DPC celebrates spring

For the 36th Festival of Spring Jamshedi Navroz gahanbar of the Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust (MEJMT), Dadar Parsee Colony (DPC) on March 21, 2016, the excitement had begun a month earlier with interesting competitions conducted over the weekends — Filmi Chakkar, Creative Child Genius, Mommie’s Darlings and Dignified Duo, a treasure hunt called Mammaiji Ghumai Gaya and One Man Show. The gara raffle offered a splendid sari presented by Ferzeen Boomla in memory of her mother Naju Davar. Proceeds from the raffle are used by Bachi and Dinshaw Tamboly of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Funds to build houses for Parsi farmers in the interior of Gujarat. Prizes were given by the House of Godrej and others, an email from MEJMT trustee Mahiyar Dastoor mentions. Among the sponsors were Hilla Builders, Sterling and Wilson Group, Tatas, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India and many others, including associate sponsors.
Chief guest Zarin Daruwala, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank, was welcomed by Mithoo Jesia, trustee and honorary secretary of MEJMT. Chairman Dinyar Panthaki addressed the 3,500 strong gathering while trustee Zareen Engineer introduced the chief guest. Daruwala was presented with an outstanding contribution award, mentions the email from Dastoor who was also master of ceremonies.

Special awards were presented to anesthesiologist Dr Meher Elavia, social psychologist Dr Nayreen Daruwalla and author Kersi Khambatta. The Jal Mistry Memorial Award for the Outstanding Colonyite went to Fazalla Billimoria, company secretary with the Taj Group of Hotels. It was presented by former Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Arnavaz Mistry, wife of the late Jal Mistry. The Rohinton Chinoy Awards, instituted by the Union Press for excellence in academics and sports were given to outstanding residents of the Colony. The Rustom Framna Agiary Awards 2016 for excellence in bhantar (prayers) went to Ervad Khushravi Palia and overall excellence (studies and bhantar) to Ervad Jamshed Behramkamdin, both ex-students of the Dadar Athornan Institute. The prizes were presented by Nasha Jassawala, managing trustee of the Agiary. The Kavina K. Karkaria Award 2016 for the most promising colony youngster was bagged by Vaishta Cooper.
Sarosh Nanavaty sang two numbers while Bollywood dances were performed by talented DPC youngsters. The choreographers were Kainaz Master Unwala, along with Rhea Vesuwala, Liana Mistry, Rian Mistry and Sunil Rao with director Arnaaz Irani, while show and costume coordinators were Jahan Nargolwala, Parizad Bhagat, Mahatab Chapkhanawala, Zenobia Unwala, Kamal Tantra, Jasmine Davar, Parveen Mistry, Colleen Chinoy, Nauheed Irani and Kerbi Patel. Sarosh Daruwalla’s Mazda Audio/Video Lab provided the lights and sound while DJ Aarish Daruwalla regaled the audience. Décor was by Roxana and Micky Buhariwala of F. H. Pavri and Sons and security support by the Della Tecnica Group.
The MEJMT acknowledged the contributions of Hosi Sinor, Homi Daruwala and Yasmin Mistry. The DPC Gymkhana, J. B. Vachha High School for Parsi Girls and The Dadar Parsee Youths Assembly High School were thanked for supporting the Trust and providing their premises free of cost, notes the email.
The mammoth event was conceptualized by MEJMT trustees Panthaki, Engineer, Mithoo and Jimi Jesia, Tina Patel, Darius Zaiwala, Dastoor, Homai Daruwalla and Behram Rabadi. Back office support came from Shazneen Mehta, Puraan Bunshah, Rashna and Khushru Amroliwala, Sona Daruwala, Monaz Limboowala, Nozer Tantra, Zarine Rabaadi, Rashna Bharucha, Diana and Firdosh Tolat, Ervad Kaizad Karkaria, Katy Bhakka, Tanaz Guzder and technical support from Navroz "Sigi” Siganporia, with committed volunteers. The repast was catered by Tanaz Godiwala.