Archive

The 65th annual cultural program of The Nowroze Baug Play Centre (NBPC) held at the Birla Matushri Sabhaghar in Bombay had as its main theme "Global unity among diversity.” Through vibrant color, lighting, music and dance, 68 members of the NBPC ranging in age from four to 60 depicted acts of terror across the globe as well as natural and manmade calamities to underline the need to remain united and not fall apart despite destructive elements, as per a write-up sent to Parsiana by the NBPC.

The dances and music of different countries which define their culture and help bring people closer were performed by enthusiastic participants who also formed 11 human pyramids under the able guidance of veteran NBPC member Cyrus Siganporia assisted by Hosi Tampal and Naznin Govadia. The dances and a fashion show were choreographed by Pearl Tirandaz with music by by Yazad Karai of Nyumark and visuals and photography by Kaizad Chinoy of Sound & Screen.

As per the NBPC tradition a talented young child member is selected to be the child president each year and this time the honor went to 11-year-old Pinaz D. Deboo who spoke about the Play Centre and its activities as well as her own ambitions for the future. Deboo urged young members to come forward to help the NBPC perform its social welfare activities in Nowroz Baug and the larger community, the write-up notes. Committee member Firdosh Khambatta was selected as efficient leader for 2010-2011 for his contribution behind the scenes.

Justice Shah­rukh Kathawalla with his sister Mahrukh Noble and property developers Rohinton and Hor­muzd Meh­ta graced the occasion on May 28, 2011, while Jam-e-Jam­shed editor Sher­naaz Engineer was chief guest. Engineer recalled the foresight of the late Jerbai N. Wadia who 100 years ago visualized the need for clean, comfortable housing for poor and middle class Parsis and developed residential colonies for them. It is now the responsibility of tenants to maintain the spirit of harmony and unity by following the teachings of Zarathush­tra. She congratulated the participants in the entertainment program and NBPC committee members on their efforts.

The program would not have been possible without the large-hearted sponsorship of Kathawalla, Hilla Builders, Sir Ness Wadia Foundation, WZO Trust, advertisers and donors, acknowledged the NBPC. Thanking everyone for their support Parvez Dee, NBPC president in particular appreciated past president Nariman Mehta who had served and guided the Play Centre for over six decades. Dee exhorted parents to inculcate discipline in their children so that they grow up to be responsible adults. Vice president Homi Ustad informed the audience that Rohinton Mehta has agreed to continue to contribute two lakh rupees toward the fund for tuition fees and higher studies in India and abroad started in memory of his late parents Dinamai and Jamshedji.

Dr Marzi Godrej Mehta who, just two days prior to the program, had successfully cleared the DNB (Diplomate of National Board) Super Specialty in Oncology (cancer surgery) examination was felicitated. According to the write-up, he is the first Parsi doctor to have passed this examination. Engineer presented him with a memento and flowers. Associated with the NBPC from childhood and having come up the hard way, the doctor told the youngsters present that there is no substitute for sustained work. One must do three things in life to climb the ladder of success: believe in Ahura Mazda, in your parents and in yourself, he stressed.                He has agreed to be present at P-2, Now­roz Baug once a month to provide consultancy to all those who wish to discuss their problems with him. 

A colorful fashion show provided a fitting finale to the evening’s entertainment which concluded with the singing of  Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti.