Platinum jubilee in Poona

"Don’t hold my hand. Follow the rules and you will attain paradise,” says Ahura Mazda, according to guest speaker Ervad (Dr) Parvez Bajan in his talk on "The Relevance of the Zoroastrian Religion in Present Times.” He was addressing a gathering of about 200 community members at a function to mark the platinum jubilee of the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal (PZSM) at Pudumjee Hall, Khorshedwadi, Poona on September 25, 2015, as per an email received by Parsiana.

We should know our past to be able to live in the present, Bajan stated, while outlining the community’s Iranian heritage by tracing our history from Zarathushtra’s times to the end of the Sasanian dynasty. The Zoroastrian religion does not enforce rigid rules regarding fasting, eating or celibacy. We are free to enjoy life as long as we follow the tenets of good thoughts, good words and good deeds, Bajan explained. Quoting extensively from Avestan texts, verses from the poet philosopher Kabir and stanzas from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, the scholar priest highlighted the importance of simple, honest living.
Rukhsshana Anklessaria, president of the PZSM welcomed Bajan and his wife Bapsy. In her brief address Anklessaria acknowledged the contribution of the past presidents and committee members of PZSM who dreamed big and toiled hard over the past 75 years to keep the organization going. Mini Grant, vice president, informed those present of a new project in the pipeline — free medical health check-up for senior citizens at Ruby Hall Hospital in Poona. Roshan Chindhy, honorary treasurer introduced the guest speaker, while the evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Mabrin Nanavatti, joint honorary secretary followed by dinner catered by Jehanbux Desai.
Founded on August 25, 1940 by social workers Goola Patell, Meherbai Wadia and Marazban Medora, with the object of bringing the community together and helping its underprivileged members, the PZSM provides deserving students financial aid for education and medical assistance, particularly for the aged and disabled. It encourages entrepreneurship by providing a platform for small business ventures, cultivates interest in the religion by organizing religious lectures and encourages sports among the youth. To generate funds for its various activities, the PZSM runs a shop where Zoroastrians can offer their homemade products for sale.
The PZSM also organizes Sunday classes where school children are taught the basics of religion, heritage and culture, as well as the Gujarati language. An annual sports meet and cultural program for the overall development of the youngsters are also arranged by the PZSM, the email mentions.