Debunking the myth that Parsi youth are not interested in our religion or community affairs, Shernaaz Engineer, editor of Jam-e-Jamshed Weekly, told the 90 strong gathering at the Navroz function of the Borivli and Suburban Zoroastrian Association (BASZA) that it was the responsibility of the older generation to ensure that youth are nurtured into becoming good Parsis. She was chief guest at the BASZA function held at the Rustomjee School in Borivli on March 24, 2012, mentions an e-mail received by Parsiana from Khurshed Pastakia, secretary of the Association.
(Top): Audience at BASZA event; (alongside): committee members with their wives and Shernaaz Engineer, seated 4th from left
People had come from Andheri and Jogeshwari to celebrate with fanfare and gaiety, many of them in traditional attire. As they entered the venue, Banoo Mehta applied the auspicious tilo on their foreheads. BASZA president Minoo Khan welcomed everyone while Jimmy Adajania requested the chief guest to honor Zenia Motiwala, daughter of Yazdi and Khurshid, who successfully contested the election for the presidentship of Bombay University’s Students Council, becoming the first ever woman in the history of the University to hold the post, the e-mail mentions.
Marzban Mehta and Bailey Gundevia regaled the audience with soulful songs, while games were conducted by Pastakia assisted by committee members and their spouses. A large number of small children present enjoyed games like ‘Bombing the City,’ while the more senior persons present preferred less stressful ones like housie. Adding to the excitement were the lucky dips with many prizes to be won.
The evening ended with a sumptuous dinner, bonhomie, jokes and an energetic rendering of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti, making it clear to all that BASZA "had overcome the sluggishness of the past and was truly rejuvenated,” the e-mail concludes.