Recognition in Ahmedabad

"Our young generation is full of energy, new ideas, continuous networking and the indomitable Parsi spirit,” according to businessman Firdosh Sholapurwala. He was the chief guest at the seventh bi-annual event organized by the Roda and Savaksha Mohudawala Charitable Trust (RSMCT) at Nowrojee Hall, Ahmedabad on January 21, 2018. Appealing to parents to provide complete financial and mental support to children, the Bangalore based businessman who has roots in the Gujarat capital said "the young generation has big thoughts and should not be disheartened.” A note on the event was received by Parsiana from RSMCT’s senior trustee Aspy Bharucha.

Karanjawala, Dr Hafez Dalal

The event opened with a welcome address by RSMCT trustee Porus Karanjawala who also compered the event. Bharucha highlighted the simplicity of the settlors of the Trust "who... (were) always dreaming ahead for the wellbeing of the Parsi Zoroastrians.” Twenty-four city achievers were recognized by Sholapurwala at the event. Those felicitated included chartered accountant Dr Hafez Dalal, who "drafted the wishes of the late Savaksha to create the Trust.” In a first, the January event felicitated seven pallbearers of the city for their contributions. The Trust has so far, felicitated 105 achievers in different fields — community welfare, religious activities, entrepreneurship, educational achievements and extracurricular activities.
The event was attended by 585 community members, notes Bharucha. RSMCT trustee Delzad Khambata thanked those who attended, and the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat (APP) for making the venue available. The function ended with a dinner catered by Mek Caterers.
Besides the amounts left to RSMCT in their lifetime, the Mohudawalas had donated "a good amount to the APP for various welfare activities” by creating funds for gahanbars, the construction of residential flats at the Khamasa agiary compound and at the Jashodanagar properties of the APP, and for education and vocational assistance to the needy. In response to Parsiana’s follow-up queries, Bharucha explained that Savaksha had served the Bank of India for more than 41 years. "The humble and simple couple” was fondly called Kaka and Kaki by community members, he noted. "Both had a vision that Parsi humdins should enjoy life and wanted to recognize those who were doing something great in their respective fields.”
Bharucha mentioned that RSMCT was one of 26 Parsi trusts registered in Ahmedabad alone, while 538 such bodies are registered with the office of the Charity Commissioner of Gujarat state.