Nearly 140 enthusiastic scouts, leaders and parents of 100 Toronto Scouts Group (100TSG) assembled at the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) Darbe Mehr to mark the completion of 32 years of the first Zoroastrian scout group in North America. Unable to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, 100TSG waited patiently for two years to celebrate the 32nd anniversary on October 4, 2022 with a jashan performed by scouters Ervads Khushru Bharda, Mehbad Dastoor and his son Xerxes.
The function started with the scouts forming a circle, hoisting Canada’s national flag, singing the national anthem and reciting two Yathas and one Ashem. ZSO being the group’s official sponsor for the past 32 years, president Mitra Jam congratulated the scout group that admits both boys and girls as members. For 100TSG, support from ZSO has been crucial. "We have been fortunate because many scout groups have folded up when churches or schools have had to pull out their sponsorships primarily for financial reasons,” noted a write-up on the event by Russi Surti.
Members and supporters of the 100 Toronto Scout Group
100TSG commissioners and co-chairs Ferozshaw Ogra and Kersi Khambatta welcomed chief guest Natalia Rutchanka from the 69th Group. Also felicitated was Bharda who is group commissioner of 100 Oakville that has Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation as its sponsor. The chief guest presented merit awards to the three of the seven surviving founder scouters of 100TSG, Freddy Mirza, Noshir Dastoor and Vispi Patel, and to the families of Jimmy Mistry, Maneck Sattha, Noshir Mirza and Phiroz Dastoor who have "gone home.” ZSO member Dara Homavazir recalled the achievements of his grandfather Ardeshir Homavazir who founded the 11th Central Bombay District Association Scout Group.
Khambatta who with his team had catered for the lagan nu patru for 100 TSG’s silver jubilee celebration "served up a scrumptious storm” this time too with the assistance of Ogra and their "merry band of helpers.” The fare on offer was Greek Potatoes with a dash of coriander (aka Pilaamai na papeta), Margrett style butter chicken served with saffron rice, salad, anniversary cake, cupcakes, sev, ravo, dahi, fruits and nuts from the chasni. Special credit was given to Anahita Ogra for the success of the function.