The presence of minority affairs minister Smriti Irani and the recognition of Delhi members at the recent World Zoroastrian Congress in New York made this year’s Delhi Parsi Anjuman’s (DPA) Navroz celebrations on August 16, 2022 "somewhat special,” noted DPA president Ava Khullar.
Top: Smriti Irani (l) with Ava Khullar; above: Veera Mavalwala
Dressed in an elegant silver and soft mauve Banarasi cotton sari, Irani "was her usual smiling and informal self in our midst,” noted Khullar who welcomed her and offered thanks to her and the Ministry of Minority Affairs for its support. DPA trustee Cyrus Engineer reiterated Irani’s involvement in various schemes for the upliftment of Udvada — new school building, wireless internet, efforts to boost tourism, et al. Irani "spoke of her close connection with the DPA.” "On a day like New year she urged the audience to think of all the things they had to be grateful for and thank God for His blessings,” wrote Khullar.
The president noted the vast Delhi presence and the accolades earned by their members at the World Zoroastrian Congress in New York in July 2022 — Retired Justice Rohinton Nariman’s keynote address, awards for senior lawyer Fali Nariman and Bapsy, Parzor director Dr Shernaz Cama, and designer Ashdeen Lilaowala’s fashion show.
Honorary secretary Veera Mavalwala, who resigned from the board of trustees for personal reasons after 17 years, was honored on that day by the Anjuman. "Veera took care of the minutest detail in overseeing the administrative work of the Anjuman… Many were the happy functions organized by her as chairman of the social center committee, and she nostalgically dwelt on some of these,” stated Khullar. DPA trustee Dr Niloufer Shroff especially spoke of Mavalwala’s efforts during the two Covid-19 years when she arranged home care, oxygen, meals and hospital beds for several affected members. Mavalwala was presented a memento of a hand embroidered Asho Farohar and a purse crafted by Lilaowala. "She will be missed,” noted Khullar.
The dinner for the evening was catered by Benaifer Bagli of Bagli’s Kitchen.