Fun with FOZYA

Over 80 Zoroastrian delegates from across India, aged between 18 and 35 years assembled from October 27 to 30, 2022 at the Dr K. N. Bahadurji Parsi Sanatorium in Deolali for the 29th All India Youth Meet organized by The Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA). The aim of this meet is to bring Zoroastrian youth across India together to integrate, network and build strong connections. Held after a two-year hiatus on account of Covid, the event was spearheaded by Poona based FOYZA president Mabrin Nanavatti and his team and coordinated by Pearl Tirandaz from Bombay, Ariz Bokdawalla from Gujarat and Farah Khambatta from Poona.
The delegates received a welcome hamper containing a FOZYA flask, a mug donated by the Sanatorium administration in-charge, Kerfegar Anklesaria, a book on Zoroastrianism, The Inner Fire by former Supreme Court Justice Rohinton Nariman donated by the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal, packets of walnut brownies donated by Farokh Irani of Imperial Bakery, Poona, along with FOZYA identity cards that had individuals divided into teams.

Following tea and an assortment of biscuits and cakes sponsored by Pourusashp Kayani of Poona’s Kayani Bakery, the delegates proceeded for a jashan at the Deolali Agiary following which they partook of chasni and malido sponsored by The Food Gallery of Poona. At sunset, all the delegates introduced themselves and engaged in games.
The second day began with a tour to Nasik’s famous Sula Vineyards where the delegates savored five different flavors and qualities of the winery’s products. The evenings had the participants prepping for short skits on Zoroastrian values; these were then presented at the Naterwalla Hall. The show of talent was followed by a round of housie, music and dance and dinner.
The next day Ervad (Dr) Parvez Bajan spoke on the origin of Zoroastrianism, the Persian dynasties and the ethics of a Zoroastrian life. The talk was followed by a question-answer session, lunch and games that put creativity and teamwork to the test.
The closing ceremony included a "fashion show” hosted by co-organizer Behnaz Nanavatti where each and every participant had to walk down the ramp. Farhaan Lala from Bangalore and Afrin Mistry from Bombay were declared "Mr and Miss FOZYA-2022” respectively. Mistry recalled, "Initially I was a little nervous about walking the ramp, but later I decided to step up and grab the opportunity. The support I received from everyone was really overwhelming.” Lala noted as a Zoroastrian who lives in a small community in Bangalore outside the ambit of the community’s Parsipanu, "It was touching to see young and proud Zoroastrians come together, connect and have a lot of Bawa fun.”
Mabrin expressed gratitude to World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust Fund chairman Dinshaw Tamboly, trustees of the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat, Jam-e-Jamshed editor Shernaaz Engineer and trustees of the Dr K. N. Bahadurji and Netarwalla Sanatoriums.
Delaveen Tarapore