Zoro Kids Club

"I remember my years as a child when we used to meet a lot of Zoroastrian children of our age and have so much fun and interaction. Our aim is to get more children of our community together for fun and engagement,” said Hyderabad resident Ruksha Hormusjee, about the Zoro Kids Club started in late 2017 by her, Kunashni Daver, Armaity Debara and Nazneen Reporter. The quartet aims to bring together children of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. "The Club was started informally with no funding and remains so, but a nominal fee is charged to cover some of the expenses of each of the outings,” she explains.
A picnic to Pavani Resorts, Moinabad on February 18, 2018 was attended by 30 people, with most of the children under 10 years of age. The activities included a relay race, a treasure hunt and flower pot painting. Swimming in the afternoon was followed by planting of saplings and distribution of prizes. A nominal Rs 50 per head was charged, with expenses on venue, snacks and food sponsored by Omim Debara, Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad trustee.

(Top) Zoro Kids dress up for Halloween; (above) preparations for the party

Above left: fun at the zoo; right: painting at a picnic: Get-together for Hyderabad’s children

A trip to the city zoo on December 10, 2017 was "about friendship, food and loads of fun,” said Armaity. Strict instructions were given not to disturb the animals. "What’s a Bawa affair without its khavanu pivanu?” asks Armaity about the "food, soft drinks and fruits at every turn... I am grateful to those who have encouraged us with their kind words and participation.”
A fancy dress competition and Halloween party on October 29 last year saw 20 "innovatively dressed children,” line up excitedly at the Bai Pirojbai Edulji Chenai Parsi Dharamsala in Secunderabad. About 70 people including the judges, parents, volunteers and audience attended this event. Snacks were provided by Minoo and Khoremand Siganporia of Cake Bank. Abad Wadia set up and decorated the stage and the organisers were given the use of the Dharamsala free of charge.
Future events will be a mix of education, physical activity and religion, according to the organizers.