A total of 114 students from kindergarten to postgraduate levels were felicitated by the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trusts (WZOT) at their 18th prize distribution program held on January 21, 2023 at the Shirvai party plot of the Bai Dosibai Kotwal Parsi Boys Orphanage, Navsari. "Out of total 221 students who had applied, 114 students qualified to receive cash prizes,” mentioned managing trustee Dinshaw Tamboly in a note to Parsiana. Two special prizes were announced for Dr Hufreez Deboo and Dr Shehnaz Billimoria who completed their doctorate in philosophy. "They infused inspiration amongst the students with their short speeches,” noted Tamboly.
Top, from l: Dr Minoo Parabia, Roomi Baria, Dr Cyrus Jokhi, Aspi Ambapardiwala,
Cyrus Vandriwala, Rohinton Contractor; above: audience at the WZOT awards function
In response to Parsiana’s queries, Navsari based managing trustee of WZOT Aspi Ambapardiwala stated the prizes are based on results of the previous academic year. "We classify students from class one to standard 12 for English and Gujarati mediums, graduation, postgraduation and higher studies,” he stated. "We give gifts to every student upto kindergarten levels.” Cash prizes are awarded for achieving the first three ranks in any class. "This year we have gifted cash prizes of Rs 90,500 and distributed gifts for Rs1,41,375,” stated the managing trustee.
Ambapardiwala and other Navsari based trustees Cyrus Vandriwala and Rohinton Contractor felicitated chief guest Dr Minoo Parabia, retired professor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University and guests of honor, stage actor and director Roomi Baria and pathologist Dr Cyrus Jokhi. "All the speakers motivated the students in their speeches and inspired them to remain committed to achieve their future goals with perseverance and hard work,” noted the write-up.
The comperes for the event were Gulshan Vandriwala and WZOT administrator Sharmin Tamboly. Contractor offered the vote of thanks. Refreshments were provided at concessional rates by caterer Sunnu Kasad.