ZAAN awards night

"Join us to recognize and honor our community’s distinguished achievers and raise a toast to them,” stated the invitation sent by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of India (ZTFI) for the Zoroastrian Achievers Awards Night (ZAAN) 2016. The inaugural event was held at the Garware Club House, off Bombay’s Marine Drive on January 20, 2016 where Ness Wadia was chief guest. Wadia later commented: "People say Parsis have stopped performing. I don’t believe that. Look at the awardees tonight!”
The 15 Zoroastrians honored for their outstanding achievements were Yazdi Karanjia (performing arts), Jehan Daruwalla (sports), Dr Aashish Contractor (medicine), Zirak Marker (education), Farokh Khambatta (hospitality), Zubin Zarthostimanesh (wellness and health), Mithoo Jesia (social work), Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia (culture), Sam Balsara (media), Shernaz Mehta (woman professional of the year), Homi Katgara (corporate social responsibility), Meherzad Patel (young Zoroastrian professional of the year), Air Chief Marshal Fali Major (defence) and Dastur Khurshed Dastoor (news maker of the year). Minoo Shroff received a lifetime achievement award.

(Top row, l-r): Xerxes Master, Zeree Jehangirji, Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh, Yasmin Mistry, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, Homi Katgara, Minoo Shroff and Mithoo Jesia; (2^nd row, l-r): Dastoor, Air Marshal Fali Major, Dr Aashish Contractor, Dr Zirak Marker, Meherzad Patel, Sam Balsara, Yazdi Karanjia and Yezdi Bhagwagar; (last row): audience; Ness Wadia

Photos: Rehan Daruwalla, Mazda Audio Video Labs

In his welcome address ZTFI Core Committee member Xerxes Master stated, "For far too long we have chosen to dwell on what ails our community, but there are so many more good things happening as well! Today’s achievers therefore need to be celebrated… We plan to make ZAAN the Oscars of the community.” Master mentioned that the jury who chose the final winners comprised Dinshaw Tamboly, Hoshi Sinor and Capt Percy Master. Yasmin Mistry, ZTFI trustee commended the jury for their transparent and painstaking efforts. She said, "So many nominations. The jury had a hard time selecting. Many older Parsis say outstanding Parsis ‘hamara jamana ma hatha (were there in our generation).’ Even now we have them.” Tamboly reiterated this sentiment saying that the jury had a tough time selecting the winners and even referred them to a "small group of colleagues to help when judging became difficult.”
Mahiyar Dastoor compered the proceedings. Entertainment was provided by Sarosh Nanavati, Hormuz Ragina and amateur tango dancers. Ragina quipped, "I may not be entertaining here next year as I may be getting an award!” Aarish Daruwalla handled stage lighting and effects.