Bilimora honors Kookadaru

The Bilimora Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman Trust Funds (BPZATF) marked the 115th death anniversary of Dastur Jamshed Kookadaru with a function at Tata Baug on September 6, 2015 during which a photograph of the revered priest was unveiled and a book on him released, mentions an email received by Parsiana from journalist Kersee Baria of Bilimora. The unveiling was by chief guest Sam Chothia, managing trustee of the Valsad Parsi Anjuman and vice president of the Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India, West Zone-B, while Marazban Baria, managing trustees of BPZATF, released the book.
Religious scholar and author Rusi Besania and Yasmin Dotivala, co-authors of the book on Kookadaru, now in its third edition, were present. Besania, who has written and published 35 books, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Marazban Baria for his social service, the email notes. Also present were Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Yazdi Desai and his wife Anahita, Aspi Rao, president of the Surat Parsi Pragati Mandal, trustees of various other anjumans in Gujarat and Ervad Cyrus Dastoor of Frohar Foundation along with cinematographer Parvez Irani and Frohar Foundation trustee Aaban Baria. Dilnaz Besania was master of ceremonies.

After the lamp was lit, a humbandagi was conducted by Ervads Percy and Zarvan Panthaky of Bilimora and Kurush Sidhwa of Gandevi. Marazban Baria introduced co-trustees Noshir Badhni, Dhanjisha Avari and Jimy Dandiwala and gave a brief account of the BPZATF’s activities. He appreciated the good work done by the small anjumans in Gujarat and appealed to them to work together in harmony in the larger interest of the community. Chothia commended the good work being done by BPZATF as did Desai, Rao and Jamshed Dotivala, president of the Surat Parsi Panchayat. A message from Dinshaw Tamboly, managing trustee of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds was read out in which he extolled the work of BPZATF and referred to Besania as "our very own Gujarati Shakespeare.” Besania thanked BPZATF for conferring the Lifetime Achievement Award on him, the email mentions.

Trustees of BPZATF felicitated trustees of various other anjumans and presented them with flowers and shawls. Donors Piloo Tavadia and Hoshang Painter were honored as was Yazdi Panthanky, the chartered accountant who provides free service to BPZATF. Villy Badhni who looks after the greenery at the Tower of Silence was also honored. She then proposed a vote of thanks and after singing the Parsi anthem those present adjourned for dinner, the email reveals.