From Shiraz to Shiraz

After serving as president of the Nagpur Parsi Gymkhana (NPG) for 24 years, Shiraz Gimi handed over the reins to Shiraz Doongaji, according to a write-up by Khurshid Dalal, editor of bawabuzz, the NPG newsletter. As expressed Gimi at the triennial elections on November 28, 2017 at the Dadi Balsara Hall, Parsi Dharamshala in Nagpur, he has always believed in embracing change and it would be good for the Gymkhana to be led by a younger person. The long-standing president who is also the secretary of the Nagpur Parsi Punchayet has been given credit for initiating night cricket between local clubs, blood donation drives and the Banoo Bapuna Bridge Tournament.

From l: Shiraz Doongaji, Nilufer Rana and Faroukh Poacha of Nagpur

"I still remember my joining the Parsi Cricket Gymkhana, as it was known in 1958 (and playing) my first cricket match in the Guzder League around November/December the same year,” he conveyed to Dalal.
In his acceptance speech Doongaji who has been an active member of the Gymkhana and the Punchayet appreciated the efforts put in by the office bearers of the preceding team and suggested that Gimi be made president emeritus. He also announced his plans to bring the community together more often by expanding the scope of the Gymkhana and by organizing an event or a fellowship program every month.
Those who had served with Gimi on the previous committee were treasurer Rohinton Mistry and members Danush Doongaji and Zervin Rana who made way for Khushru Randeria as the new treasurer and Nilufer Rana and Faroukh Poacha as the new committee members.
Any Parsi Zoroastrian and his/her spouse (from within or outside the community) and children can be a member of the NPG, clarifies Dalal. The Gymkhana organizes mainly sports and other activities for the Parsi community in Nagpur that numbers nearly 450. The religious, social, cultural and welfare events organized by the Gymkhana include Navroz and Khordad Saal dinners, agiary salgirah and Avan parav celebrations, picnics, blood donation and disaster relief drives.