should work hard in whatever field one chooses and success is bound to follow. He was introduced by Katpitia. Jamshed Dotivala, president of the Surat Parsi Panchayat (SPP) appreciated the efforts of ZWAS in providing a platform for people of all ages to perform. Four young girls, Frenaz Chipia, Zena Chipia, Taronish Italia and Urvish Italia, who played table tennis at national level, were felicitated, mentions the email.
Children up to five years participated in a traditional dress competition judged by educationist Sheraz Hilluwala and fashion designer Naznin Dumasia who were introduced by Farzana Kharadi. Encouragement prizes were given to Jehnaz Bacha and Vihaan Vandriwala.
For antakshri, four teams named Ravo, Malido, Bhakhro and Sev had three members each with lively music provided by Hemin Engineer. There was a fun round of antakshri in which dignitaries present including Dotiwala, Yazdi Karanjia, Hilluwala, Dumasia, Shroff and others participated.
ZWAS organized and managed the events under the guidance of trustees Chichgar, Piloo Bhathena, Bhatporia, Katpitia, Mahatab Variava, Besania and program committee chairperson Binaiffer Engineer. A contributory dinner catered by Nozer and Freny Daruwala of A-1 Food followed.