“Exposes to skills”

A jashan and a navjote ceremony of a disadvantaged child from Surat marked the 97th annual day celebrations of the 16th and 71st East Bombay Scout and Guide Groups on October 8, 2017. The Groups function under the Young Zoroastrian Society that has been active in the scouting movement since 1920. "Thanks to the efforts of Mackie Majra our Group Leader (Guides), the Group has been able to perform this... (navjote) year after year,” informs a note received by Parsiana from flock leader Jasmine Wadia.

Chief guest, educationist Diana Marfatia, asked parents in the audience to continue to send their kids for scouting and guiding as these are activities "that make one brace and build self confidence... after all one must have a balance in life and with academics, parents must encourage children to participate in several extracurricular activities.” Her message for the children and young adults: Every small act is important and should be done well as every small thing done well adds up to big things achieved. She felicitated Group members for their accomplishments in guiding and scouting subjects, as well as excellence in academics.
The late NarYman Dubash gold medal instituted for excellent performance during one’s guiding career was awarded to 12th grade science student and patrol leader Dilkhush Zaroliwala, while Khushnaaz Irani and Kaizaad Faroodi walked away with the Best Guide and Best Scout awards. Mahafreen Mistry and Khushroo Mistry won the Best Bulbul and Best Cub of the year awards.
Retired Godrej employee and scouter Freddy Khapoliwalla informed the gathering of about 300 that "Scouting and guiding exposes children to skill development, (provides) a service orientation... The intellectual and outdoor activities (that the scouting and guiding movements provide) hone their teamwork and leadership qualities.” The event concluded with dinner.