DPA celebrates Navroz

Expressing concern over the falling number of Parsis Dr Arvind Mayaram, secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs reiterated the government of India’s support to the community by way of initiatives to increase their numbers and highlight its heritage. Mayaram, who was accompanied by his wife, was chief guest at the Navroz celebrations organized by the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) on August 22, 2015 at the Pirojsha Godrej Cultural Centre adjoining the Parsi Dharamshala and the Kaikhshru Pallonji Katrak Dar-e-Mehr, informs an email received from Feroza Jassawala. Mayaram was introduced to members of the community from Delhi and the NCR (National Capital Region) by Dr Niloufer Shroff, DPA trustee.

The function commenced with a humbandagi by Ervad Cawas Bagli, followed by the welcome address by Veera Mavalwala, joint secretary DPA. Yezad Kapadia, DPA president, thanked the government for supporting the Jiyo Parsi scheme and the forthcoming Everlasting Flame exhibition. Dadi Mistry, DPA patron and member of the National Commission for Minorities spoke of the various schemes of the Government such as Seekho and Kamao for skill development; Nai Roshni and Hamari Dharohar, in addition to Jiyo Parsi, the email notes.
Among those who were present were senior jurist Soli Sorabjee, Justice Rohinton Nariman, astrologer Bejan Daruwalla and Congress party leader Manish Tewari. Mayaram and his wife distributed certificates and scholarships to deserving Zoroastrian students which DPA awards every year. Farohar group’s children sang Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti. The group imparts religious instruction. DPA vice president Ava Khullar proposed a vote of thanks following which guests then enjoyed a celebratory buffet dinner prepared by Dhun Bagli who looks after the Dharamshala, the email concludes.